PACIFIC OCEAN (March 10, 2022) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Shelby Mann, from Udall, Kan., assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), signals a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) to launch during flight operations in support of Maritime Defense Exercise. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st MEU, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Matthew Bakerian)