PACIFIC OCEAN (April 6, 2022) The executive officer of the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) Capt. John Kiefaber, left, discusses hangar bay operations with Air Force Lt. Gen. Eric Fick, program executive officer for the F-35 Lightning II joint program, F-35 Joint Program Officer (JPO), center, during a ship tour. Fick was aboard Tripoli for a tour and to observe the U.S. Marine Corps� Lightning carrier concept demonstration. The Lightning carrier concept demonstration shows Tripoli and other amphibious assault ships are capable of operating as dedicated fixed-wing carrier platforms, capable of bringing fifth generation Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing aircraft wherever they are required (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication 3rd Class Christopher Sypert)