PHILIPPINE SEA (June 13, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Ben Hassel conducts pre-flight checks in the cockpit of an F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 121, on the flight deck amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), June 13, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter Burghart)