EAST CHINA SEA (June 29, 2022) An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 121 prepares to launch from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), June 29, 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)