OKINAWA, Japan (Jan. 12, 2023) An F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 prepares to take off of the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6) while underway in the vicinity of Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 12. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the 7th Fleet area of operations 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 3rd Class Thomas B. Contant)