SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 13, 2023) An F-35B Lightning II from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), launches from the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, with embarked 13th MEU, and the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group are conducting combined expeditionary strike force (ESF) operations, demonstrating unique high-end war fighting capability, maritime superiority, power projection and readiness. Operations include integrated training designed to advance interoperability between the two groups while simultaneously demonstrating the U.S. commitment to our alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. Nimitz is in U.S. 7th Fleet conducting routine operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nathan Laird)