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170819-N-XN518-369 PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 19, 2017) An F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter assigned to the "Avengers" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211 prepares to take off from the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex is underway conducting sea trials and flight deck certifications off the coast of Southern California. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Irwin Sampaga/Released)