200115-N-ZS023-1015

200115-N-ZS023-1015 EAST CHINA SEA (Jan. 15, 2020) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Sabrina Bales, from Harper, Texas, signals an F-35B Lightning II assigned to the Green Knights of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), to take off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st MEU team, 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 stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Vance Hand/Released)