Official websites use .mil
Secure .mil websites use HTTPS
EAST CHINA SEA (January 17, 2024) Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) John Alayon, from La Mirada, California, assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6) launches an F-35B Lightning II aircraft from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 from the ships flight deck, while sailing in the East China Sea, January 17. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 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 2nd Class Thomas B. Contant)