USS America (LHA 6) Conducts F-35B Flight Operations

240826-N-TW227-1236 PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 26, 2024) Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), and Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepare an F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 for takeoff on the ship’s flight deck in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 26, 2024. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, are underway conducting routine operations 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 Cole Pursley)