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Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Derek Kropfl, assigned to the Wasp-class Amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), directs an F-35B Lighting II attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211 after landing on the flight deck during flight deck operations April 22, 2026. Essex is currently underway conducting routine operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Brian P. Caracci)