USS Makin Island conducts flight ops in Pacific Ocean

F-35B Lighting II’s, attached to Fixed-Wing Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211, prepare to take off from the flight deck of Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), July 28, 2026. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit are currently underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations to enhance their combined Navy-Marine Corps readiness and lethality. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Tomas Zuelke)