181214-N-AN781-1764 ARABIAN SEA (Dec. 14, 2018) F-35B

181214-N-AN781-1764
ARABIAN SEA (Dec. 14, 2018) F-35B Lightning II, attached to the “Avengers” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211, launch from the flight deck of Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during a deployment of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group, Essex ARG, and 13th MEU are conducting integrated operations in the Arabian Sea to ensure stability in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William Phillips)