250608-N-WJ234-1225 BISMARCK SEA (June 8, 2025) Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) and Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) observe an F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, landing on the flight deck of the America while conducting flight operations in the Bismarck Sea, June 8. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st MEU, 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 Seaman Sam McNeely)
