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An F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced) prepares to launch from the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) while the ship sails alongside Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JS Akebono (DD 108). America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st MEU team, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.