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(August 21, 2024) U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II strike fighter aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fly alongside a KC-130J Super Hercules tanker aircraft assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, during an aerial refueling exercise in the vicinity of the Miyako Strait, Aug. 21, 2024. The air-to-air refueling extends the patrolling and strike range abilities of F-35Bs, outspreading a 5th generation multi-discipline strike capability to support combined-joint all domain operations in key maritime terrain. USINDOPACOM forces perform operations in and around critical sea passages and trade thoroughfares to deter threats that create regional instability and impinge on the free flow of goods, people, and ideas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher Lape)