US F-35B aircraft conduct flight operations in South China Sea

F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft – assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Marine Medium Tiltrotor (VMM) 265 (Reinforced) – have conducted flight operations on United States Navy amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6) in South China Sea over the weekend.

SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 19, 2020) An F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Marine Medium Tiltrotor (VMM) 265 (Reinforced) lands on the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). US Navy photo

MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, CH-53E Super Stallion and MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopters also conducted flight operations.

SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 18, 2020) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the “Island Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25, aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), takes off from the flight deck of the America. US Navy photo

USS America (LHA-6) is the flagship of America Expeditionary Strike Group.

The US Navy said that America Expeditionary Strike Group is operating in the US 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.