An F-35C Lightning II aircraft attached to the “Vampires” of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 9 flies over Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during an amphibious squadron and Marine expeditionary unit (MEU) integration (PMINT) exercise.

PMINT is a training evolution between Essex Amphibious Ready Group and 13th MEU, which allows Sailors and Marines to train as a cohesive unit in preparation for their upcoming deployment.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Irwin D. Sampaga

F-35C Lightning II in Flight Over Amphibious Assault Ship USS Essex