U.S. Marine Corps Maj Brian Kimmins prepares to launch an F-35B from HMS Queen Elizabeth for a historic cross-deck operation with USS America in the Pacific Ocean on August 20, 2021. The operation highlighted the interoperability of the F-35B and the strategic importance of the joint integration between the United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group and the U.S. Navy Amphibious Ready Group / Marine Expeditionary Unit. This mission was the first time in modern history the United States has cross-decked aircraft for a mission utilizing a foreign aircraft carrier, demonstrating naval partnerships in action. - U.S. Marine Corps Maj Brian Kimmins prepares to launch an F-35B from HMS Queen Elizabeth for a historic cross-deck operation with USS America in the Pacific Ocean on August 20, 2021. The operation highlighted the interoperability of the F-35B and the strategic importance of the joint integration between the United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group and the U.S. Navy Amphibious Ready Group / Marine Expeditionary Unit. This mission was the first time in modern history the United States has cross-decked aircraft for a mission utilizing a foreign aircraft carrier, demonstrating naval partnerships in action.

A Marine with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211, Carrier Strike Group 21, launches an F-35B Lightning II aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth at sea, May 6, 2021. VMFA-211 was conducting night carrier qualifications to safely reintegrate back into the CSG. VMFA-211 will form part of the largest 5th-generation carrier air group in the world. This deployment highlights the global reach of the U.S. and UK armed forces and their interoperability, and enhances the deterrence and defense capabilities of the NATO Alliance. - A Marine with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211, Carrier Strike Group 21, launches an F-35B Lightning II aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth at sea, May 6, 2021. VMFA-211 was conducting night carrier qualifications to safely reintegrate back into the CSG. VMFA-211 will form part of the largest 5th-generation carrier air group in the world. This deployment highlights the global reach of the U.S. and UK armed forces and their interoperability, and enhances the deterrence and defense capabilities of the NATO Alliance.

A U.S. Marine fires a M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle during a live fire exercise aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), Oct. 3. - A U.S. Marine fires a M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle during a live fire exercise aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), Oct. 3.

U.S. Marines run up stairs during a stair walk at the San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, Sept. 11. - U.S. Marines run up stairs during a stair walk at the San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, Sept. 11.

A U.S. Marine with the Marine Corps Shooting Team fires at a target while in the prone position Sept. 14, 2016, at Altcar Training Camp, Merseyside, England. The Marines are competing in the Royal Marines Operational Shooting Competition, from September 6-22, 2016. The U.S. Marines are competing against the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps and the Royal Marines. The U.S. Marine is with Weapons Training Battalion, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. - A U.S. Marine with the Marine Corps Shooting Team fires at a target while in the prone position Sept. 14, 2016, at Altcar Training Camp, Merseyside, England. The Marines are competing in the Royal Marines Operational Shooting Competition, from September 6-22, 2016. The U.S. Marines are competing against the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps and the Royal Marines. The U.S. Marine is with Weapons Training Battalion, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia.

The F-35B made its first trans-Atlantic flight June 29, 2016. Three F-35’s flew from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in South Carolina and landed at Royal Air Force Base Fairford in Gloucestershire, England. They were assisted by two KC-10’s, and refueled 15 times over the Atlantic. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brian Burdett/Released) - The F-35B made its first trans-Atlantic flight June 29, 2016. Three F-35’s flew from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in South Carolina and landed at Royal Air Force Base Fairford in Gloucestershire, England. They were assisted by two KC-10’s, and refueled 15 times over the Atlantic. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brian Burdett/Released)

An international Corps of Marines from Sweden, Finland, and the U.K. conduct amphibious assaults on a beachhead in Ravlunda, Sweden, for local media outlets during BALTOPS 2015, June 13. The amphibious forces are part of 17 NATO Allies and partner nations that are integrated in air, land, and sea operations to improve their combined-force capability to work together and to respond to threats in the Baltic region. - An international Corps of Marines from Sweden, Finland, and the U.K. conduct amphibious assaults on a beachhead in Ravlunda, Sweden, for local media outlets during BALTOPS 2015, June 13. The amphibious forces are part of 17 NATO Allies and partner nations that are integrated in air, land, and sea operations to improve their combined-force capability to work together and to respond to threats in the Baltic region.