PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 7, 2016) — U.S. Marine Corps Maj. John “IKE” Dirk, F-35B Lightning II developmental test phase (DT-III) Officer-in-Charge (OIC) and F-35 Lightning II test pilot pre-flights an F-35B Lightning Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft prior to flight test operations onboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). During DT-III, the aircraft is undergoing envelope expansion via a series of launches and recoveries in various operating conditions such as high sea states and high winds. (U.S. Navy Photo by Lt. j.g. Maideline Sanchez/Released)