170324-N-WF272-664 EAST CHINA SEA (March 24, 2017)

170324-N-WF272-664 EAST CHINA SEA (March 24, 2017) An MV-22B Osprey, assigned to the "Flying Tigers" of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262, takes off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) during an air assault exercise as part of a certification exercise (CERTEX). CERTEX is conducted to evaluate the integration of all elements of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group (BHR ESG) and 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) to test their ability to plan for and execute mission essential tasks. Bonhomme Richard, flagship of the BHR ESG, with embarked 31st MEU, is on a routine patrol, operating in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to enhance warfighting readiness and posture forward as a ready-response force for any type of contingency. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Diana Quinlan/Released)