CORAL SEA (Aug. 16, 2017) An AV-8B Harrier II, assigned to the “Tomcats” of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 311, performs a vertical short takeoff and land (V/STOL) from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). VMA-311 is concluding its “farewell tour” with the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) and 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit as the BHR ESG transitions to the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter in the winter of 2017. The BHR ESG is currently conducting Certification Exercise, the final evolution in a series of training exercises, which ensure readiness for crisis response through the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Diana Quinlan/Released) 170816-N-WF272-001
