U.S. Marines with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct training and operations with the Malaysian Armed Forces during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2018, August 15 - 20, 2018. CARAT Malaysia, in its 24th iteration, is designed to enhance information sharing and cooperation, build mutual warfighting capability and support long-term regional cooperation enabling both partner armed forces to operate effectively together as a unified maritime force. “Marine Corps F-35Bs launching from the deck of USS Essex and striking targets ashore as part of routine training simply makes us a more lethal force,” said Rear Adm. Brad Cooper, commander, Amphibious Force, U.S. 7th Fleet. The Essex Amphibious Ready Group and 13th MEU is the first continental United States Navy/Marine Corps team to deploy with the F-35B.(U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Francisco J. Diaz Jr.)