UK-Led International Carrier Strike Group in the South China Sea

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 flying F - 35B Lightning Il's conduct routine operations aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth while she conducts a double replenishment with Royal Fleet Auxiliary replenishment tanker Tidespring and Royal Netherlands Navy frigate , HNLMS Evertsen in the South China Sea on July 29 , 2021. VMFA - 211 is attached to the United Kingdom's Carrier Strike Group 21, a UK - led international strike group including support from the US Navy Arleigh Burke guided - missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) and The Royal Netherlands Navy HNLMS Evertsen. A free and open Indo - Pacific region that is peaceful and stable is vital to ensure greater prosperity for the region and the world. ( Royal Navy photography by LPhot Unaisi Luke )