An aviation boatswain's mate (handling) gives the signal for takeoff to a CH-53E Sea Stallion helicopter from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 262, Flying Tigers during flight operations aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). Bonhomme Richard is currently participating in Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX). PHIBLEX is an annual bilateral exercise held in conjunction with the armed forces of the Philippines and is designed to improve interoperability, increase readiness and develop professional and personal relationships between U.S. and Philippine forces. Bonhomme Richard is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed amphibious ready group and is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.