150222-N-AC979-219 PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 22, 2015) – Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handler) Kenny Vida, assigned to amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), gives the launch signal to an AV-8B Harrier pilot assigned to Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 311. America is currently conducting Harrier operations for the first time off the coast of California. The ship is the first of its class and is optimized for Marine Corps aviation. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael McNabb/Released)