170524-N-KD168-0032 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS

170524-N-KD168-0032
U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (May 24, 2017) Sailors and Marines await mail for their departments in the hangar bay of the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) during a vertical replenishment with the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Laramie (T-AO 203). Bataan and its ready group are deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations designed to reassure allies and partners, and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Magen F. Reed/Released)