170905-N-AC254-237 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY

170905-N-AC254-237 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Sept. 5, 2017)
Marines assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) conduct routine maintenance checks on an AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 161 (Reinforced) in the hangar bay. America is the flagship for the America Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 15th MEU, is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations 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 Alexander A. Ventura II/Released)