171125-QG131-M-027 U.S. FIFTH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS

171125-QG131-M-027 U.S. FIFTH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Nov. 25, 2017) – A CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (Reinforced) with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit takes off from the flightdeck of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) for a personnel transport mission. The CH-53E is the Marine Corps’ primary heavy-lift helicopter and supports the Marine Air-Ground Task Force commander by providing assault support transport of heavy equipment, combat troops, and supplies, day or night under all weather conditions during expeditionary, joint or combined operations. The 15th MEU is embarked with the America Amphibious Ready Group and is deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Capt. Maida Zheng)