GULF OF ADEN (Dec. 12, 2016) U.S. Marines with the

GULF OF ADEN (Dec. 12, 2016) U.S. Marines with the Maritime Raid Force, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), approach an unknown vessel from its stern to conduct a visit, board, search and seizure mission as part of Exercise Alligator Dagger, Dec. 12. Maritime security operations complement counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists’ use of the maritime environment as a venue to launch attacks or to transport personnel, weapons or other material. Exercise Alligator Dagger, a U.S. 5th Fleet exercise, is a sustainment exercise enabling Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and 11th MEU to rehearse complex amphibious operations that keep their skills ready for crisis response and contingency operations throughout the Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Robert B. Brown Jr.)