GULF OF ADEN (Dec. 15, 2016) Marines with the Maritime

GULF OF ADEN (Dec. 15, 2016) Marines with the Maritime Raid Force (MRF), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), clear and move up through a stairwell on a vessel during close-quarters tactics training as part of Exercise Alligator Dagger, Dec. 15. 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. The unilateral exercise provides an opportunity for the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and 11th MEU to train in amphibious operations within the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. The 11th MEU is currently supporting U.S. 5th Fleet’s mission to promote and maintain stability and security in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Robert B. Brown Jr.)