Harriers land on the flight deck aboard Tarawa

At sea aboard USS Tarawa AV-8B Harrier aircraft land on the flight deck aboard the amphibious assault ship during recent exercises held off the coast of southern California. At the time, the San Diego-based Tarawa was participating in a Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX) held Oct. 21-31. The exercises marked a major step forward in joint operations between the Tarawa amphibious ready group and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), during preparations for an upcoming scheduled deployment. U.S. Navy Photo By Photographers Mate 3rd Class Rodney Jones. File# 021021-N-8100J-065