Seaman stands watch while U.S. Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (15th MEU) head to shore in a utility landing craft (LCU)

At sea aboard USS Tarawa Seaman Danielle Pafford stands watch while U.S. Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (15th MEU) head to shore in a utility landing craft (LCU). The amphibious assault ship is participating in a Component Training While Underway Exercise (COMPTUEX) off the coast of Southern California, the first of three major training exercises with the U.S. Marines 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (15th MEU) and Tarawas Amphibious Ready Group (ARG). U.S. Navy photo by Navy Chief Journalist William Polson. File# 021101-N-7564P-002