The amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) pushes away from its pier at Naval Station Norfolk aided by a tugboat.

Norfolk, Va. (Jan. 19, 2004) The amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) pushes away from its pier at Naval Station Norfolk aided by a tugboat. Boxer is joining other amphibious assets, tasked with redeployment, resupply, and troop rotation orders in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II. Bataan most recently returned to Norfolk, Va. on June 25 from a six-month deployment to the North Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While in theatre, Bataan performed the traditional role of an amphibious ship, transporting and off-loading Marines to fight the ground war. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Journalist Alan J. Baribeau. File# 040119-N-6141B-004