200131-N-SL179-1007 GULF OF ADEN (Jan. 31, 2020) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter attached to the Dragon Whales of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28 takes off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). Bataan is the flagship for the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and, with embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alan L. Robertson/Released)