180207-N-JX484-067 JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Feb. 7, 2018) Family members observe as the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) departs Naval Station Mayport for a scheduled six-month deployment. The New York is deploying as part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Assault Ready Group and with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) to conduct maritime security operations, crisis response and theater security cooperation, while also providing a forward naval presence in Europe and the Middle East. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Mark Andrew Hays/Released)