170403-N-UT455-061 SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 3, 2017) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Christopher Diehl signals the crew of an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the "Blackjacks" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 to take off from the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). The ship is the flagship of it's amphibious ready group, which is operating in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to enhance amphibious capability with regional partners and to serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Larry S. Carlson/Released)