170204-N-AA175-107 GULF OF ADEN (Feb. 4, 2017) Maj. Gen. Kurt L. Sonntag, left, Commanding General of Combined Joint Task Forces, speaks with Capt. Mark A. Melson, commanding officer of the USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Sonntag also met with leaders from Amphibious Squadron 5 and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) to discuss their deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. Makin Island is deployed to U.S. 5th Fleet, with the embarked 11th MEU, in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Eric Zeak/Released)