170309-N-OE873-004 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (March 9, 2017) Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class Matthew Benton takes the Navy-wide E-5 advancement exam aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). The ship is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations designed 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 Asher Allen/Released)