170311-N-OE873-237 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (March 11, 2017) An SA-330J Puma helicopter prepares to take off from the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) during a vertical replenishment with the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3). Makin Island is deployed in 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)