170316-N-TU910-279 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (March 16, 2017) Landing Craft Utility 1629, assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 1, prepares to enter the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45). Comstock is deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group 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 Abby Rader/Released)