170530-N-UM082-0053 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (May 30, 2017) Lt. j.g. Jesse Crider observes as Sailors lower the landing craft personnel barge into the water for small boat operations aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). The ship and its amphibious ready group are 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 Raymond Minami/Released)