170616-N-EB034-0099 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (June 16, 2017) Midshipmen participate in a live-fire exercise aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). The ship and its amphibious ready group are 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 Kenneth Rodgers/Released)