170704-N-AV754-0159 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (July 4, 2017) Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) participate in a Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) sponsored Independence Day celebration on the ship's flight deck. The ship and its ready group are deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations 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 Evan Thompson/Released)