170721-N-UE100-0015 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (July 21, 2017) The amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) comes alongside the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Walter S. Diehl (T-AO 193) prior to a replenishment-at-sea. 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 Caleb Strong/Released)