170807-N-UB993-0030 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (August 07, 2017) Amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), Commanding Officer, Capt. Eric Pfister speaks with Bataan chief petty officers after a CPO 365 II event. 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 Chief Mass Communication Specialist Anastasia McCarroll/Released)