170819-N-AX638-0053 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Aug. 19, 2017) Gunner's Mate 3rd Class Mercedes Botello fires a Mark 38 Mod. 2 machine gun during a live-fire exercise aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83). Howard is deployed in the U.S. 5th fleet area of operations conducting maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners, preserving freedom of navigation and maintaining the free flow of commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tyler Preston/Released)