170820-N-OX321-0002 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Aug. 20, 2017) Sailors aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) prepare for a vertical replenishment with the Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11). Bataan and its amphibious ready group are deployed to 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 1st Class Kegan E. Kay/Released)