170916-N-NM806-0103 CARIBBEAN SEA (Sept. 16, 2017) The amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) conducts well deck operations as part of first response efforts to the U.S. Virgin Islands in the wake of Hurricane Irma. The Department of Defense is supporting Federal Emergency Management Agency, the lead federal agency, in helping those affected by Hurricane Irma to minimize suffering and is one component of the overall whole-of-government response effort. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Taylor King/Released)