170922-N-AX638-0124 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Sept. 22, 2017) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83) conducts a replenishment-at-sea (RAS) with the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199) while the Tarawa-class amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) pulls away following its RAS. Howard is deployed in the 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)