170922-N-AX638-0141 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Sept. 22, 2017) Operations Specialist 1st Class Jeremy Weber, from Prescott, Ariz., fires a Mark 8 pyrotechnic flare during pre-planned response familiarization 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)