170924-N-KW492-135 ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands (Sept. 24, 2017) Marines assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU), embarked aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), unload equipment and supplies from a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter to assist with clearing roads. Kearsarge and the 26th MEU are assisting with relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. The Department of Defense is supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the lead federal agency, in helping those affected by Hurricane Maria to minimize suffering and is one component of the overall whole-of-government response effort. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ryre Arciaga/Released)