170930-N-AC254-450 GULF OF ADEN (Sept. 30, 2017) Sailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) use the starboard elevator to lower cargo from the flight deck to the hangar bay during a replenishment-at-sea with the Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201). America is the flagship of its amphibious ready group which is 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 2nd Class Alexander A. Ventura II/Released)