171019-N-LA456-010 MOREHEAD, N.C. (Oct. 19, 2017) U.S. Marines embark aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) as part of exercise Bold Alligator 2017 (BA17). BA17 improves Navy-Marine Corps amphibious core competencies along with coalition, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Allied and partner nations is a necessary investment in the current and future readiness of our forces. BA17 will take place Oct. 18-30, 2017, ashore along the eastern seaboard. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class K.A. DaCosta/Released)