171019-N-ZQ712-089 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OEPRATIONS (Oct. 19, 2017) Marines assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (15th MEU) embark an MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 161 (Reinforced) aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). 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 Seaman Chad Swysgood/Released)