171022-N-JC445-087 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Oct. 17, 2017) An E2-C Hawkeye attached to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 124 takes off from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) during exercise Bold Alligator 2017 (BA17). Improving 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 Mario Coto/Released)