171023-N-NG136-157 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Oct. 23, 2017) Aviation Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Richard Stairs conducts preventive maintenance on a MH-60S Sea Hawk attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9 aboard 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 Seaman Zachary P. Wickline/Released)