171024-N-ME396-088 NORFOLK, Va. (Oct. 24, 2017) Sailors practice hand-to-hand combat in the hangar bay of 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 takes place Oct. 18 - 30, 2017, ashore along the eastern seaboard. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Tristan B. Lotz/Released)