171107-N-ZS023-041 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Nov. 7, 2017) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Deion Milthander, assigned to the air department aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), signals an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the “Wildcards” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 to lift off from the flight deck during flight operations. America is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations designed 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 Vance Hand/Released)