171128-N-ZQ712-247 ARABIAN GULF (Nov. 28, 2017) Pilots assigned to the “Wildcards” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 wait to be directed off the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during a fast rope exercise with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (15th MEU). America is the flagship for the America Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, 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 Chad Swysgood/Released)