171214-N-AC254-117 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Dec. 14, 2017) Marine Corps Cpl. Chrystal Gonzalez, assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (15th MEU) aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), prepares desserts for the crew in the wardroom. America is the flagship for the America Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 15th MEU, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations 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 2nd Class Alexander A. Ventura II/Released)