160214-N-CJ186-794 ARABIAN GULF (Feb. 14, 2016) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) transits the Arabian Gulf during a monthly Iraqi bilateral exercise. The Iraqi bilateral is a monthly exercise with U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and the Iraqi navy. The U.S. participates in bilateral exercises with partner nations in order to build and strengthen solid partnerships throughout the region. Commander, Task Force 55 controls surface forces including U.S. Navy coastal patrol crafts and U.S Coast Guard patrol boats throughout the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy Combat Camera photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Torrey W. Lee/Released)