U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Dec. 6, 2016) The USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and USS Somerset (LPD 25) convene in the Gulf of Aden during the initial landing phases of Exercise Alligator Dagger, Dec. 6, 2016. The exercise involves all three ships of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and enables the Marines and Sailors of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit to conduct the comprehensive amphibious operations that keep their skills ready for crisis response and contingency operations throughout the Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Devan K. Gowans)