161207-N-LI768-568 GULF OF ADEN (Dec. 7, 2016) An AV-8B Harrier, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), hovers above the flight deck during a vertical take off from the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Makin Island, the flagship of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, is deployed with the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit to support maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Devin M. Langer)