161209-N-LI768-230GULF OF ADEN (Dec. 9, 2016) An MH-60S Sea Hawk, assigned to the “Blackjacks” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21, flies a search and rescue route as a precaution during flight ops aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) while participating in exercise Alligator Dagger. Alligator Dagger is an amphibious exercise with the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit aimed at increasing proficiency and enabling the force to train for amphibious operations within the 5th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Devin M. Langer/released)