161212-N-LR795-018 GULF OF ADEN (Dec. 12, 2016) An amphibious assault vehicle, assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), maneuvers to shore after launching from the well deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25) during Exercise Alligator Dagger. The unilateral exercise is designed to provide an opportunity for the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 11th MEU to train in amphibious operations within the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. Somerset is deployed as part of the Makin Island (ARG) to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Amanda Chavez)