161216-N-EW322-012 GULF OF ADEN (Dec. 16, 2016) A CH-47 Chinook helicopter prepares to land on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Makin Island is deployed with the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group 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 Clark Lane/Released)