161223-N-NR851-006 GULF OF ADEN (Dec. 23, 2016) Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Robert B. Neller, speaks with Capt. Mark A. Melson, commanding officer of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), left, and Col. Clay C. Tipton, commanding officer of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, in Makin Island’s hangar bay. Neller visited Makin Island to speak with Sailors and Marines about the importance of their deployment during the holiday season. Makin Island is deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dennis Grube/Released)