ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 22, 2023) Sailors aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) prepare an AV-8B Harrier from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 (Reinforced) for take-off. Bataan, along with the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) and the Harper's Ferry class amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), is currently on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 5th and U.S. 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. The U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps routinely participate in scheduled deployments to improve combined combat readiness, increase operational capacity, and strengthen relationships among allies and partners throughout the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Riley Gasdia)