MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Dec. 31, 2023) The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) sails in the Mediterranean Sea, Dec. 31, 2023. The U.S. maintains forward deployed, ready, and postured forces to deter aggression and support security and stability around the world. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nolan Pennington)