U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Dec. 14, 2023) An AV-8B Harrier from Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced) lands on the flight deck of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, Dec. 14, 2023. Components of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Riley Gasdia)