NAVAL STATION NORFOLK (March 21, 2024) The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), lead ship of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), returns to Naval Station Norfolk following an eight-and-a-half-month deployment operating in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation, March 21, 2024. More than 4,000 Sailors and Marines assigned to the Bataan ARG supported a wide range of interoperability opportunities and exercises, increasing combat readiness and crisis response capabilities while strengthening relationships with NATO Allies and partners. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Lauren Howes)