GULF OF ADEN —Naval Air Crewman Third Class Kyle Daggett, a native of Milford, PA, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23, observes amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island aboard a MH-60S Sea Hawk as it patrols around the ship. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

A release from the U.S. Navy says, “On our planet, more than 70% of which is covered by water, being there means having the ability to act from the sea. The Navy is uniquely positioned to be there; the world’s oceans give the Navy the power to protect America’s interests anywhere, and at any time. Your Navy protects and defends America on the world’s oceans. Navy ships, submarines, aircraft and, most importantly, tens of thousands of America’s finest young men and women are deployed around the world doing just that. They are there now. They will be there when we are sleeping tonight. They will be there every Saturday, Sunday and holiday this year. They are there around the clock, far from our shores, defending America at all times.”