Naval Operations and Boat Deployments

Images of naval personnel engaged in small boat operations, including search and rescue missions and counter-piracy activities on open waters.

GULF OF ADEN - Members of the U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement detachment and Combined Task Force 151's visit, board, search and seizure team, currently assigned to the guided missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) prepare to board a dhow March 31, 2010, in the Indian Ocean. USS Farragut is part of Combined Task Force 151, a multinational task force established to conduct antipiracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.

060508-N-4021H-119. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

110722-N-TY225-318GULF OF ADEN (July 22, 2011) A visit, board, search and seizure team assigned to the guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) investigates a suspected pirate skiff. Anzio is assigned to Combined Task Force 151, a multi-national, mission-based task force established by the Combined Maritime Forces in January 2009 to conduct counter-piracy operations in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Somali Basin and Arabian Sea.

Rescue and Assistance team quickly loads into the Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) to respond to a fishing boat in distress. The AEGIS destroyer is deployed in the Arabian Sea in support of the Southwest Asia (SWA) build up. Country: Unknown

120119-N-ZW558-002 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 19, 2012) Sailors assigned to the visit, board, search and seizure team aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) pilot a rigid-hull inflatable boat during a training exercise. Porter is part of the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, which is underway conducting a composite training unit exercise.

Sailors assigned to the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Fords (CVN 78) deck department operate a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) during small boat operations, Oct. 6, 2022. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) is deployed in the Atlantic Ocean, conducting training and operations alongside NATO Allies and partners to enhance integration for future operations and demonstrate the U.S. Navys commitment to a peaceful, stable and conflict-free Atlantic region.

Sailors assigned to the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Fords (CVN 78) deck department operate a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) during small boat operations, Oct. 6, 2022. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) is deployed in the Atlantic Ocean, conducting training and operations alongside NATO Allies and partners to enhance integration for future operations and demonstrate the U.S. Navys commitment to a peaceful, stable and conflict-free Atlantic region.

U.S. Navy Sailors and signalmen with the amphibious docking ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20), observe U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, maneuver combat rubber raiding crafts from out of the amphibious docking ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) during a boat raid exercise, off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 3, 2024. The exercise builds upon the Navys and Marine Corps ability to work together for the successful launch and recovery of CRRCs for rapid ship-to-shore operations. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Marine Corps

220608-N-KY668-1079ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 8, 2022) Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) conduct rigid-hull inflatable boat operations during a search and rescue drill with the Spanish Navy Santa Maria-class frigate Santa Maria (F81), June 8, 2022. Arleigh Burke, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is on is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner nations.

The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Steadfast helps two survivors who were lost at sea for 23 days come aboard the cutter June 8, 2022. The imperiled mariners stated that they were fishermen who had been adrift for 23 days after their vessel was beset by weather.

GULF OF ADEN - Members of the U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement detachment and Combined Task Force 151's visit, board, search and seizure team, currently assigned to the guided missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) prepare to board a dhow March 31, 2010, in the Indian Ocean. USS Farragut is part of Combined Task Force 151, a multinational task force established to conduct antipiracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.

220822-N-N3764-2003MANTA, Ecuador - (Aug. 22, 2022) - Chief Mineman Jonathan Wampler retrieves Oscar” a training dummy during small boat training in an 11-meter rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) attached to the Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Billings (LCS 15) off the coast of Manta, Ecuador, Aug. 22, 2022. Billings is deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations to support Joint Interagency Task Force South’s mission, which includes counter-illicit drug trafficking missions in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.

101115-N-3666S-055PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 15, 2010) Members of a visit, board, search and seizure team from the guided-missile frigate USS Reuben James (FFG 57) aboard the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200) during exercise Koa Kai off the coast of the Hawaiian Islands. Koa Kai is the primary integrated training event for mid-Pacific surface combatant units. Koa Kai encompasses Hawaii-based surface, submarine and aviation assets, and other commands within the Hawaii region.

A small boat from U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Midgett (WMSL 757) begins a pursuit drill during a joint exercise with the Maldives Coast Guard held in the waters east of the Maldives, Sept. 22, 2022. These professional exchanges are designed to share expertise and best practices in completing missions.

220510-N-XB010-1002 SASEBO, Japan (May 10, 2022) Regino Sencia, Type Commander (TYCOM) Material Inspection Team inspector with American Systems, right, observes an aqueous film forming foam hose agent test performed by Damage Controlman 3rd Class Daniel Palma, from Serritos, Calif., left, and Machinery Repairman 1st Class Thomas Evans, from Hawley, Texas, on the USS New Orleans (LPD 18) flight deck during an inspection. New Orleans, part of the America Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 11 operate a combatrubber raiding craft (CRRC) and rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) during a mine countermeasure(MCM) live fire training exercise off the coast of San Clemente Island, Aug. 24, 2022. TheMCM live fire is realistic, relevant training that enables our joint, multi-domain forces tointegrate and rehearse a critical capability and complex skillset.

Several members of SEAL Team One are shown recovering a Zodiac boat on the aft section of the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS LOUISVILLE (SSN-724) at the conclusion on Operation Varsity Swimmer '93 off the coast of southern California. Subject Operation/Series: VARSITY SWIMMER '93 Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A U.S. Marine with Amphibious Reconnaissance Platoon, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, climbs from a rigid hull inflatable boat during a visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) operation, off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, June 15, 2022. Inserting from both air and sea allows the Marine Amphibious Raid Force and Battalion Landing Team 2/5 security team to quickly seize the key areas of the ship. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps' only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

220803-N-VJ326-1193 PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 3, 2022) - Sailors detach a winch cable from a seven-meter rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) during a man overboard drill aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), Aug. 3, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

110713-N-TB177-185GULF OF ADEN (July 13, 2011) Sailors conduct hose-handling training aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103). Truxtun is on a scheduled deployment supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

220531-N-TI693-1207MEDITERRANEAN SEA (May 31, 2022) - Engineman 2nd Class Cristian Cinco Acosta, center, from Phoenix, conducts boat engineer training while on a rigid-hull inflatable boat assigned to the Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4) during search and rescue training evolutions as part of exercise Phoenix Express 22, May 31, 2022. Phoenix Express 22, conducted by U.S. Naval Forces Africa, is a maritime exercise designed to improve cooperation among participating nations in order to increase maritime safety and security in the Mediterranean.

DA-SC-85-09257. Country: Caribbean Sea

220714-N-VQ947-1109 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 14, 2022) Multinational training participants conduct a raise-tow-beach (RTB) mine exploitation exercise using combat rubber raiding craft (CRRC) operating from San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27), not pictured, as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) in Southern California. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, rehearse for a bilateral amphibious landing during KAMANDAG 6, Philippine Sea, Oct. 6, 2022. The bilateral amphibious landing will be a combined interoperability event involving members of the Philippine Marine Corps, Republic of Korea Marine Corps, and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. KAMANDAG is an annual, bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

A U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane (WMEC 903) boarding team, two Samoan shipriders with Samoa Police and Ministry of Agriculture and Fishery, prepare to board a fishing vessel in the Samoan Exclusive Economic Zone Feb. 6, 2024. The U.S. Coast Guard has a bilateral agreement with Samoa to assist with fishery patrols in Samoan waters. Coast Guard

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - U.S. Navy personnel board a rigid hull inflatable boat near the USS San Diego to conduct an Orion underway recovery test with the Orion boilerplate test vehicle and other hardware. Earlier in the week, NASA and the U.S. Navy conducted tests about 100 miles offshore to prepare for recovery of the Orion crew module, forward bay cover and parachutes on its return from a deep space mission. The underway recovery test allowed the teams to demonstrate and evaluate the recovery processes, procedures, hardware and personnel in open waters. During the testing, the tether lines were unable to support the tension caused by crew module motion that was driven by wave turbulence in the well deck of the ship. NASA and the U.S. Navy are reviewing the testing data collected to evaluate the next steps. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program conducted the underway recovery tests. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet ex

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and U.S. Navy Sailors assigned to USS New Orleans (LPD 18) hold onto lines during a boat launch aboard New Orleans in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 19, 2022. Boat company launches from the well deck to provide the landing force a ship-to-shore capability. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

U.S. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct an amphibious landing during KAMANDAG 6, Zambales, Philippines, Oct. 7, 2022. KAMANDAG is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

A U.S. Sailor assigned to the Amphibious Transport Dock USS New Orleans (LPD 18) signals to Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, during a rehearsal for a bilateral amphibious landing in the Philippine Sea, Oct. 6, 2022. The bilateral amphibious landing will be a combined interoperability event during KAMANDAG 6 involving members of the Philippine Marine Corps, Republic of Korea Marine Corps, and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. KAMANDAG is an annual, bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

221007-N-XB010-1011 Philippine Sea (Oct. 7, 2022) - Seaman Joshua Dilone, from Bronx, N.Y., assists Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) returning to the forward-deployed amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) well deck in a combat ready rubber craft (CRRC) by tossing them a heaving line. New Orleans, part of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st MEU, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

During Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7), U.S. Navy divers practice attaching the "front porch" on a test version of the Orion capsule. During recovery operations, future astronauts aboard Orion will have the choice to stay in the capsule while it is pulled into the well deck of a Navy ship, or be pulled out immediately and put on the front porch until taken by small boat back to the ship. URT-7 is one in a series of tests to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

220730-N-CM110-1146 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 30, 2022) - Sailors assigned to amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) operate a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) during a training evolution, July 30, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

220822-A-KS490-1046 STRAIT OF HORMUZ (Aug. 22, 2022) Boatswain Mate 2nd Class William Johnston looks at fast response cutter Clarence Sutphin Jr. (WPC 1147) on the Strait of Hormuz, Aug. 22. Clarence Sutphin Jr. is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East Region.

120606-N-ZX920-177 KINGSTON, Jamaica (June 6, 2012) A Bahamian diver enters the water to conduct a bottom search during a subject matter expert exchange with Canadian divers, as part of Navy Dive-Southern Partnership Station 2012 (ND-SPS12). The Canadian divers joined Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2, Company 2-1, and divers from Chile, the Bahamas and Jamaica in support of ND-SPS12, a multinational partnership engagement designed to increase interoperability and partner nation capacity through diving operations.

A Coast Guard Cutter Diligence boatcrew performs migrant interdiction Sept. 10, 2022 while on patrol in the South Florida Straits. The migrant vessel is suspected to have originated from Cuba and had 12 persons aboard.

220716-N-PS730-1046 RED SEA (July 16, 2022) A rigid-hull inflatable boat sails alongside guided-missile destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) during small boat operations training in the Red Sea, July 16. Gonzalez is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region.

060120-N-7027P-107. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, navigate on combat rubber raiding crafts during a company formation exercise off the USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 6, 2022. Blackhearts practiced formations on the water to refine infantry tactics. The 31st MEU is operating aboard the ships of the Tripoli Expeditionary Strike Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

220713-N-PS730-1070 RED SEA (July 13, 2022) A rigid-hull inflatable boat prepares comes alongside the guided-missile destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) during small boat operations training in the Red Sea, July 13. Gonzalez is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region.

Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Units Maritime Interception Operations (MIO) assault force attach a cave ladder with a telescopic pole to HNS Aris during their final exercise at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 12, 2010. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

221003-N-XO158-1702CARIBBEAN SEA - (Oct. 3, 2022) - Sailors assigned to the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), and Surinamese Sailors assigned to the Surinamese Coast Guard Cutter (P102) participate in a Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) Exercise in the Caribbean Sea, Oct. 3, 2022. The two ships also conducted a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) to enhance proficiency and improve interoperability. The event strengthened the partnership between the U.S. and Suriname. Mesa Verde is deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations to conduct theater security cooperation engagements to maintain access, enhance interoperability and build enduring partnerships in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

221003-N-XO158-1702CARIBBEAN SEA - (Oct. 3, 2022) - Sailors assigned to the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), and Surinamese Sailors assigned to the Surinamese Coast Guard Cutter (P102) participate in a Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) Exercise in the Caribbean Sea, Oct. 3, 2022. The two ships also conducted a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) to enhance proficiency and improve interoperability. The event strengthened the partnership between the U.S. and Suriname. Mesa Verde is deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations to conduct theater security cooperation engagements to maintain access, enhance interoperability and build enduring partnerships in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

060219-N-4772B-018. Base: USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49)

Members of the Philippine Navy Special Operations Group, U.S. Navy SEALs, and Australian Operators with 2nd Commando Regiment, Special Operations Command, conduct an amphibious raid during Balikatan 22 at El Nido, Palawan, Philippines, April 1, 2022. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to- shoulder,’ is a long-standing bilateral exercise between the Philippines and the United States highlighting the deep-rooted partnership between both countries. BK22 is the 37th iteration of the exercise and coincides with the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine security cooperation.

Coast Guard Station Islamorada and Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations boat crews stop an overloaded Haitian sailing vessel approximately 40 miles southeast of Islamorada, Florida, June 25, 2022. The people were repatriated to Haiti on June 29, 2022.

220714-N-KD380-1070 PACIFIC OCEAN - (July 14,2022) - U.S. Marines prepare to execute a raise-tow-beach (RTB) mine exploitation exercise aboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 in Southern California. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

050512-N-7833F-011. Base: USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)

PACIFIC OCEAN (June 16, 2022) Sailors assigned to amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), transit the Pacific Ocean in a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) during small boat operations with Essex, June 16, 2022. Essex is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, sit in formation in combat rubber raiding crafts during a launch and recovery exercise, in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 6, 2022.The Marines conducted this exercise to refine launching and recovering from USS New Orleans (LPD 18) with help from the Sailors assigned to LPD 18.The 31st MEU is operating aboard the ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

USCGC Stone's (WMSL 758) crew launches a 26-foot over-the-horizon small boat during combined training exercises with members from the Brazil Navy ship Amazonas in the Southern Atlantic Ocean, March 6, 2023. Stone is on a scheduled multi-mission deployment in the South Atlantic Ocean to counter illicit maritime activities and strengthen relationships for maritime sovereignty throughout the region.

Members of the Malawian Maritime Force row their zodiac boats ashore during a Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) in Monkey Bay, Malawi, June 16, 2022. JCETS enhance U.S. relationships with partner nations by developing and maintaining critical military-to-military connections and improving joint and allied readiness and interoperability.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, navigate in a combat rubber raiding craft during after a simulated raid off the coast of Claveria, Philippines, Oct. 3, 2022. The training was a part of KAMANDAG 6 to reinforce tactics and techniques between the different forces. KAMANDAG is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades shared experiences.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, relay formation signals during a boat launch aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 19, 2022. Boat company launches from the well deck to provide the landing force a ship-to-shore capability. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

Coast Guard Cutters - Dauntless (WMEC 624) - 26-HK-73-34. CGC Dauntless -- Coast Guardsman boarding RHI boat from cutter-- 050928. Hurricane Katrina

220508-N-TT059-2108 GULF OF OMAN (May 08, 2022) Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical) 3rd Class Christian Vitervo simulates a rescue during small boat operations aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92) in the Gulf of Oman, May 8. Momsen is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region.

PACIFIC OCEAN (July 19, 2022) - USCGC Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139) crew conduct boat operations in a rigid hull inflatable boat known as a Cutter Boat - Over the Horizon during a multilateral search and rescue exercise coordinated with the U.S. Navy, Republic of Palau, U.S. Coast Guard, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Royal Navy in support of Pacific Partnership 2022. Now in its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific.

GULF OF ADEN - Members of the U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement detachment and Combined Task Force 151's visit, board, search and siezure team, currently assigned to the guided missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) prepare to board a dhow March 31, 2010, in the Indian Ocean. USS Farragut is part of Combined Task Force 151, a multinational task force established to conduct antipiracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Sept. 23, 2012) Participants from various countries launch rigid hull inflatable boats for a mine clearance exercise as part of International Mine Countermeasures Exercise 2012 (IMCMEX 12). IMCMEX 12 includes navies from more than 30 countries whose focus is to promote regional security through mine countermeasures operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. The U.S. Navy is constantly deployed to preserve peace, protect commerce, and deter aggression through forward presence. Join the conversation on social media using #warfighting.

S65-63690 (18 Dec. 1965) --- Astronauts Frank Borman, command pilot, and James A. Lovell Jr., pilot, sit in life raft while awaiting pickup by a helicopter from the aircraft carrier USS Wasp. The three-man Navy frogman team attached the flotation collar to increase the Gemini-7 spacecraft's buoyancy prior to recovery.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to take part in an amphibious landing during KAMANDAG 6 at Naval Education, Training, and Doctrine Command, Zambales, Philippines, Oct. 7, 2022. This combined interoperability event also involved members of the Philippine Marine Corps, Republic of Korea Marine Corps, and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. KAMANDAG is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades shared experiences.

220531-N-TI693-1135MEDITERRANEAN SEA (May 31, 2022) - Airman Chris Wignall, right, from Ankeny, Iowa, performs a rescue on simulated personnel casualty Seaman Ethan Dowden, center, from Memphis, Tennessee, while Engineman 2nd Class Cristian Cinco Acosta, left front, from Phoenix, and Engineman 1st Class Omar Segovia, from Edinburg, Texas, pull him into a rigid-hull inflatable boat assigned to the Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4) during search and rescue training as part of exercise Phoenix Express 22, May 31, 2022. Phoenix Express 22, conducted by U.S. Naval Forces Africa, is a maritime exercise designed to improve cooperation among participating nations in order to increase maritime safety and security in the Mediterranean.

220803-N-VJ326-1240 PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 3, 2022) - Sailors assigned to amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) operate a seven-meter rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) in the Pacific Ocean during a man overboard drill, Aug. 3, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

060730-N-8977L-014. Base: Ffg Canaras Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Crewmembers assigned to USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753) conduct pursuit training while underway in the Atlantic Ocean, Sept. 25, 2022. Hamilton is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

Divers from the 1730th Pararescue Squadron cling to a rail on the side of a dive boat after attaching slings to an Air Force HH-3E Jolly Green Giant helicopter that is being raised from 1,800 feet beneath the surface. The helicopter, which crashed into the ocean 5.6 miles off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, during a night training mission, is being recovered by a joint U.S./Japanese salvage team. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

060501-N-8190H-008. Base: Port Everglades State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The nuclear-powered attack submarine USS NORFOLK (SSN-714) comes in to tie up to the submarine tender USS AS-40) off the port of Annapolis, MD. A shot line can be seen dropping down past the sail and landing in the water near the ship. The large harbor tug PADUCAH (YTB-758) is assisting the sub into position alongside the tender. Country: Chesapeake Bay

A sailor climbs into a survival raft floating alongside the Polish salvage ship PIAST (281) as part of a search and rescue demonstration by the Polish navy during exercise BALTOPS '93. For the first time in the 22-year history of BALTOPS, the Eastern European countries of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Russia were invited to participate in the non-military phases of the exercise. Subject Operation/Series: BALTOPS '93 Country: Baltic Sea

120224-N-QD416-058 ARABIAN GULF (Feb. 24, 2012) Navy divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2, assigned to Commander Task Group (CTG) 56.1, search for inert mine shapes during a training evolution. CTG 56.1 provides mine counter-measure, explosive ordinance disposal (EOD), salvage-diving, counter-terrorism, and force protection for the U.S. 5th Fleet.

Boatswains Mate 1st Winder Ramirez Barrera, center, assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61), pilots a rigid-hull inflatable boat during small boat operations, Sept. 25, 2022. Ramage is underway as part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group for Ford's inaugural deployment conducting training and operations alongside NATO Allies and partners to enhance integration for future operations and demonstrate the U.S. Navys commitment to a peaceful, stable and conflict free Atlantic region.

041128-M-5901F-003. Base: Euphrates River Country: Iraq (IRQ)

220612-N-TC847-1120 ATLANTIC OCEAN (JUNE 12, 2022) Fire Controlman 2nd Class Shayne Chevalier, assigned to the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), coaches Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class Kevin Chacon during a crew-served weapons qualification, June 12, 2022. The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is underway completing a certification exercise to increase U.S. and allied interoperability and warfighting capability before a future deployment. The George H.W. Bush CSG is an integrated combat weapons system that delivers superior combat capability to deter, and if necessary, defeat Americas adversaries in support of national security.

061124-N-3642E-004. Base: Persian Gulf

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, paddle out during a boat launch rehearsal aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the South China Sea, Sept. 20, 2022. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

230203-N-TD381-2026 PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 3, 2023) Gunners Mate 3rd Class Benjamin Brazzell, right, a native of Brighton, Colo., instructs Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Pierre Baptiste, a native of Woodbridge, N.J., during a M240B light machine gun live-fire exercise on the fantail of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Vinson is currently underway conducting routine maritime operations.

USCGC Stones (WMSL 758) crew operates the cutters 26-foot over the horizon small boat for vessel on vessel use of force training in the Atlantic Ocean, Jan. 18, 2023. Stone is the ninth Legend-class national security cutter in the Coast Guard fleet and currently homeports in Charleston, South Carolina.

060414-N-2385R-002. Base: Naval Hospital, Yokosuka Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, paddle out during a boat launch sustainment exercise aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 4, 2022. Launching from the well deck provides the MEU a ship-to-shore capability. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

220511-A-YK067-1038 Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Hunter Hill, right, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26, pulls Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 3rd Class Elishua Hardy into an MH-60 Knighthawk during an at-sea search and rescue training operation during Exercise Neon Defender 2022. Neon Defender is an annual bilateral training event between U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and Bahrain. The exercise focuses on maritime security operations, installation defense and medical response.

220524-N-N0869-1001PACIFIC OCEAN (May 24, 2022) A support vessel transfers crew and equipment to the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Alabama (SSBN 731) during an at-sea exchange of crew, held recently off the coast of Washington. Alabama is one of eight ballistic-missile submarines stationed at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, providing the most survivable leg of the strategic deterrence triad for the United States. (U.S. Navy photo)

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and U.S. Navy Sailors with the amphibious docking ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) launch a combat rubber raiding craft from the stern gate of the USS Green Bay, Feb. 12, 2024. Marines with BLT 1/1 conducted the raid exercise to enhance proficiency when executing amphibious operations targeting strategic equipment or terrain. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navys largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific Region. Marine Corps

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, hold up a formation signal during a boat launch rehearsal aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the South China Sea, Sept. 20, 2022. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

An Air Station Clearwater C-130 aircrew alerted Sector Key West watchstanders about 65 miles south of Boot Key, Florida, June 5, 2022. The people were repatriated to Cuba on June 8, 2022. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

Coast Guard Cutters - Dauntless (WMEC 624) - 26-HK-73-214. CGC Dauntless --Coast Guardsmen meeting on deck--- 050928. Hurricane Katrina

U.S. Navy Diver 1st Class Mark Hartman with Mobile Diving Salvage Company 3-1, Explosive Ordinance Disposal Mobile Unit 3 Commander Task Group, and Sgt. Fawaz Hassan Alagmai, a Saudi Armed Forces diver, jump into the Red Sea during exercise Native Fury 22 at Yanbu Commercial Port, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Aug. 24, 2022. Native Fury 22 is a biennial exercise focused on the demonstration of the rapid offload and integration of a Maritime Prepositioned Force in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of regional security, crisis response, and contingency operations.

GULF OF ADEN (Oct. 23, 2019) Sailors assigned to the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) man the small-caliber action team during maritime security operations. Normandy is part of the East Coast Surface Action Group and is operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.

DN-ST-85-10192. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Coast Guard crews stop a suspected smuggling vessel off Rodriguez Key, Florida, Sept. 13, 2022. Homeland Security Investigations has opened an investigation.

Crewmembers assigned to USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753) conduct pursuit training while underway in the Atlantic Ocean, Sept. 25, 2022. Hamilton is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

U.S. Air Force special tactics operators assigned to the 352d Special Operations Wing conduct open ocean personnel recovery training off the east coast of England, Aug. 23, 2022. Special tactics combines the core skills of Special Operations Forces with the tactical integration of air power to find unique solutions for ground problems.

Lance Cpl. Garrick R. Upton, an Amphibious Assault Vehicle operator with 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, shouts a warning back to his crew as he splashes into the surf of the Atlantic Ocean in an AAV aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 31, 2014. 2nd AABn joined with 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division to conduct a training mission to transport the Expeditionary Fire Support System, which is an Internally Transportable-Strike vehicle towing the 120mm mortar, during aerial and amphibious insertions.

DN-ST-87-01002. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WEDDING 86 Base: USS Iowa (BB 61) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

220412-N-PC065-1339 ATLANTIC OCEAN - An Icelandic Coast Guard rigid-hull inflatable boat maneuvers near the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) off the coast of Iceland during exercise Northern Viking 2022, April 12, 2022. Arlington is on a scheduled deployment under the command and control of Task Force 61/2 while operating in U.S. 6th Fleet in support of U.S., allied and partner interests in Europe and Africa. Northern Viking 22 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Iceland and Allied nations, enabling multi-domain command and control of joint and coalition forces in the defense of Iceland the Sea Lines of Communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK) gap.

DN-ST-89-03516. Country: Unknown

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, paddle out during a boat launch sustainment exercise aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 4, 2022. Launching from the well deck provides the MEU a ship-to-shore capability. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

110813-N-XQ375-361GULF OF ADEN (Aug. 13, 2011) Crew members aboard the Sri Lankan-flagged cargo vessel Al Habib raise a bag of supplies from a visit, board, search and seizure team from the guided-missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57) and a Coast Guard advanced interdiction team in a rigid hull inflatable boat. Mitscher responded to Al HabibÕs distress call and provided two three-gallon containers of water, four cases of bottled water, and 20 loaves of bread to the 17 crewmembers. Mitscher is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and support missions as part of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.

230328-N-OB471-2075 ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 28, 2023) Landing signals officers (LSO) man the LSO platform during flight operations aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). IKE is underway conducting routine operations in the Atlantic Ocean.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Transportation Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, push a combat rubber raiding craft off from the shore on Recon Beach, Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, December 7, 2022. Marines with 3rd Transportation Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, and Marines with 3rd Recon fostered skills maneuvering rubber raiding craft with added weight to prepare for future operations and exercises.

Life jackets are passed out to all boarding the LCM-8 bound for the U.S. Naval Ship BUTTON at the Pohang Harbor in Pohang, South Korea during Foal Eagle '98, Oct. 10, 1998. Subject Operation/Series: FOAL EAGLE '98KOREA CD Base: Pohang Harbor Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

Cavalry troopers from Ace Troop, 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division conduct water insertion and foot patrols through Bellows Field Beach Park Aug. 24, 2022. The joint amphibious insertion with Marines was part of a two-week multi-echelon exercise designed to validate Brigade Capability Set Integration (CSI), train and certify lethal companies, troops and batteries, and exercise the Warriors sustainment capacity in a dynamic and complex battlefield against a reacting enemy.

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