080105-N-4774B-051 PERSIAN GULF (Jan. 5, 2008) The Amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1) floods its stern to allow landing craft utilities (LCU) to enter and leave the well deck. The Tarawa Expeditionary Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility and is working with coalition forces to maintain a naval and air presence in the region to deter destabilizing activities and safeguard the region's vital links to the global economy. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel A. Barker (Released)
080217-N-5476H-020 PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb.17, 2008) The torpedo handling team removes a MK46 Torpedo from the loading tray during a torpedo loading and unloading exercise aboard the guided missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70). Lake Erie is currently operation off the coast of Hawaii. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Hight (Released)