Gulf of Mexico (Sept. 15, 2008) Sailors assigned to the starboard hose team simulate fighting fires during a fight deck drill on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4). Nassau is at sea for possible disaster response readiness and requirement of rendering civil authority assistance if called upon to perform this mission in wake of Hurricane Ike. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Kiona M. Mckissack/Released)
Norfolk, Va. (Sept. 12, 2008) Family members of Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94) watch from the pier as the ship leaves for a scheduled deployment. Nitze is part of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Matthew Bookwalter/ Released)
PERSIAN GULF (Sept. 15, 2008) Air Traffic Controller Airman Apprentice Xavier Wynter writes information on the status board in the helicopter direction center aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5). Peleliu is deployed supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dustin Kelling (Released)