U.S. Central Command Photo Gallery

15th MEU Marines from USS Pearl Harbor support VBSS exercise aboard Puller during Alligator Dagger
170908-N-UK248-616 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Sept. 8, 2017) A Maine with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force stands security during a visit, board, search, and seizure mission aboard USS Lewis B. Puller (T-ESB 3) part of combat rehearsal Alligator Dagger 2017. VBSS is conducted to capture and control a suspected enemy vessel in order to combat terrorism, piracy and smuggling operations on the sea. Available expeditionary Navy/Marine Corps forces stand ready aboard ships to assure allies, deter potential adversaries and provide persistent U.S. presence. Alligator Dagger provides opportunity to enhance capabilities in critical mission sets inherent to the U.S. Navy-Marine Corps team.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kristina Young/Released)