15th MEU disembarks America in support of Alligator Dagger
Marines assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) board an MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 161 (Reinforced) for a scheduled departure to Djibouti in support of exercise Alligator Dagger 2017. Alligator Dagger is a dedicated, unilateral combat rehearsal led by Naval Amphibious Force, Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, in which combined Navy and Marine Corps units of the America Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit are to practice, rehearse and exercise integrated capabilities that are available to U.S. Central Command both afloat and ashore. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Chad Swysgood/Released)