Exercise Alligator Dagger 2016
U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Dec. 6, 2016) A landing craft air cushion with the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (MKI ARG) departs the well deck of USS Makin Island (LHD 8) carrying U.S. Marines and their light armored vehicles as part of the initial phases of Exercise Alligator Dagger, Dec. 6, 2016. The MKI ARG and11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are rehearsing amphibious operations and conducting combat sustainment training throughout Dec. as part of Exercise Alligator Dagger. The size and composition of the ARG/MEU make it well suited for a number of operations: amphibious assaults, helo-borne raids, visit, board, search and seizure missions, noncombatant evacuations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and other specialized missions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Devan K. Gowans)