15th MEU disembarks America in support of Alligator Dagger
170907-N-AC254-392 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Sept. 7, 2017) Sailors assigned to the “Wildcards” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) preflight checks on an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter during flight operations. 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 2nd Class Alexander A. Ventura II/Released)