171029-N-ZS023-020 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Oct. 29, 2017) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Anthony Kolm, a native of Longmont, Colorado, assigned to the air department aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), salutes an AV-8B harrier assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 161 (Reinforced), on the flight deck before takeoff during flight operations. America is the flagship for the America Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Vance Hand/Released)