A landing craft unit, assigned to Assault Craft Unit 5, approaches the well deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). New Orleans and embarked Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU) are operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility as part of the Makin Island Ready Group. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dominique Pineiro/Released)