THE TENSION: Combat Camera: On Board USS Tarawa, 14 Sept. 2007

PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 8, 2007) - An AV/8B Harrier assigned to the "Wake Island Avengers” of Marine Medium Attack Squadron (VMA) 211 prepares to land aboard USS Tarawa (LHA 1). Tarawa is conducting a composite unit training exercise with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit off the coast of Southern California. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman David A. Brandenburg (RELEASED)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 10, 2007) - An AH-1 Cobra helicopter takes off from the flight deck of amphibious transport dock USS Cleveland (LPD 7), as part of USS Tarawa Expeditionary Strike Group’s composite unit training exercise. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Grant P. Ammon (RELEASED)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 11, 2007) - Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Jamie Brown waits for aircraft to land aboard amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1). Tarawa is participating in a composite unit training exercise with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit off the coast of Southern California. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bryan Niegel (RELEASED)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 8, 2007) - Sgt. Nathan Deboer, a flight line mechanic attached to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 166, inspects the rotor blades of a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter aboard amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1). Tarawa is participating in a composite unit training exercise with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit off the coast of Southern California. U.S Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman David A. Brandenburg (RELEASED)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 11, 2007) - Lt. Cmdr. Perry Haagen, chaplain of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, offers a benediction to Sailors and Marines aboard amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1), during a service in memory of the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Tarawa and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are participating in a composite unit training exercise off the coast of Southern California. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bryan Nigel (RELEASED)