THE TENSION: Combat Camera: On Board USS Tarawa, 15 Nov. 2007

PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 9, 2007) - A Marine AV-8B Harrier takes off from amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1) just before sunset. Tarawa, along with embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is on a scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific in support of maritime security operations and the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman David A. Brandenburg (RELEASED)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 9, 2007) Sailors don firefighting ensembles during a general quarters drill aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1). General quarters drills are held to train ship's company proper damage control procedures in the event of an actual casualty. Tarawa, along with embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is on a scheduled deployment to the western Pacific in support of maritime security operations and the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel A. Barker (RELEASED)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 11, 2007) An MH-60S Seahawk prepares to land aboard dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) while underway in the Pacific Ocean. Germantown is part of Tarawa Expeditionary Strike Group and is on a scheduled deployment to the western Pacific in support of maritime security operations and the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jon Husman (RELEASED)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 10, 2007) - Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) stand in formation during a ceremony celebrating the 232nd Marine Corps birthday aboard amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1). Tarawa along with embarked 11th MEU are on a scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific in support of maritime operations and the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jon Husman (RELEASED)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 11, 2007) – Amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1) transits through the Pacific Ocean while on deployment in support of maritime security operations and the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jon Husman (RELEASED)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 5, 2007) - Water pours off a landing craft utility as it pulls into the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1). Tarawa left her homeport of San Diego on a scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific in support of maritime patrol operations and the global war of terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jon Husman (RELEASED)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 8, 2007) - A UH-1N Huey takes off from the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1) during sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Tarawa along with embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit is on a scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific in support of maritime security operations and the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel A. Barker (RELEASED)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 9, 2007) - Aviation boatswain's mates prepare to transport a simulated causality to the medical department aboard amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1) during firefighting training. Tarawa and embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are on a scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific in support of maritime operations and the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jon Husman (RELEASED)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 8, 2007) - Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jon Husman photographs a CH-46 Sea Knight as it takes off from the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1) during sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Tarawa, along with embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is on a scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific in support of maritime security operations and the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel A. Barker (RELEASED)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 18, 2007) - Lt. Cmdr. Patrick J. Beam observes flight deck operations aboard amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1) from the primary flight control tower. 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 Daniel A. Barker (RELEASED)

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (Nov. 12, 2007) Sailors aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Port Royal (CG 73) render honors as she passes the USS Arizona Memorial. Port Royal departed Pearl Harbor to join the Tarawa Expeditionary Strike Group for a six-month deployment in the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael A. Lantron (RELEASED)