THE TENSION: Combat Camera: Aboard USS Tarawa; March 14, 2008

PERSIAN GULF (March 12, 2008) An AV-8B harrier of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron Reinforced (HMM) 166 (REIN) sits on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1) at sunrise. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bryan Niegel (Released)

PERSIAN GULF (March 12, 2008) A CH-53E Super Stallion of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron Reinforced (HMM) 166 (REIN) lands on the amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Richard Doolin (Released)

PERSIAN GULF (March 12, 2008) An AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron Reinforced (HMM) 166 (REIN) lands on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Richard Doolin (Released)

PERSIAN GULF (March 8, 2008) The Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8) approaches the amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1) for a nighttime replenishment at sea. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Richard Doolin (Released)

PERSIAN GULF (March 8, 2008) The amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1) approaches the Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8) for a nighttime replenishment at sea. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman David A. Brandenburg (Released)

PERSIAN GULF (March 7, 2008) Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit run and train on the fight deck of amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bryan Niegel (Released)

PERSIAN GULF (March 6, 2008) Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel Barker records video of a CH-46 Sea Knight, assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron Reinforced HMM-166 (REIN), taking off of the amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1). Tarawa is operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility to help deter destabilizing activities and safeguard regional links to the global economy.U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman David A. Brandenburg (Released)

PERSIAN GULF (March 6, 2008) An AV-8B Harrier, assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (Reinforced) HMM-166 (REIN), lands on the amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1). Tarawa is operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility to help deter destabilizing activities and safeguard regional links to the global economy. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Richard Doolin (Released)

PERSIAN GULF (Feb. 22, 2008) Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1) watch boats pass the ship. Tarawa is assigned to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel A. Barker (Released)

PERSIAN GULF (Feb. 21, 2008) A U.S. Navy rigid hull inflatable boat patrols the waters near the amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1). Tarawa is assigned to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel A. Barker (Released)

PERSIAN GULF (March 3, 2008) An Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) gives hand signals to the pilot of an AV-8B Harrier, assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron Reinforced (HMM) 166, during flight operations aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1). Tarawa is operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility to help deter destabilizing activities and safeguardi regional links to the global economy. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman David A. Brandenburg (Released)

PERSIAN GULF (March 3, 2008) A landing craft air cushion (LCAC) leaves the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1). Tarawa is operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility to help deter destabilizing activities and safeguard regional links to the global economy. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman David A. Brandenburg (Released)

PERSIAN GULF (March 1, 2008) An AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 166 (reinforced) launches from the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1). U.S. forces maintain a naval and air presence in the region that deters destabilizing activities while safeguarding the region's vital links to the global economy. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jon Husman (Released)

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