THE TENSION: Combat Camera: Aboard USS Peleliu; Aug. 23, 2008

RED SEA (Aug. 16, 2008) The amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) sits pierside in the Middle East. Peleliu is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility supporting maritime security operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Yuefeng Zhai.)

RED SEA (Aug. 19, 2008) Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Scott Webb acquires video of the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) during a photo exercise. Peleliu is deployed supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew A. Hepburn.)

RED SEA (Aug. 21, 2008) Hull Technician 3rd Class Adam Neal welds a bracket aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5). Peleliu is deployed in support of maritime security operations in the Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew A. Hepburn.)

RED SEA (Aug. 19, 2008) The amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) transits through the Red Sea while conducting routine operations. Peleliu is deployed supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew A. Hepburn.)

NORTH ARABIAN SEA (Aug. 6, 2008) A Phalanx Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) fires 20mm rounds during a Pre-aim calibration evolution aboard USS Peleliu (LHA 5). Peleliu is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility supporting maritime security operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew A. Hepburn.)

PERSIAN GULF (July 24, 2008) A Marine takes advantage of a break in flight operations for a workout on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5). Peleliu is deployed supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sarah E. Bitter.)

ARABIAN GULF (JULY 23, 2008) Marine Corps Cpl. Mathew Roberts gives a helicopter a fresh-water wash down on the flight deck aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5). Peleliu is currently deployed in support of Maritime Security Operations in the Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sarah E. Bitter.)

PERSIAN GULF (June 27, 2008) Aerographer's Mate 1st Class William Palmer releases a weather balloon from the flight deck aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5). Peleliu is deployed supportingf maritime security operations in the Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Shannon K. Cassidy.)

PERSIAN GULF (June 27, 2008) Senior Chief Quartermaster Christopher Lardie, left, and Quartermaster 1st Class Michael Plewa approach the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5). Peleliu is deployed supporting maritime security operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew A. Hepburn.)