The amphibious assault ship

The amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), foreground, the amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), center, and the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21), all assigned to the Iwo Jima Amphibious Readiness Group (ARG), steam in formation in the Atlantic Ocean Dec. 10, 2012. The Iwo Jima ARG was under way conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Scott Youngblood, U.S. Navy/Released)                         12/10/2012