Personnel aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan
Summary
Personnel aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) prepare to transfer 282 persons in distress to the armed forces of Malta offshore patrol vessel P61 June 6, 2014, in the Mediterranean Sea. The Bataan and the guided missile frigate USS Elrod (FFG 55) rendered assistance and provided food, water, medical attention and temporary shelter to 282 people after receiving a report that an Italian military marine patrol aircraft sighted six small vessels, one of which was sinking. The Bataan, with elements of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, operated in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility to augment U.S. crisis response forces in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chase Hawley/Released)