170420-N-AV754-041 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (April

170420-N-AV754-041 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (April 20, 2017) A Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) from Republic of Korea Navy ship Chungnugong Yi Sun-Shin class Destroyer ROKS Choi Yung (DDH 981) approaches the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) prior to Visit, Board, Search and Seizure drills during Counter-Piracy Validation Exercise 2017. The exercise provided an opportunity for the U.S. Navy to partner with ships from the Republic of Korea Navy, British Royal Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) to enhance interoperability through communication and counter-piracy operation drills. Carter Hall, part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, is currently underway conducting Exercise Samurai Blade 2017 with allies from the British and Republic of Korea Navies and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force to reassure allies and partners and support maritime security operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Evan Thompson/Released)