GULF OF ADEN (Dec. 11, 2016) Sgt. Marcos Carrillo an

GULF OF ADEN (Dec. 11, 2016) Sgt. Marcos Carrillo an assistant team leader with the Maritime Raid Force, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), turns on his flashlight to clear a small compartment at the bow of an unknown vessel during a visit, board, search and seizure as a part of Exercise Alligator Dagger, Dec. 11. Maritime security operations complement counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists’ use of the maritime environment as a venue to launch attacks or to transport personnel, weapons or other material. Exercise Alligator Dagger enhances the Navy-Marine Corps team’s ability to be a flexible, adaptable and persistent force, which leads to a more stable region in the 5th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Robert B. Brown Jr.)