USS MAKIN ISLAND, at sea – An MV-22 Osprey with Marine

USS MAKIN ISLAND, at sea – An MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163 (Reinforced), the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s air combat element, approaches the USS Makin Island (LHD 8) to land after performing a night time operation during Amphibious Squadron – MEU Integration July 17, 2016. Before deploying with the MEU later this year, pilots and aircrews must certify in a number of qualifications aboard ship. PMINT is a two week training evolution between the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and 11th MEU, allowing Marines and sailors to combine and employ their forces together operationally, for their first at-sea period in preparation for their Western Pacific 16-2 deployment later this year. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Robert B. Brown/Released)