ARTA BEACH, Djibouti (Dec. 21, 2016) U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), advance toward the amphibious dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45) via amphibious assault vehicles (AAV) after completing training for Exercise Alligator Dagger at Arta Beach, Djibouti. AAVs are armored amphibious vehicles, capable of transporting Marines via land and sea. The 11th MEU provides a sea-based Marine Air-Ground Task Force capable of conducting amphibious operations to humanitarian assistance. The unilateral exercise provides an opportunity for the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and 11th MEU to train in amphibious operations within the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. The 11th MEU is currently supporting U.S. 5th Fleet's mission to promote and maintain stability and security in the region. (Photo by Sgt. Xzavior T. McNeal/U.S. Marine Corps) 161221-M-CC151-009 Please note: Fees charged by the agency are for the agency's services only, and do not, nor are they intended to, convey to the user any ownership of Copyright or License in the material. The agency does not claim any ownership including but not limited to Copyright or License in the attached material. By publishing this material you expressly agree to indemnify and to hold the agency and its directors, shareholders and employees harmless from any loss, claims, damages, demands, expenses (including legal fees), or any causes of action or allegation against the agency arising out of or connected in any way with publication of the material.