Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit's maritime

Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit's maritime raid force descend by rope from a CH-46E Sea Knight hovering 35 feet above USS Makin Island. The helicopter is flown by pilots serving with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit's aviation combat element, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 (Reinforced). The unit is currently deployed aboard the amphibious assault ship as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, which is a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force. The group is also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.