A dramatic photo released by the Navy shows Marine MV-22B Osprey tiltrotors launching from the USS Makin Island in the Gulf of Aden.
The San Diego-based amphibious assault ship and its Marine units are patrolling the narrow body of water that separates the troubled states of Yemen and Somalia.
Last month Ospreys from the ship were involved in a Navy SEAL raid against terrorists in Yemen.
The Navy said the ship is deployed “in support of maritime security operations designed to reassure allies and partners, and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region.”
The Makin Island, two accompanying ships and 4,500 sailors and Marines left San Diego in October. .