An official website of the United States Government 
Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Photos

Snapshots of what’s happening in the Defense Department.

An amphibious assault vehicle approaches the USS Makin Island in the Pacific Ocean, Nov. 1, 2011. The Marines are assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Makin Island is underway for routine operations off the coast of Southern California in preparation for the ship's first operational deployment later this year.

An amphibious assault vehicle approaches the USS Makin Island in the Pacific Ocean, Nov. 1, 2011. The Marines are assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Makin Island is underway for routine operations off the coast of Southern California in preparation for the ship's first operational deployment later this year.

An amphibious assault vehicle approaches the USS Makin Island in the Pacific Ocean, Nov. 1, 2011. The Marines are assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Makin Island is underway for routine operations off the coast of Southern California in preparation for the ship's first operational deployment later this year.

Photo Gallery