Labels: 5th Fleet, aircraft, AV-8B, Harrier, HMM 16, LHA-1, photos, ships, US Navy, USMC, USS Tarawa
PERSIAN GULF (March 3, 2008) An Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) gives hand signals to the pilot of an AV-8B Harrier, assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron Reinforced (HMM) 166, during flight operations aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1). Tarawa is operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility to help deter destabilizing activities and safeguardi regional links to the global economy. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman David A. Brandenburg