SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 14, 2017) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Leo Gonzales, from San Diego, gives the ready signal for an AV-8B Harrier, assigned to the Ridge Runners of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), to take off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). VMM-163 Harriers worked with the Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company Detachment, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), to provide close-air support during a bilateral training exercise with the Malaysian Armed Forces. Makin Island, the flagship for the Makin Island


SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 14, 2017) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Leo Gonzales, from San Diego, gives the ready signal for an AV-8B Harrier, assigned to the Ridge Runners of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), to take off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). VMM-163 Harriers worked with the Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company Detachment, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), to provide close-air support during a bilateral training exercise with the Malaysian Armed Forces. Makin Island, the flagship for the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, with the embarked 11th MEU, is operating in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to enhance amphibious capability with regional partners and to serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency.


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