|
Caption:
Gulf of Mexico (Aug. 11, 2005) -- A MK-105 Magnetic Influence
Minesweeping System sleds is launched from the well deck of the
amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). Bataan, Helicopter Mine
Countermeasures Squadron Fourteen (HM-14) and HM-15, are making
history, conducting the sled operations from the well deck of the ship
for only the third time in history and for the first time while the
ship was underway. Bataan and embarked company are underway for PANAMAX
2005. PANAMAX is a training exercise in defense of the Panama Canal
involving 15 countries. The Panama Canal is critical to the free flow
of trade and goods in the Western Hemisphere and the entire world. The
region's economy and stability largely depend on the safe transport of
several hundred million tons of cargo that transit through the canal
every year. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Ken J.
Riley (RELEASED)
|
