Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Leo Gonzales, from San Diego, signals for an MV-22B Osprey assigned to the Ridge Runners of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 to take off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Makin Island, the flagship for the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, with the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (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. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Devin M. Langer (Released) 170412-N-LI768-337
