HMNZS Wellington (P55)

HMNZS Wellington first arrival into Devonport Naval Base. (Photo: RNZN)

HMNZS Wellington (P55)

HMNZS Wellington, the last ship of the Project Protector Fleet arrives in Auckland. (Photo: RNZN)

HMAS Launceston (ACPB 94)

HMAS Launceston makes an approach to HMAS Benalla for a light line transfer off the coast of Cairns during the Minor War Vessel Concentration Period. (Photo: RAN)

SPS Alvaro De Bazan (F-101)

Spanish Ship F100 Alvaro De Bazan arriving Fleet Base East, Sydney. (Photo: Australia DoD)

SPS Alvaro De Bazan (F-101)

Spanish Ship F100 Alvaro De Bazan arriving Fleet Base East, Sydney. (Photo: Australia DoD)

USS Ogden (LPD 5)

The amphibious transport dock USS Ogden (LPD 5), part of Expeditionary Strike Group Three (ESG-3), underway off the coast of Southern California conducting Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for an upcoming scheduled deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Zack Baddorf

USS Ogden (LPD 5)

The amphibious transport dock ship USS Ogden (LPD 5) underway off the coast of Southern California. Ogden and Expeditionary Strike Group Three (ESG-3) are underway conducting their Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) in preparation for an upcoming scheduled deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Zack Baddorf)

USS Ogden (LPD 5)

The amphibious transport dock USS Ogden (LPD 5) prepares to form-up for Seattle Seafair Festival's parade of ships event. Seafair is Seattle's month-long traditional summer festival, which includes parades, amateur athletics, air shows and boat racing. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Kim McLendon)

USS Ogden (LPD 5)

The amphibious dock landing ship USS Ogden (LPD 5) arrives in Alaska for a port visit during the joint exercise Alaska Shield/Northern Edge 2005. Alaska Shield/Northern Edge '05 is the largest homeland defense/security exercise ever conducted in Alaska. This exercise is the first opportunity within the state to integrate local, state and federal government response to a series of simulated emergencies including natural disasters, terrorist attacks and mass casualty scenarios. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 3rd Class Chris Gethings

USS Ogden (LPD 5)

U.S. Coast Guard's Marine Safety and Security Team (MSST) speeds across the water near USS Ogden (LPD 5), off the coast of Kodiak Island, Alaska, as they prepare to board a suspect vessel during exercise Alaska Shield/Northern Edge 2005. The U.S. Navy amphibious transport dock ship USS Ogden (LPD 5) and its embarked Coast Guard Marine Safety and Security Team (MSST) are participating in the exercise Alaska Shield/Northern Edge 2005. The exercise is the first opportunity within the state to exercise an integrated local, state and federal government response to a series of simulated emergencies including natural disasters, terrorist attacks and mass casualty scenarios. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Mike Buytas)

USS Ogden (LPD 5)

USS Ogden (LPD 5) leaves Naval Station, San Diego to begin a regularly scheduled deployment. The 569-foot-long amphibious warfare ship is part of the first Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG-1). An ESG constitutes a new naval strike force designed to equip amphibious forces with added firepower and operational capabilities. The seven ships of ESG-1 include, the Ogden, USS Peleliu (LHA 5), USS Jarrett (FFG 33), USS Germantown (LSD 42), USS Port Royal (CG 73), USS Decatur (DDG 73), and USS Greeneville (SSN 772). The amphibious landing dock ship is named after the great city of in Utah and was commissioned on June 16, 1965. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Alan D. Monyelle)

USS Ogden (LPD 5)

USS Germantown (LSD 42) makes wake in San Diego's harbor as she begins a regularly scheduled deployment. The dock landing ship is part of the first Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG-1). An ESG constitutes a new naval strike force designed to equip amphibious forces with added firepower and operational capabilities. The seven ships of ESG 1 include, the Germantown, USS Peleliu (LHA 5), USS Jarrett (FFG 33), USS Ogden (LPD 5), USS Port Royal (CG 73), USS Decatur (DDG 73), and USS Greeneville (SSN 772). (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Alan D. Monyelle)

USS Ogden (LPD 5)

USS Ogden (LPD 5) leaves Naval Station, San Diego to begin a regularly scheduled deployment. The 569-foot-long amphibious warfare ship is part of the first Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG-1). An ESG constitutes a new naval strike force designed to equip amphibious forces with added firepower and operational capabilities. The seven ships of ESG-1 include, the Ogden, USS Peleliu (LHA 5), USS Jarrett (FFG 33), USS Germantown (LSD 42), USS Port Royal (CG 73), USS Decatur (DDG 73), and USS Greeneville (SSN 772). The amphibious landing dock ship is named after the great city of in Utah and was commissioned on June 16, 1965. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Alan D. Monyelle.

USS Ogden (LPD 5)

ailors man the rails aboard USS Ogden (LPD 5) as she pulls out of her berth at Naval Station San Diego, Calif. Ogden is deploying with the newly designed Expeditionary Strike Group One (ESG-1) with USS Peleliu (LHA 5) as flagship. An ESG constitutes a new naval strike force designed to equip amphibious forces with added firepower and operational capabilities. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Emmanuel Rios)

USS Nashville (LPD 13)

The amphibious transport dock ship USS Nashville (LPD 13), a member of the Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group, transits the Atlantic Ocean. The strike group is completing their deployment in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Coleman Thompson

USS Nashville (LPD 13)

The amphibious transport dock ship USS Nashville (LPD 13) departs Naval Station Norfolk. Nashville is deployed as part of the Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group in support of maritime security operations and Theater Security Cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Moises M. Medel)

USS Nashville (LPD 13)

The amphibious transport dock ship USS Nashville (LPD 13) underway patrolling the Arabian Sea as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG). Nashville recently deployed from her homeport of Norfolk, Va., beginning a regularly scheduled six-month deployed in support of maritime patrol operations and the global war on terrorism. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Robert J. Fluegel)

USS Nashville (LPD 13)

USS Nashville (LPD 13) arrives in Souda Harbor for a routine port visit. Nashville’s is the tenth ship in the Austin-class of Amphibious Transport Docks. She departed her homeport of Norfolk, Virginia for a regularly scheduled six-month deployment as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group. (U.S. Navy photo by Paul Farley)

USS Nashville (LPD 13)

Sailors man the rails as the amphibious transport dock USS Nashville (LPD 13), an element of the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike group (ESG), departs Naval Station Norfolk. The Iwo Jima ESG will deploy for six months to conduct maritime security operations in support of the global war on terrorism. (U.S. Navy photo by Lithographer Seaman Apprentice Derek M. Poole)

USS New York (LPD 21)

The amphibious transport dock ship Pre-commissioning Unit (PCU) New York (LPD 21) navigates off the coast of Long Island prior to her arrival in New York City. At approximately 8:00 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 2, the yet-to-be commissioned ship will come to a halt in the Hudson River. There, opposite the former World Trade Center site, the future USS NEW YORK (LPD 21) will dip her colors, fire a 21-gun salute to the people of her namesake city and state, and proceed to Pier 88 to be formally inducted into the Fleet at a shipboard ceremony on Nov. 7.The New York Has 7.5 tons of World Trade Center Steel in the bow. The ship's motto is "Strength Forged through Sacrifice. Never Forget." (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st class Corey Lewis/Released)

USS New York (LPD 21)

The amphibious transport dock ship Pre-commissioning Unit (PCU) New York (LPD 21) navigates off the coast of Long Island prior to her arrival in New York City. At approximately 8:00 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 2, the yet-to-be commissioned ship will come to a halt in the Hudson River. There, opposite the former World Trade Center site, the future USS NEW YORK (LPD 21) will dip her colors, fire a 21-gun salute to the people of her namesake city and state, and proceed to Pier 88 to be formally inducted into the Fleet at a shipboard ceremony on Nov. 7.The New York Has 7.5 tons of World Trade Center Steel in the bow. The ship's motto is "Strength Forged through Sacrifice. Never Forget." (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st class Corey Lewis/Released)

USS New York (LPD 21)

The amphibious transport dock ship Pre-commissioning Unit (PCU) New York (LPD 21) navigates off the coast of Long Island prior to her arrival in New York City. At approximately 8:00 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 2, the yet-to-be commissioned ship will come to a halt in the Hudson River. There, opposite the former World Trade Center site, the future USS NEW YORK (LPD 21) will dip her colors, fire a 21-gun salute to the people of her namesake city and state, and proceed to Pier 88 to be formally inducted into the Fleet at a shipboard ceremony on Nov. 7.The New York Has 7.5 tons of World Trade Center Steel in the bow. The ship's motto is "Strength Forged through Sacrifice. Never Forget." (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st class Corey Lewis/Released)

USS New York (LPD 21)

The amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) is at sea and anchor at Rudy's Inlet. New York is underway conducting training in the Atlantic Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Corey Lewis/Released)

USS New York (LPD 21)

An amphibious assault vehicle from the U.S. Marine 2nd Assault Amphibious Battalion prepares to enter the well deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21). New York is underway conducting training in the Atlantic Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Corey Lewis/Released)

USS New York (LPD 21)

The amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) transits the Hudson River during Fleet Week 2011 parade of ships. New York has 7.5 tons of steel salvaged from the World Trade Center towers forged into her bow and is participating in the 24th annual Fleet Week New York. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric S. Garst/Released)

USS New York (LPD 21)

The amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) transits the Hudson River during Fleet Week 2011 parade of ships. New York has 7.5 tons of steel salvaged from the World Trade Center towers forged into her bow and is participating in the 24th annual Fleet Week New York. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric S. Garst/Released)

USS New York (LPD 21)

The amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) participates in the Parade of Ships during Fleet Week 2011 parade of ships. Fleet Week has been New York City's celebration of the sea services since 1984. It is an opportunity for citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, as well as see first-hand, the latest capabilities of today's maritime services. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Patrick Gordon/Released)

USS Green Bay (LPD 20)

An 330EV Puma helicopter assigned to the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3) delivers a pallet of supplies to the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20). Green Bay is underway supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Trevor Welsh/Released)

USS Green Bay (LPD 20)

An AS-332 Super Puma helicopter lifts off from the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) after delivering supplies during a vertical replenishment with the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3). Green Bay is deployed as part of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph M. Buliavac/Released)

USS Green Bay (LPD 20)

The amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) is underway in the Pacific Ocean during a scheduled deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Trevor Welsh/Released)

USS Green Bay (LPD 20)

A harbor tug assists the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) as it enters Elliot Bay to the Port of Seattle to participate in the 61st annual Seattle Seafair. Seafair activities allow U.S. and Canadian Sailors and Coast Guard personnel to experience the local community and to promote awareness of the maritime forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nardel Gervacio/Released)

USS Green Bay (LPD 20)

The amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) awaits commissioning in Long Beach. Green Bay is the first ship commissioned in the Los Angeles area since 1994. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jose Lopez, Jr./Released)

USS Ponce (LPD 15)

The amphibious transport dock ship USS Ponce (LPD 15) returns to it's homeport at Naval Station Norfolk after completing a six month deployment to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Marlowe P. Dix)

USS Ponce (LPD 15)

The amphibious transport dock ship USS Ponce (LPD 15) departs Naval Station Norfolk for Pakistan to help provide relief to flood-stricken regions. Ponce is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group. The ship and the embarked units of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU) are executing an early deployment to the region in support of ongoing humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian Goodwin/Released)

USS Ponce (LPD 15)

The amphibious transport dock ship USS Ponce (LPD 15) is lit by the early morning sun as the stern gate is raised after an amphibious craft launching evolution off the coast of Djibouti. Ponce is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nathanael Miller/Released)

USS Ponce (LPD 15)

The amphibious transport dock ship USS Ponce (LPD 15) heads to sea after a port visit to the Seychelles. Ponce is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nathanael Miller/Released)

USS Ponce (LPD 15)

The amphibious transport dock ship USS Ponce (LPD 15) is underway in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. Ponce is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Scott Pittman/Released)

USS Ponce (LPD 15)

An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22 flies above the amphibious transport dock ship USS Ponce (LPD 15). Ponce is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Scott Pittman/Released)

USS Ponce (LPD 15)

Sailors and Marines man the rails as the amphibious transport dock ship USS Ponce (LPD 15) returns to Naval Station Norfolk after completing an extended deployment in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. Ponce is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and deployed with the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian Goodwin/Released)

HMS Severn (P282)

HMS Severn (P282). (Photo: Royal Navy)

HMS Severn (P282)

HMS Severn (P282). (Photo: Royal Navy)

USS Denver (LPD 9)

The amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9) moors at Laem Chabang, Thailand after participating in Cobra Gold 2011. Cobra Gold is a multinational military exercise co-sponsored by the U.S. and Thailand. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Geronimo C. Aquino/Released)

USS Denver (LPD 9)

The amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9) cruises the South China Sea while participating in exercise Balikatan 2010 (BK 10). BK 10 is an annual, bilateral exercise designed to improve interoperability between the U.S. and Republic of the Philippines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark R. Alvarez/Released)

USS Denver (LPD 9)

Sailors man the rails in heavy rain aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9) as tugboats guide her from her berthing to participate in exercise Talisman Saber '09. Talisman Saber is an Australian and U.S. combined exercise designed to prepare both nations in crisis action planning and the execution of contingency operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua J. Wahl/Released)

USS Denver (LPD 9)

Amphibious transport dock USS Denver (LPD 9) steams in formation during a photo exercise near Guam. Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group consists of Amphibious Squadron 7, amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), USS Denver, dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47), guided missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69), guided missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93), guided missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65), and 2,200 combat ready Marines of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mark Patterson II)

USS Denver (LPD 9)

The amphibious transport dock USS Denver (LPD 9) departs from Pier 6 on board Naval Air Station North Island, Calif., to conduct routine work-up training off the coast of Southern California. Navy ships and submarines often conduct routine drills and exercises off the Southern California coast in preparation for deployments. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Charles E. Alvarado)

USS Cleveland (LPD 7)

The amphibious transport dock ship USS Cleveland (LPD 7) transits the Pacific Ocean during Pacific Partnership 2011. Pacific Partnership is a five-month humanitarian assistance initiative that will make port visits to Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and the Federated States of Micronesia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman John Grandin/Released)

USS Cleveland (LPD 7)

The amphibious transport dock ship USS Cleveland (LPD 7) departs Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after a scheduled port visit. Cleveland is the flagship for Pacific Partnership 2011, which will visit five island nations this summer: Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and the Federated States of Micronesia. Pacific Partnership 2011 is a humanitarian assistance initiative, which promotes cooperation throughout the Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Stirrup/Released)

USS Cleveland (LPD 7)

The amphibious transport dock ship USS Cleveland (LPD 7) transits the Pacific Ocean. Cleveland is the flagship for Pacific Partnership 2011, which will visit five island nations this summer: Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and the Federated States of Micronesia. Pacific Partnership 2011 is a humanitarian assistance initiative, which promotes cooperation throughout the Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Russell/Released)

USS Cleveland (LPD 7)

The Austin-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Cleveland (LPD 7) returns to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after participating in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010 exercises. RIMPAC is a biennial, multinational exercise designed to strengthen regional partnerships and improve multinational interoperability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jon Dasbach/Released)