A CH-46E Sea Knight prepares to take off from the USS Makin Island, Jan. 10, 2012. The helicopter is assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit's aviation combat element, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268. The unit, deployed aboard the amphibious assault ship as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, is providing support in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility, which includes the Gulf of Aden.