PHILIPPINE SEA (Dec. 9, 2011) Capt. Cedric Pringle, executive officer of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), observes Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU) conducting fast roping training aboard the ship. Makin Island is on its maiden deployment and conducting operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist John Lill/Released)