MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Oct. 24, 2011) A CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter assigned to the Thunder Chickens of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 launches from the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) during preparations for a field exercise. Mesa Verde is deployed as part of the Bataan 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 2nd Class Josue L. Escobosa)