ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 14, 2010) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class Rodrickus Shepherd, the flight deck assistant leading petty officer, from Covington, Calif., signals an AV-8B Harrier pilot from Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 233 to launch from the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). Bataan is underway conducting portions of a basic-training phase, including an aviation certification that will allow the ship to launch and recover aircraft. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Julio Rivera/Released)
