Posted: 04/01/2013
GULF OF ADEN (April 15, 2013) Civilian contractors from Insitu, Inc., launch an unmanned aerial vehicle from the flight deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17). Scan Eagle is a runway independent, long-endurance, unmanned aerial vehicle system designed to provide multiple surveillance, reconnaissance, and battlefield damage assessment missions. San Antonio is deployed as part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU), is deployed supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperations efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lacordrick Wilson)