North Carolina Coast (Apr. 5, 2004) - U.S. Marines assigned to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) board a CH-46 Sea Knight aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Saipan (LHA 2). The unit is conducting in fast rope training in preparation for Saipan's upcoming scheduled deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Gary L. Johnson III. (RELEASED)