North Carolina Coast (Apr. 5, 2004) - U.S. Marines assigned to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) fast rope from a CH-46 Sea Knight to the flight deck of 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)