Capt. Grady Banister, commanding officer of the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), prepares to release a weather balloon used for retrieving upper air soundings off the fantail of the ship.

RED SEA (May. 11, 2012) Capt. Grady Banister, commanding officer of the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), prepares to release a weather balloon used for retrieving upper air soundings off the fantail of the ship. Iwo Jima and embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit are deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Natasha R. Chalk) File# 120511-N-ZZ999-025