MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Oct. 8, 2009) Three landing craft, air cushions (LCAC) are launched from the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) during the biennial, multinational exercise Bright Star 2009. The exercise is designed to improve readiness, interoperability, and strengthen military and professional relationships among U.S., Egyptian and several other coalition forces. Bright Star is conducted by U.S. Central Command. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Ash Severe/Released)