An aviation boatswain's mate (handling) speaks into a plane captain's ear during preparation for flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Due to the noise from aircraft engines, flight deck Sailors are required to wear double hearing protection, making close-talking and hand-signals the only effective ways to communicate. Ronald Reagan is currently deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. Operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area are focused on reassuring regional partners of the United States' commitment to security, which promotes stability and global prosperity.