Marines from 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit load onto a landing craft air cushion (LCAC) from Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5 in the well deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). New Orleans is underway as part of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group off the coast of Southern California completing a certification exercise (CERTEX). CERTEX is the final evaluation of the 13th MEU and Boxer ARG prior to deployment and is intended to certify their readiness to conduct integrated missions across the full spectrum of military operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gary Granger Jr./Released)