U.S. Marine AV-8B Harrier vertical and/or short take-off and landing (V/STOL) strike aircraft are parked at the aft end of the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4. The mission of the AV-8B is to attack and destroy surface and air targets, to escort helicopters, and to conduct other such air operations as may be directed. Marine aviation flying from Navy amphibious ships and carriers demonstrates the total integration of the Navy-Marine Corps Team. Nassau is homeported in Norfolk, Va., and is on a regularly-scheduled deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer?s Mate 2nd Class Michael Sandberg.