190107-N-AN781-1014 ARABIAN SEA (Jan. 7, 2019) Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Ryan Leveille, assigned to the “Blackjacks” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21, participates in a vertical replenishment while on a deployment of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The Essex ARG/13th MEU is a flexible and persistent Navy-Marine Corps team deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operation in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William Phillips/Released)