190109-N-PH222-1136 DUQM, OMAN (Jan. 9, 2019) Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Rene Cruz, from Seattle, raises the Navy Jack aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD 23) while on a deployment of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The Essex ARG/13th MEU is flexible and persistent Navy-Marine Corps team deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations 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 3rd Class Ryan M. Breeden/Released)