190115-M-MR595-110 ARABIAN GULF (Jan. 15, 2019) U.S. Marines with the Maritime Raid Force, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), set security during a simulated visit, board, search, and seizure mission aboard the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) on Jan. 15, 2019. The Essex Amphibious Ready Group and the 13th MEU are 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. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Danny Gonzalez/Released)