190116-N-NB142-1459 ARABIAN SEA (Jan. 16, 2019) Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Irene Egaran, left, performs baton strikes while under the effects of oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray as part of a security reaction force basic (SRF-B) course in the upper vehicle deck of Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during a deployment of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The Essex ARG and 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 Chandler Harrell/Released)