190125-N-AT135-1046 PHUKET, Thailand (Jan. 25, 2019) Capt. Brian Mutty, commanding officer of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), center, provides Rear Adm. Wittanarat Gajaseni, chief of staff for Naval Area Command Three, and members of the Royal Thai navy with a tour of the flight deck aboard Essex while visiting Phuket, Thailand. The Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) team is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation to support regional stability, reassure partners and allies and maintain a presence postured to respond to any crisis ranging from humanitarian assistance to contingency operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Matthew Freeman/Released)