190204-M-QP631-1005 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Feb. 4, 2019) An MV-22 Osprey assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) transports personnel, mail and cargo over the Arabian Sea en route to the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). The Osprey, attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 264 (Reinforced), departed to the Kersarge from Qatar. Marines and Sailors with the 22nd MEU and Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group 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. Micah Roe/Released)