190207-M-YR007-1048 WESTERN PACIFIC (Feb. 7, 2019) A U.S. Navy SH-60 Sea Hawk helicotper conducts an aerial replenishment-at-sea aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) while on a deployment of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th MEU. The Essex ARG/13th MEU is a capable and lethal Navy-Marine Corps team deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations 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. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Austin Mealy/Released)