190207-N-PH222-1274 PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 7, 2019) The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD 23), bottom, participates in a vertical replenishment with the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Pecos (T-AO 197), center, the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), left, and the Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) during a deployment of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The Essex ARG/13th MEU is a capable and lethal Navy-Marine Corps team deployed to the 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. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ryan M. Breeden/Released)