190428-M-RP664-1016 KUWAIT NAVAL BASE, Kuwait (April 28, 2019) U.S. Marines with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) board a U.S. Navy landing craft, air cushion prior to returning to the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) upon completion of a MEU exercise. Marines and Sailors with the 22nd MEU and Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group are currently 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 Sgt. Aaron Henson/Released)