190607-M-RP664-1125 GULF OF ADEN (June 7, 2019) A Marine assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force fast ropes out of a UH-1Y Venom helicopter before setting up security on the flight deck of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) during a simulated ship to ship raid. The Marines fast roped and established security before Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment arrived in order to maintain proficiency while at sea. 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)