190805-N-KG461-1015 ARABIAN GULF (Aug. 5, 2019) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Bradley Pederson, from Mora, Minn., assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), signals to the pilot of a CH-53 Sea Stallion attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced) to take off from the flight deck. Boxer is part of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit and is 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. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Zachary D. Behrend/Released)