180730-N-AT135-0152 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 30, 2018) A Mark 38 25mm machine gun system fires during a live-fire exercise on the fantail of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during a scheduled deployment of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th Expeditionary Unit (13th 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 Matthew Freeman/Released)