180823-N-AF263-0004 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Aug. 23, 2018) Aerographer’s Mate 3rd Class Colette Johnson, right, looks towards nearby storms while Aerographer’s Mate 3rd Class Russel Kohlman uses an anemometer to measure the wind speed and direction aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during a scheduled 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 U.S. 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 Seaman Sabyn L. Marrs/Released)