180828-N-AF263-0083 INDIAN OCEAN (Aug. 28, 2018) Gunner’s Mate 1st Class Ronald Castillo instructs Sailors on how to operate a .50-caliber machine gun during a live-fire exercise aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex is on a scheduled deployment of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and Marine Expeditionary Unit (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 Seaman Sabyn L. Marrs)