180830-N-AF263-0220 INDIAN OCEAN (Aug. 30, 2018) Marines assigned to the Sea Elks of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 166 (Reinforced) perform maintenance on the propeller of a CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter on the flight deck of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during a scheduled deployment of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 13th 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/Released)