180901-N-AF263-0247 INDIAN OCEAN (Sept. 1, 2018) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Daigan Bishop signals an F-35B Lightning II attached to the Avengers of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211 as it launches from 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 lethal, flexible, and persistent Navy-Marine Corps team 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 Seaman Sabyn L. Marrs/Released)