180904-N-PH222-0125 GULF OF ADEN (Sept. 4, 2018) Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Brandon Peeples, from Georgetown, Texas, stands phone talker watch on the bridge wing of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD 23) during a replenishment-at-sea with the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Laramie (T-AO 203) and the Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47). Anchorage is on a scheduled deployment with 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 3rd Class Ryan M. Breeden/Released)