180905-M-MR595-1013 GULF OF ADEN (Sept. 5, 2018) Sailors aboard the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) bring food supplies aboard the ship during a replenishment-at-sea. The Essex Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit are 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. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Danny Gonzalez/Released)