180905-N-NB142-0266 GULF OF ADEN (Sept. 5 2018) Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class David Campbell operates a forklift aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) while participating in an underway replenishment with the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard (TAK-E 3) while on a scheduled deployment of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 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 2nd Class Chandler Harrell)