180908-N-AF263-1534 GULF OF ADEN (Sept. 8, 2018) An F-35B Lightning II assigned to the Avengers of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211 launches from the flight deck of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) while participating in Theater Amphibious Combat Rehearsal (TACR) 18. Led by Naval Amphibious Force, Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, TACR integrates U.S. Navy and Marine Corps assets to practice and rehearse a range of critical combat-related capabilities available to U.S. Central Command, both afloat and ashore, to promote stability and security in the region. U.S. 5th Fleet and coalition assets are participating in numerous simultaneous exercises as part of the greater Theater Counter Mine and Maritime Security Exercise to ensure maritime stability and security in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, 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)