180911-N-PH222-0050 GULF OF ADEN (Sept. 11, 2018) Sailors aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD 23) prepare to receive a fuel probe during a replenishment-at-sea with the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3) while on 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 3rd Class Ryan M. Breeden/Released)