180915-N-AF263-0262 GULF OF ADEN (Sept. 15, 2018) A U.S. Marine conducts maintenance on an MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, attached to the “Sea Elks” of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 166 (Reinforced), during 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 Seaman Sabyn L. Marrs/Released)