180915-N-LH273-0100 GULF OF ADEN (Sept. 15 2018) Army Maj. Gen. James Craig, commander of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, observes flight operations aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during a scheduled deployment of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The Essex ARG and 13th MEU is the first U.S. Navy/Marine Corps team to deploy to U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations with the transformational warfighting capabilities of the F-35B Lightning II, making it a more lethal, flexible and persistent force, leading to a more stable region for our partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adam Brock/Released)