180922-M-PK127-1006 GULF OF ADEN (Sept. 22, 2018) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class Rey White, directs the take off an F-35B Lightning II from the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). The Essex is the lead ship of the Essex amphibious ready group, with the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is 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. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Francisco J. Diaz Jr./Released)