180922-M-PK127-1007 GULF OF ADEN (Sept. 22, 2018) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Alex Rock, salutes an F-35B Lightning II during takeoff from the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), 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)