180923-N-PH222-1037 RED SEA (Sept. 23, 2018) Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Emily Thompson, from South Side, Ala., prepares a meal in the galley of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD 23) during a scheduled deployment with the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The Essex ARG/13th MEU 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. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ryan M. Breeden/Released)