181008-M-LQ865-1060 ARABIAN SEA (Oct. 8, 2018) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter attached to the Blackjacks of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 embarked with the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), receives supplies from the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3) during a vertical replenishment-at-sea to deliver to the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), Oct. 8, 2018. The Essex is the flagship for the Essex ARG and, 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. A. J. Van Fredenberg/Released)