181008-N-NI420-1398 ARABIAN SEA (Oct. 8, 2018) Marines assigned to 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) transport cargo aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during a vertical replenishment while on a scheduled deployment of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th MEU. The Essex is a lethal, flexible, and persistent Navy-Marine Corps team deployed to the U.S 5th Fleet area of operation 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 Molly DiServio)