181010-N-AT135-5026 STRAIT OF HORMUZ (Oct. 10, 2018) Gunner’s Mate Seaman Lillian Reinhardt stands watch in the combat information center aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) while transiting the Strait of Hormuz during a scheduled deployment of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. 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 Matthew Freeman/Released)