181011-N-AT135-1014 ARABIAN GULF (Oct. 11, 2018) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Jesse Prince operates a towing vehicle while moving a CH-53E Sea Stallion helicopter, attached to the “Sea Elks” of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 166 (Reinforced), in the hangar bay of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during a regularly scheduled deployment with the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). 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)