181019-N-GR847-2037 ARABIAN GULF (Oct. 19, 2018) Landing craft utility 1665, attached to Assault Craft Unit 1, transits the Arabian Gulf during a scheduled deployment with the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Oct. 19, 2018. The Essex ARG and 13th MEU are currently 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 to 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 Reymundo A. Villegas III/Released)