181023-N-NI420-1017 ARABIAN GULF (Oct. 23, 2018) Marine Cpl. Richardo Burbick, left, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 166 (Reinforced), and Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Stewart Forrester build a tire aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during a scheduled deployment with the Essex Amphibious Ready Group and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Essex is a 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/Released)