181024-N-AN781-1654 ARABIAN GULF (Oct. 24, 2018) Sailors assigned to the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) and Marines assigned to 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) transport cargo on the flight deck while participating in a vertical replenishment during a scheduled deployment of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th MEU. The Essex ARG/13th MEU 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 2nd Class William Phillips/Released)