181125-N-GR847-1051 ARABIAN GULF (Nov. 25, 2018) An MV-22 Osprey, assigned to the “Sea Elks” of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 166 (Reinforced), departs Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) during Eastern Maverick 19. The Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit participated in this year's bilateral amphibious and land-based exercise to strengthen critical warfighting capabilities and enhance interoperability and operational readiness among the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and Qatari Armed Forces. The Essex ARG/13th MEU is a flexible and persistent Navy-Marine Corps team 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, which connects 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)