181206-N-AT135-1041 ARABIAN GULF (Dec. 6, 2018) The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) approaches Alan Shepard-class dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3) to conduct a replenishment-at-sea during a regularly scheduled deployment of Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (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 3rd Class Matthew Freeman/Released)