181206-N-PH222-1160 SUEZ CANAL (Dec. 6, 2018) Seaman Alexander Vega stands look-out watch aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD 23) while transiting the Suez Canal during a deployment of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The Essex ARG/13th MEU is 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, 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 Ryan M. Breeden/Released)