181206-N-RP442-2136 ARABIAN GULF (Dec. 6, 2018) A 40mm saluting battery fires during a live-fire exercise aboard Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) while on a regularly scheduled deployment of the 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 Jenna Dobson/Released)