181211-N-NB142-1016 GULF OF OMAN (Dec. 12, 2018) Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Erick Smith, assigned to the “Blackjacks” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21, inspects the tail rotor of an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter on the flight deck of Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during a 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 2nd Class Chandler Harrell/Released)