181213-N-NB142-1160 ARABIAN SEA (Dec. 13, 2018) An F-35B Lightning II attached to the “Avengers” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), launches from the flight deck of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). The Essex Amphibious Ready Group and the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group are conducting integrated operations in the Arabian Sea to ensure 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)