181214-N-AN781-1924 ARABIAN SEA (Dec. 14, 2018) An MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, attached to the “Sea Elks” of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 166 (Reinforced), launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group, Essex ARG, and 13th MEU are conducting integrated operations in the Arabian Sea to ensure stability 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 William Phillips/Released)