181214-N-YW238-1565 ARABIAN SEA (Dec. 14, 2018) Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets and Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft fly in formation as the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), left, the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) and the guided-missile cruiser USS Decatur (DDG 73) are underway in formation in the Arabian Sea, Dec. 14, 2018. The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group, Essex Amphibious Ready Group, and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) 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 3rd Class Connor D. Loessin/Released)