PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 25, 2021) U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Aaron Palomino, the chief scout sniper with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, sets security with an M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), Sept. 2, 2021. Essex, flagship of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 11th MEU, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Israel Chincio)