PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 30, 2021) Marines aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), prepare to sling-load cargo beneath an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 during a replenishment-at-sea aboard Essex, Aug. 30, 2021. Essex, the flagship of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, 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 Sgt. Jennessa Davey)