INDIAN OCEAN (Sept. 9, 2021) Capt. Kelly Fletcher, commanding officer of amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), addresses sailors taking the Navy-wide E-6 advancement exam. Essex, flagship of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), along with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (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. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Ace Rheaume)