ARABIAN GULF (Sept. 18, 2021) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 transports cargo during a replenishment-at-sea between the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Wally Schirra (T-AKE 8), right, and the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Patrick Katz)