ARABIAN GULF (Sept. 20, 2021) Aviation Boatswain�s Mate 1st Class Ricardo Rodriguez signals to an AV-8B Harrier attached to Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 214 on the flight deck of 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 Sea and the Pacific Ocean through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Wesley Richardson)