ARABIAN GULF (Oct. 3, 2021) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Maria Chavez walks across the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) as an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 takes off during flight operations, Oct. 3, 2021. 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 the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jenna Dobson)