ARABIAN GULF (Oct. 23, 2021) Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jonathan Vargas, left, and Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Noah Chapman attach pallets to an Aerospatiale SA 330 Puma on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during a vertical replenishment-at-sea with the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Wally Schirra (T-AKE 8). 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 John McGovern)