STRAIT OF HORMUZ (Nov. 2, 2021) An AH-1Z Venom attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), takes off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during strait transit operations with the guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 12) and the amphibious landing dock USS Pearl Harbor (LSC 52). Essex and the 11th MEU 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 Brett McMinoway)