ARABIAN GULF (Dec. 4, 2021) An AV-8B Harrier, attached to Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 214, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepares to land on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during flight operations. 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)