ARABIAN GULF (Dec. 4, 2021) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21, prepares to takeoff from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during night flight operations. 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 Brett McMinoway)