INDIAN OCEAN (Jan. 4, 2022) Aviation Boatswain�s Mate 3rd Class Alejandra Basilio, from Palmdale, Calif., signals to an AV-8B Harrier attached to Marine Attack Squadron 214, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex, flagship of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), along with the 11th MEU, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with alliances and partners and serve as a ready response force to ensure maritime security and a free and open Indo-Pacific Region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Wesley Richardson)