PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 9, 2022) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Chad Kihoi, from Aiea, Hawaii., assigned to the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), signals to an MV-22B Osprey attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), during flight operations, Feb. 9, 2022. Essex, flagship of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), along with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (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 3rd Class Isaak Martinez)