USS Essex Underway Operations

Credit: Petty Officer 2nd Class John McGovern | Date Taken: 10/16/2021
ARABIAN GULF (Oct. 16, 2021) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Corey Martin signals to an MH-60S Sea Hawk attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21 aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during a vertical replenishment-at-sea, Oct. 16. 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 and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John McGovern)