ARABIAN SEA (September 13, 2021) Amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), right, amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), left, and amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27), transit the Arabian Sea, Sept. 13. The Essex Amphibious Ready Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of 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 Brett McMinoway)