181019-N-GR847-3001 ARABIAN GULF (Oct. 19, 2018) Machinist’s

181019-N-GR847-3001
ARABIAN GULF (Oct. 19, 2018) Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Virginio Fernandes removes power to the stern gate of Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) during a regularly scheduled deployment of Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Rushmore is currently 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 to the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points as part of a regularly scheduled deployment of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th MEU. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Reymundo A. Villegas III/Released)