190701-M-QS181-1052 GULF OF ADEN (July 1, 2019) U.S.

190701-M-QS181-1052 GULF OF ADEN (July 1, 2019) U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), take off in a UH-1Y Venom from the flight deck of the Harpers Ferry-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49). The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and the 11th MEU 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. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jason Monty)