ARABIAN SEA – U.S. Marine Sgt. Francisco J. Diaz Jr.,

ARABIAN SEA – U.S. Marine Sgt. Francisco J. Diaz Jr., a videographer with the Communication Strategy and Operations, Command Element, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), is submitted by Sgt. Mark Mendez, radio chief with Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, Command Element, 13th MEU, during his black belt advancement culminating event while aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), Jan. 15, 2019. The Essex is the flagship for the Essex Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 13th MEU, is 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. A. J. Van Fredenberg/Released)