GULF OF ADEN (Sept. 21, 2018) Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Clinton Harris, from Walters, Oklahoma, shoots a shot line from a modified M14 rifle to dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3) from Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) while participating in a replenishment-at-sea during a regularly scheduled deployment of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The Essex ARG/13th MEU is lethal, flexible, and persistent Navy-Marine Corps team 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Reymundo A. Villegas III)
