The Navy released a dramatic photo over the weekend of the San Diego-based USS Essex sailing in formation with the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS John Stennis in the Arabian Sea.
The Essex, an amphibious assault ship, deployed from San Diego in July with helicopters, tiltrotors and the Marines’ new F-35B vertical-takeoff stealth fighters.
The Navy said the Essex Amphibious Ready Group and embarked Camp Pendleton-based 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit are conducting integrated operations in the Arabian Sea with the Stennis Carrier Battle Group.
Included in the battle group are the San Diego-based guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay and the guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur.
The goal of the operation is “to ensure stability and security in the Central Region,” according to the Navy.
The Arabian Sea is a key area of Navy focus because it connects the Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean through strategic choke points.
