151026-N-FV739-182

151026-N-FV739-182 GULF OF ADEN (Oct. 26, 2015) Naval Air Crewman 3rd Class Justen Thurman communicates with pilots from the �Blackjacks� of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 as the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) conducts maneuvers during normal operations in the Gulf of Aden. Essex is the flagship of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and, with the embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (15th MEU), is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher A. Veloicaza/Released)