INDIAN OCEAN (July 26, 2015) U.S. Marine Cpl. Tanner Maynard, left, and Sgt. Tyler Kennedy sit in the back of a CH-53E Super Stallion aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) July 26, 2015. Maynard and Kennedy are CH-53E crew chiefs with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). As crew chiefs, these Marines monitor the structural integrity of the aircraft as well as acting as load masters and door gunners. They also serve an essential role during landing procedures and act as the pilot’s eyes. The crew chiefs add to the maneuverability of the aircraft. Elements of the 15th MEU, based out of Camp Pendleton, California, and embarked aboard the Essex, are conducting naval operations in the 6th Fleet areas of operation in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Anna Albrecht/Released)