200331-M-IR130-1033 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS

200331-M-IR130-1033 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (March 31, 2020) Cpl. Garrett Deman, air crew chief, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), pours dressing on a salad in the galley of the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) March 31, 2020. Bataan, with embarked 26th 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 Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Gary Jayne III)