200413-M-IR130-1089 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS

200413-M-IR130-1089 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (April 13, 2020) A rigid-hull inflatable boat assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) floats near the Bataan April 13, 2020. Bataan, with embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, 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)