200417-M-IR130-1004 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS

200417-M-IR130-1004 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (April 17, 2020) The dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS William McLean (T-AKE 12) sails beside the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) during a vertical replenishment-at-sea April 17, 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)