180908-N-PH222-0081 GULF OF ADEN (Sept. 8, 2018)

180908-N-PH222-0081 GULF OF ADEN (Sept. 8, 2018) Quartermaster 1st Class Denise Perez, from Corsicana, Texas, assigned to Assault Craft Unit 5, navigates Landing Craft Air Cushion 82, while participating in Amphibious Combat Rehearsal (TACR) 18. Led by Naval Amphibious Force, Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Expedition Bridge, TACR integrates U.S. Navy and Marine Corps assets to practice and rehearse a range of critical combat-related capabilities available to U.S. Central Command, both afloat and ashore, to promote stability and security in the region. U.S. 5th Fleet and coalition assets are participating in numerous simultaneous exercises as part of the greater Theater Counter Mine and Maritime Security Exercise to ensure maritime stability and security in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ryan M. Breeden)