190220-N-KT659-1026 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS

190220-N-KT659-1026 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Feb. 20, 2019) Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2rd Robert Bixler, assigned to the “Grey Knights” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 46, works on an engine of a P-3C Orion anti-submarine warfare patrol aircraft. VP-46 is currently deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet and U.S. 7th Fleet areas of operations. While in this region, VP-46 is supporting naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Zachary Dalton/Released)