190718-M-QP663-1008 GULF OF ADEN (July 18, 2019) U.S.

190718-M-QP663-1008 GULF OF ADEN (July 18, 2019) U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Michael Weeks, a fire support Marine with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), ranges nearby boats from the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) during a Strait of Hormuz transit. The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and the 11th MEU are 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 the Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Adam Dublinske)