The guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) transits

The guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) transits the Strait of Hormuz alongside the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) April 3, 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)