200127-N-GR168-1048 BAB AL-MANDEB STRAIT (Jan. 27, 2020) The amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) transits the Bab al-Mandeb strait with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG). The Bataan ARG, 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 Sea and the Pacific Ocean through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Lyle Wilkie