200223-N-VP266-1165 ARABIAN GULF (Feb. 23, 2020) An assault amphibious vehicle (AAV) transits the Arabian Gulf after launching from the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) during well deck operations, Feb. 23, 2020. Oak Hill, a part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), 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 3rd Class Griffin Kersting/Released)