200229-N-MH210-1300 GULF OF OMAN (Feb. 29, 2020) Marines assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) fast-rope out of a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter attached to the Blue Knights of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced) on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), Feb. 29, 2020. Bataan is the flagship for the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and, with embarked 26th 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 and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Zachary Anderson/Released)