200314-N-VP266-1070 BAB AL-MANDEB STRAIT (March 14, 2020) The amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), left, the guided-missile destroyer USS Truxton (DDG 103) and the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) transit the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, March 14, 2020. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group with the embarked 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 and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Griffin Kersting/Released)