200315-N-PI330-0025 SUEZ CANAL (March 15, 2020) The guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) transits the Suez Canal. Vella Gulf 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 the three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrew Waters/Released)