200321-N-PI330-0093 GULF OF ADEN (March 21, 2020) Boatswain�s Mate 2nd Class Shanita Terry signals for permission to refuel an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to the �Guardians� of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 48, aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) on March 21, 2020. 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 Sea and Pacific Ocean through the western Indian Ocean and the three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrew Waters/Released)