200323-N-PI330-0143 GULF OF ADEN (March 23, 2020) Boatswain�s Mate 2nd Class Eric Bruce signals for an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, attached to the �Guardians� of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 48, to spin its rotors aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) on March 23, 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)