200329-N-SL179-1006 GULF OF ADEN (March 29, 2020) Sailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHC 5), and Marines assigned to the Blue Knights of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced) prepare MV-22B Osprey, attached to VMM-365, for takeoff during flight operations, March 29, 2020. Bataan is the flagship for the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, 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 3rd Class Alan L. Robertson/Released)