200403-N-GR168-1136 STRAIT OF HORMUZ (April 3, 2020) The guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) transits the Strait of Hormuz as seen from the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21), April 3, 2020. New York, with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and with 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 2nd Class Lyle Wilkie/Released)