200410-N-GC472-1053 ARABIAN GULF (April 10, 2020) Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Thomas Gallegos, assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), participates in well deck operations, April 10, 2020. Bataan is the flagship for the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and, with embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), 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 Angus Beckles/Released)