200410-N-GC472-1064 ARABIAN GULF (April 10, 2020) Landing Craft, Utility 1655 approaches the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), 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 Sea and the Pacific Ocean through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Angus Beckles/Released)