200609-N-GR168-1059 BAB EL-MANDEB STRAIT (June 9, 2020) The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, including the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), left, the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS William McLean (T-AKE 12) and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), transits the Bab El-Mandeb Strait, June 9, 2020. 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 critical choke points to the free flow of commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Lyle Wilkie/Released)