200615-N-GR168-1001 SUEZ CANAL (June 15, 2020) The amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) transits the Suez Canal, June 15, 2020. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, 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)