190123-M-QF372-1098 U.S. 5th Fleet area of Operations (Jan. 23, 2019) Marines assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, Maritime Raid Force, approach the Whidbey Island-class dock amphibious landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) in a rigid hulled inflatable boat during visit, board, search and seizure sustainment training. The Marines performed VBSS training on a non-compliant vessel and improved their efficiency in VBSS operations. Marines and Sailors assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group are currently 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. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Antonio Garcia/Released)