190130-N-AT530-1066 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Jan. 30, 2019) Cmdr. Steve Schmidt, commanding officer of the Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), makes an announcement on the 1MC, the ship-wide communication system. Fort McHenry is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 22nd 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 3rd Class Chris Roys/Released)