190224-N-RM440-1218 MANAMA, Bahrain (Feb. 24, 2019) A toddler sits in the bell of the Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Gladiator (MCM 11) after being christened in it during his baptism on the ship’s foc’sle. Gladiator is forward 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 2nd Class Samantha P. Montenegro/Released)