190226-N-AT530-1219 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Feb. 26, 2019) A Marine assigned to the Maritime Raid Force (MRF), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) climbs down a ladder during small-boat operations aboard the Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43). Fort McHenry is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 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)