190403-N-GC639-1004 STRAIT OF HORMUZ (April 3, 2019) The amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) transits the Strait of Hormuz. Marines and Sailors with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready group are 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 1st Class Ryan D. McLearnon/Released)