190406-N-KN684-0804 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (April 6, 2019) Sailors observe the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3) come alongside the guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) for a fueling-at-sea in the Arabian Gulf, April 6, 2019. The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group 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 Skyler Okerman/Released)