190528-N-XN169-1088 GULF OF OMAN (May 28, 2019) Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Alonzo Bender, from Chicago, Ill., signals to the pilots of an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the “Grandmasters” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46 aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87). Mason is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet areas of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lasheba James/Released)