190613-M-QT322-1015 GULF OF ADEN (June 13, 2019) A U.S. Navy Sailor with the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) observes as a fuel line from the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3) is attached to the Arlington during a replenishment at sea. Marines and Sailors with the 22nd MEU and Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group are currently 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. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Ochoa/Released)