190818-M-QP663-1022 BAB EL-MANDEB STRAIT (Aug. 18, 2019) AH-1Z Viper helicopters attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepare to take off from the amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), during a Bab el-Mandeb Strait transit. The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and 11th MEU 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. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Adam Dublinske/Released)