191009-N-XN169-1073 GULF OF ADEN (Oct. 7, 2019) Ensign Peter Buskill shoots a M9 pistol during a gun qualification on the flight deck of the 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 Sea and Pacific Ocean through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lasheba James/Released)