191124-N-PC620-0048 BAB EL-MANDEB STRAIT (Nov. 24, 2019) Capt. Chris D. Stone, the commanding officer of the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), sits at the captain's console in the combat information center of the ship as it transits the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. Normandy is part of the East Coast Surface Action Group and is operating in 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 Sea and Pacific Ocean through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael H. Lehman/Released)