191206-N-RJ834-0469 ARABIAN SEA (Dec. 6, 2019) The guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) conducts a replenishment-at-sea with the fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8). Lassen 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 and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tamara Vaughn)