191210-N-RJ834-0011 ARABIAN GULF (Dec. 10, 2019) Sailors assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) lower a rigid-hull inflatable boat during small boat operations. 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 Sea and the Pacific Ocean through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tamara Vaughn/Released)