180628-N-OA516-0136 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (June 28, 2018) Capt. Joseph R. Obrien, commanding officer of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), speaks to the crew on the mess decks during an observation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month, June 28, 2018. Iwo Jima is 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. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin Leitner/Released)