181127-N-PY230-1003 BAB AL-MANDEB (Nov. 27, 2018) The Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) transits the Bab al-Mandeb strait. The Sullivans 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 Senior Chief Intelligence Specialist Matt Bodenner/Released)