181205-N-FK318-0039 INDIAN OCEAN (Dec. 5, 2018) The guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) fires its Mark 45 5-inch gun during a live-fire exercise in the Indian Ocean, Dec. 5, 2018. Stockdale, part of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group, 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 2nd Class Abigayle Lutz)