181206-N-ER806-1329 INDIAN OCEAN (Dec. 6, 2018) The guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) fires a Mark 45 5-inch gun during a live-fire exercise in the Indian Ocean, Dec. 6, 2018. Mobile Bay is part of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group and 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 Nick Bauer/Released)