181207-M-MR595-1022 STRAIT OF HORMUZ (Dec. 7, 2018) Lance Cpl. Christian Pearson, assigned to Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), stands watch during a strait transit aboard the Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47). The Essex Amphibious Ready Group and the 13th MEU are 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. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Danny Gonzalez/Released)