181227-N-N0146-1009 GULF OF ADEN (Dec. 27, 2018) Members of the guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon’s (DDG 93) visit, board, search and seizure team (VBSS) prepare to board a stateless dhow that was transporting 11,000 pounds of illicit drugs in the international waters of the Gulf of Aden. Chung-Hoon 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/Released)