171021-N-AC254-102 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Oct. 22, 2017) The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) steams through the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. Lake Erie is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners, and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alexander A. Ventura II/Released)