200713-N-PI330-0121 ARABIAN GULF (July 13, 2020) The guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) transits the Arabian Gulf, July 13, 2020. Vella Gulf 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 Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and the three critical choke points to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrew Waters/Released)