ARABIAN GULF (June 30, 2020) Fire Controlman 2nd Class Katherine Verbeek conducts maintenance on a close-in weapons system aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), June 30, 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 Sea and Pacific Ocean 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)