ARABIAN GULF (Oct. 7, 2020) The Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Matthew Perry (T-AKE 9) prepares to come alongside the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) before conducting a vertical replenishment-at-sea in the Arabian Sea, Oct. 7. Philippine Sea 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 three critical chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Indra Beaufort)