GULF OF OMAN (Jan. 11, 2021) Sailors assigned to the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) operate a rigid-hull inflatable boat during a visit, board, search and seizure drill with the guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) in the Gulf of Oman. Philippine Sea and John Paul Jones are 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 three critical chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Indra Beaufort)