ARABIAN GULF (March 7, 2021) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 transfers supplies from the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Wally Schirra (T-AKE 8) to Marines with combat cargo on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) during a vertical replenishment-at-sea. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit 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 and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael J. Lieberknecht)