STRAIT OF HORMUZ (March 17, 2021) The amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), front, the expeditionary sea base USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3) and the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7) sail in formation during a Strait of Hormuz transit, March 17, 2021. 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 Jacob D. Bergh)