BAB-EL-MANDEB (March 26, 2021) The guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) transits the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. 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 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)