ARABIAN GULF (April 6, 2021) Boatswain�s Mate 2nd Class Steven Alvarado directs an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, attached to the �Chargers� of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26, during flight operations aboard guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan (DDG 72) in the Persian Gulf, April 6, 2021. Mahan 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 strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Ryan Childress)