SUEZ CANAL (June 1, 2021) The amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) transits the Suez Canal. The Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and the 24th 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 Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 1st Lt. Mark Andries)