ARABIAN GULF (July 28, 2021) Sailors assigned to dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) chock and chain a CH-53E Sea Stallion helicopter attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced) during routine flight operations in the Arabian Gulf. Carter Hall 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 3rd Class Sawyer Connally)