210812-N-WQ732-1211 BERENICE, Egypt (August 12, 2021) – Capt. Joseph Baggett, commanding officer of guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61), left, speaks with Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), during a tour of the ship in Berenice, Egypt, Aug. 12. Monterey 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 and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Chelsea Palmer)