STRAIT OF HORMUZ (Aug. 11, 2021) Ensign Mark Talvacchia stands watch as the conning officer aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) during a Strait of Hormuz transit, Aug. 11, 2021. Halsey 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 2nd Class Jaimar Carson Bondurant)