GULF OF OMAN (Aug. 16, 2021) Sailors, assigned to the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), and Marines, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced), scrub the ship's flight deck. Iwo Jima 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 Isaac A. Rodriguez)