STRAIT OF HORMUZ (Sept. 17, 2021) The amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), right, and the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Wally Schirra (T-AKE 8) transit the Strait of Hormuz in formation. The Essex Amphibious Ready Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Alexis Flores)