ARABIAN SEA (Oct. 8, 2021) Sailors assigned to Assault Craft Unit 5 prepare to operate Landing Craft, Air Cushion 33, in the well deck of the amphibious transport dock USS Portland (LPD 27). Portland and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are 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. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Patrick Katz)