MANAMA, Bahrain (Sept. 30, 2021) Sailors assigned to the amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27) and Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) sort mail on the flight deck, Sept. 30, 2021. Portland and the 11th MEU 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 and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Devin Kates)