ARABIAN GULF (Oct. 3, 2021) Capt. Matthew Thomas, commanding officer of the amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27), far right, and bridge watchstanders navigate the ship out of port, Oct. 3, 2021. 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 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)