STRAIT OF HORMUZ (Nov. 12, 2021) An AH-1Z Venom helicopter attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), performs a Strait of Hormuz transit with the guided-missile destroyer USS O'Kane (DDG 77) during flight operations aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), Nov. 12, 2021. Essex 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 John McGovern)