STRAIT OF HORMUZ (Nov. 12, 2021) The amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) transits the Strait of Hormuz with the guided-missile destroyer USS O'Kane (DDG 77), foreground, Nov. 12, 2021. Essex 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 1st Class Joe Rolfe)