GULF OF ADEN (Dec. 6, 2021) Sailors on a 11-meter rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RIB) assigned to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) depart the guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112), background, in the Gulf of Aden, Dec 6, 2021. Pearl Harbor and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (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 3rd Class Sang Kim)