STRAIT OF HORMUZ (July 28, 2023) Cmdr. Shelby Nikitin, commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), talks on the phone while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, July 28, 2023. Thomas Hudner is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kerri Kline)