GULF OF ADEN (Aug. 16, 2023) Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) depart the ship in a rigid-hulled inflatable boat during visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) operations while underway in the Gulf of Aden, Aug. 16, 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)