ARABIAN GULF (Sept. 29, 2023) Master chief petty officers aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) welcome Capt. Paul Burkhart, commanding officer of Bataan, into the chief's mess during the ship's chief pinning ceremony in the Arabian Gulf, Sept. 29, 2023. Components of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) are 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 Danilo Reynoso)