ARABIAN GULF (Nov. 20, 2023) Lt. j.g. Luke Thomas stands watch aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) in the Arabian Gulf, Nov. 20, 2023. Stethem 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 Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Ruskin Naval)