190507-M-YD783-1008 STRAIT OF HORMUZ (May 7, 2019)

190507-M-YD783-1008 STRAIT OF HORMUZ (May 7, 2019) U.S. Marine Cpl. Gary Barker, a low altitude air defense gunner with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), stands watch aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD-3) while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Marines and Sailors with the 22nd MEU and Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group 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. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tawanya Norwood/Released)