RED SEA (June 16, 2021) Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Blake Stearnes, assigned to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), signals during a replenishment-at-sea with the Military Sealift Command dry cargo ship USNS William McLean (T-AKE 12) in the Red Sea, June 16, 2021. Carter Hall is 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 Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Sawyer Connally)