GULF OF ADEN (July 6, 2021) The Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS William McLean (T-AKE 12), left, conducts a replenishment-at-sea with the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) in the Gulf of Aden. Iwo Jima 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 Sea and Pacific Ocean through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Isaac A. Rodriguez)