U.S. Marines Embark Merchant Vessel to Provide Security During Strait of Hormuz Transit
Marines assigned to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team, Central Command (FASTCENT) prepare to be extracted by a Navy MH-60S Seahawk, attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 26 (HSC-26) from the Arc Liberty, a Military Sealift Command time chartered vessel, after providing security during a Straight of Hormuz transit. FASTCENT Marines work with U.S. partners and allies to protect personnel and property while simultaneously ensuring freedom of navigation in international waterways. Task Force 51 and 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade is entrusted with rapidly aggregating crisis response capabilities and positioning Navy and Marine Corps forces throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to ensure command and control of forces at sea, from the sea, and ashore. (Photo by Marine Corps Cpl. Tanner A. Gerst)