191119-N-DS741-1253 STRAIT OF HORMUZ (Nov. 19, 2019) Master-At-Arms Seaman Khang Ho, right, and Seaman Shane Mitchell search for surface contacts during a Strait of Hormuz transit aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55). Leyte Gulf 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.