USS Gladiator (MCM 11) steams off the coast of Bahrain. Gladiator is currently participating in mine countermeasure exercises with the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group (BHRESG). BHRESG is conducting maritime security operations (MSO) in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment and complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts in regional nations� littoral waters. Coalition forces also conduct MSO under international maritime conventions to ensure security and safety in international waters so that commercial shipping and fishing can occur safely in the region. (U.S. Navy photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Mark Patterson II)