GULF OF AQABA (August 31, 2021) – Israeli Navy corvette INS Eilat (501), left, guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61), center, and an Israeli Navy fast patrol boat transit in formation during a combined maritime security patrol in the Gulf of Aqaba, Aug. 31. Monterey 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 Naval Air Crewman 2nd Class Jesse Johnston)