STRAIT OF HORMUZ (Oct. 4, 2021) The amphibious transport dock USS Portland (LPD 27), center, transits the Strait of Hormuz behind the mine countermeasures ships USS Gladiator (MCM 11), far left, and USS Sentry (MCM 3), second from left, Oct. 4. Portland and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are 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. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Patrick Katz/Released)