230923-N-NO146-1001 GULF OF OMAN (Sept. 23, 2023) An A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to Combined Forces Air Component Commander flies past guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) during air operations in maritime surface warfare (AOMSW) exercise in the Gulf of Oman, Sept. 23. Stethem is deployed to the U.S. 5th fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region.