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NORTH ARABIAN SEA (May 8, 2021) Thousands of illicit weapons interdicted by guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) from a stateless dhow in international waters of the North Arabian Sea on May 6-7. Maritime security operations, as conducted by the U.S. Fifth Fleet, entail routine patrols to determine pattern of life in the maritime as well as to enhance mariner-to-mariner relations. These operations reassure allies and partners and preserve freedom of navigation and free flow of commerce. (U.S. Navy Photo)
USS Monterey Seizes Illicit Weapons in the North Arabian Sea
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MANAMA, Bahrain (May 5, 2021) - Gen. Frank McKenzie, left, commander of U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM), speaks with Commander-in-Chief Bahrain Defence Forces (BDF) Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, during a visit to Bahrain Defence Force headquarters to discuss ongoing operations and commitment to the region, May 5. USCENTCOM directs and enables military operations and activities with allies and partners to increase regional security and stability in support of enduring U.S. interests. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Crouch)
Gen. Frank McKenzie visits Bahrain Defence Forces and NAVCENT
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NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN (May 5, 2021) Vice Adm. Sam Paparo, left, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), is relieved by Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, right, during a change of command ceremony presided over by Gen. Frank McKenzie, commander of U.S. Central Command, onboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, May 5. NAVCENT is the U.S. Navy element of U.S. Central Command in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations and encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. The expanse is comprised of 20 countries and includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Daniel Hinton)
U.S. 5th Fleet Welcomes New Commander
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NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN, – The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG), began dual-carrier flight operations with the French Navy (Marine Nationale) Charles de Gaulle Carrier Strike Group in the Arabian Sea, April 13. Dual carrier operations between the two strike groups demonstrates the combined military capability fostered by the U.S. Navy as it has worked alongside the French Navy for many years.
U.S., French Carrier Strike Groups Conduct Dual Carrier Operations in 5th Fleet
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ARABIAN GULF (April 7, 2021) – Royal Bahrain Naval Force fast attack craft RBNS Abdul Rahman Al-fadel (P 22), Bahrain Coast Guard response boats Hawar 5 and Hawar 4, U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan (DDG 72), patrol coastal ships USS Squall (PC 7) and USS Hurricane (PC 3), U.S. Coast Guard patrol boat USCGC Adak (WBP 1333) and two Mark VI patrol boats operate in formation during exercise Neon Defender in the Arabian Gulf, April 7. Neon Defender 21 is a bilateral maritime exercise between the U.S. and Bahrain, designed to enhance interoperability and readiness, fortify military-to-military relationships and advance operational capabilities, allowing participating naval forces to effectively develop the necessary skills to address threats to regional security, freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce. (Army Photo by Spc. Evens Milcette Jr.)
Neon Defender 21 Group Sail
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GULF OF OMAN (March 23, 2021) – U.S. Navy Landing Craft, Air Cushion 39, attached to Assault Craft Unit 5, returns to the amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25) after disembarking personnel and equipment assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), in the Gulf of Oman, March 23. Somerset, part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, and the 15th MEU 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. Brendan Mullin)
USS Somerset LCACs begin offload in Oman
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B-52H Stratofortress “Heavy Hauler”, assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing, takes off on March 6, 2021, at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. The United States maintains a strong, credible strategic bomber force that enhances the security and stability of allies and partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Josh W. Strickland)
Bomber Task Force mission to Middle East
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ARABIAN GULF (Feb. 11, 2021) – A U.S. Navy landing craft, air cushion assigned to Assault Craft Unit 5 maneuvers away from the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), during well-deck operations in the Arabian Gulf, Feb. 11. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and the 15th 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 Sgt. Sarah Stegall)
LCACs transport 15th MEU Marines from USS Makin Island to shore
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U.S. Air Force CV-22 Ospreys fly in formation in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Jan. 29, 2021. The CV-22s mission is to conduct long-range infiltration, exfiltration and resupply missions in the USCENTCOM area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sean Carnes)
Ospreys soar over the CENTCOM AOR
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U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, assigned to Special Purpose Marine-Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response - Central Command, board an MV-22 Osprey during a crisis response exercise in Kuwait, Jan. 13, 2021. The regularly scheduled exercise was designed to sustain proficiency and enhance MAGTF integration in a realistic training environment. The SPMAGTF-CR-CC is a crisis response force, prepared to deploy a variety of capabilities across the region. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob Yost)
UAE Armed Forces and U.S. Marines Complete Defense Training in UAE
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A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing departs after receiving fuel from a KC-10 Extender assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron during a Bomber Task Force (BTF) mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 17, 2021. BTF missions or deployments showcase the U.S. Air Force’s ability to rapidly and effectively support missions around the globe and seamlessly integrate into operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Aaron Larue Guerrisky)
Aircrews Conduct 2nd “Presence Patrol” of 2021 in Middle East
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U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., commander, U.S. Central Command and Fleet Master Chief James Herdel, senior enlisted leader, U.S. Central Command provide a COVID-19 vaccine update to command personnel.
CENTCOM COVID-19 vaccination message.
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NORTH ARABIAN SEA (Jan. 9, 2021) An F/A-18C Hornet, from the “Death Rattlers” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323, makes an arrested landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz, the flagship of Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three critical chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joseph Calabrese)
USS Nimitz Conducts Flight Ops
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A U.S. Air Force B-52 from Barksdale Air Force Base is aerial refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Dec. 30, 2020. The B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range, heavy bomber that is capable of flying at high subsonic speeds at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet and can carry nuclear or precision guided conventional ordnance with global reach precision navigation capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Roslyn Ward)
BUFFS deploy to the Middle East
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The Royal Saudi Naval Force corvette HMS Badr (612), front to back, the guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), Navy patrol coastal ships USS Squall (PC 7), USS Firebolt (PC 10), Coast Guard patrol boats USCGC Monomoy (WPB 1326), USCGC Maui (WPB 1304) and USCGC Wrangell (WPB 1332) transit the Arabian Gulf with Royal Saudi Air Force F-15SA fighter jets, U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets, a U.S. Navy MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter and a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft during the joint and combined air operations in support of maritime surface warfare (AOMSW) exercise in the Arabian Gulf, Dec. 17. Combined integration operations between joint U.S. forces are regularly held to maintain interoperability and the capability to counter threats posed in the maritime domain, ensuring freedom of navigation and free flow of commerce throughout the region's heavily trafficked waterways. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Louis Thompson Staats IV)
Saudi, U.S. Forces Conduct Joint Aviation Integration Exercise in Arabian Gulf
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A B-52H Stratofortress departs for a long-range training mission at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 9, 2020. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Lillian Miller)
U.S. Bombers Operate In CENTCOM
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NORTH ARABIAN SEA (Dec. 2, 2020) A Sailor directs an E/A-18G Growler, from the “Cougars” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139, on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz, the flagship of Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three critical chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cheyenne Geletka/Released)
Nimitz Conducts Flight Operations
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A B-52H Stratofortress takes off from the flightline on Nov. 20, 2020, at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. U.S. Central Command is commmited to preserving and protecting the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce throughout the region. While the United continues to have robust defensive capapbilities throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, any potential adversary should understand that no nation on earth is more ready and capable of rapidly deploying additional combat power in the face of any aggression. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jesse Jenny)
Bomber Task Force mission demonstrates regional commitment in CENTCOM AOR
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Soldiers with 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division fires rounds during a live-fire exercise in Kuwait, November 9, 2020. 2ABCT is deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Spartan Shield to support regional partners and sustain stability in the region. (U.S. Army Photo by: Staff Sgt. Michael West)
Live-Fire exercise in Kuwait
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ARABIAN GULF (Oct. 6, 2020) An E/A-18G Growler, from the “Cougars” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139, makes an arrested gear landing on the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Nimitz, the flagship of Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, conducting missions in support of OIR, and maritime security operations alongside regional and coalition partners. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cheyenne Geletka)
USS Nimitz Conducts Flight Operations
Hi-Res | Photo Gallery
NORTH ARABIAN SEA (May 8, 2021) Thousands of illicit weapons interdicted by guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) from a stateless dhow in international waters of the North Arabian Sea on May 6-7. Maritime security operations, as conducted by the U.S. Fifth Fleet, entail routine patrols to determine pattern of life in the maritime as well as to enhance mariner-to-mariner relations. These operations reassure allies and partners and preserve freedom of navigation and free flow of commerce. (U.S. Navy Photo)
MANAMA, Bahrain (May 5, 2021) - Gen. Frank McKenzie, left, commander of U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM), speaks with Commander-in-Chief Bahrain Defence Forces (BDF) Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, during a visit to Bahrain Defence Force headquarters to discuss ongoing operations and commitment to the region, May 5. USCENTCOM directs and enables military operations and activities with allies and partners to increase regional security and stability in support of enduring U.S. interests. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Crouch)
NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN (May 5, 2021) Vice Adm. Sam Paparo, left, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), is relieved by Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, right, during a change of command ceremony presided over by Gen. Frank McKenzie, commander of U.S. Central Command, onboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, May 5. NAVCENT is the U.S. Navy element of U.S. Central Command in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations and encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. The expanse is comprised of 20 countries and includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Daniel Hinton)
NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN, – The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG), began dual-carrier flight operations with the French Navy (Marine Nationale) Charles de Gaulle Carrier Strike Group in the Arabian Sea, April 13. Dual carrier operations between the two strike groups demonstrates the combined military capability fostered by the U.S. Navy as it has worked alongside the French Navy for many years.
ARABIAN GULF (April 7, 2021) – Royal Bahrain Naval Force fast attack craft RBNS Abdul Rahman Al-fadel (P 22), Bahrain Coast Guard response boats Hawar 5 and Hawar 4, U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan (DDG 72), patrol coastal ships USS Squall (PC 7) and USS Hurricane (PC 3), U.S. Coast Guard patrol boat USCGC Adak (WBP 1333) and two Mark VI patrol boats operate in formation during exercise Neon Defender in the Arabian Gulf, April 7. Neon Defender 21 is a bilateral maritime exercise between the U.S. and Bahrain, designed to enhance interoperability and readiness, fortify military-to-military relationships and advance operational capabilities, allowing participating naval forces to effectively develop the necessary skills to address threats to regional security, freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce. (Army Photo by Spc. Evens Milcette Jr.)
GULF OF OMAN (March 23, 2021) – U.S. Navy Landing Craft, Air Cushion 39, attached to Assault Craft Unit 5, returns to the amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25) after disembarking personnel and equipment assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), in the Gulf of Oman, March 23. Somerset, part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, and the 15th MEU 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. Brendan Mullin)
B-52H Stratofortress “Heavy Hauler”, assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing, takes off on March 6, 2021, at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. The United States maintains a strong, credible strategic bomber force that enhances the security and stability of allies and partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Josh W. Strickland)
ARABIAN GULF (Feb. 11, 2021) – A U.S. Navy landing craft, air cushion assigned to Assault Craft Unit 5 maneuvers away from the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), during well-deck operations in the Arabian Gulf, Feb. 11. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and the 15th 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 Sgt. Sarah Stegall)
U.S. Air Force CV-22 Ospreys fly in formation in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Jan. 29, 2021. The CV-22s mission is to conduct long-range infiltration, exfiltration and resupply missions in the USCENTCOM area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sean Carnes)
U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, assigned to Special Purpose Marine-Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response - Central Command, board an MV-22 Osprey during a crisis response exercise in Kuwait, Jan. 13, 2021. The regularly scheduled exercise was designed to sustain proficiency and enhance MAGTF integration in a realistic training environment. The SPMAGTF-CR-CC is a crisis response force, prepared to deploy a variety of capabilities across the region. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob Yost)
A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing departs after receiving fuel from a KC-10 Extender assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron during a Bomber Task Force (BTF) mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 17, 2021. BTF missions or deployments showcase the U.S. Air Force’s ability to rapidly and effectively support missions around the globe and seamlessly integrate into operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Aaron Larue Guerrisky)
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., commander, U.S. Central Command and Fleet Master Chief James Herdel, senior enlisted leader, U.S. Central Command provide a COVID-19 vaccine update to command personnel.
NORTH ARABIAN SEA (Jan. 9, 2021) An F/A-18C Hornet, from the “Death Rattlers” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323, makes an arrested landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz, the flagship of Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three critical chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joseph Calabrese)
A U.S. Air Force B-52 from Barksdale Air Force Base is aerial refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Dec. 30, 2020. The B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range, heavy bomber that is capable of flying at high subsonic speeds at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet and can carry nuclear or precision guided conventional ordnance with global reach precision navigation capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Roslyn Ward)
The Royal Saudi Naval Force corvette HMS Badr (612), front to back, the guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), Navy patrol coastal ships USS Squall (PC 7), USS Firebolt (PC 10), Coast Guard patrol boats USCGC Monomoy (WPB 1326), USCGC Maui (WPB 1304) and USCGC Wrangell (WPB 1332) transit the Arabian Gulf with Royal Saudi Air Force F-15SA fighter jets, U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets, a U.S. Navy MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter and a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft during the joint and combined air operations in support of maritime surface warfare (AOMSW) exercise in the Arabian Gulf, Dec. 17. Combined integration operations between joint U.S. forces are regularly held to maintain interoperability and the capability to counter threats posed in the maritime domain, ensuring freedom of navigation and free flow of commerce throughout the region's heavily trafficked waterways. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Louis Thompson Staats IV)
A B-52H Stratofortress departs for a long-range training mission at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 9, 2020. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Lillian Miller)
NORTH ARABIAN SEA (Dec. 2, 2020) A Sailor directs an E/A-18G Growler, from the “Cougars” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139, on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz, the flagship of Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three critical chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cheyenne Geletka/Released)
A B-52H Stratofortress takes off from the flightline on Nov. 20, 2020, at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. U.S. Central Command is commmited to preserving and protecting the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce throughout the region. While the United continues to have robust defensive capapbilities throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, any potential adversary should understand that no nation on earth is more ready and capable of rapidly deploying additional combat power in the face of any aggression. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jesse Jenny)
Soldiers with 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division fires rounds during a live-fire exercise in Kuwait, November 9, 2020. 2ABCT is deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Spartan Shield to support regional partners and sustain stability in the region. (U.S. Army Photo by: Staff Sgt. Michael West)
ARABIAN GULF (Oct. 6, 2020) An E/A-18G Growler, from the “Cougars” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139, makes an arrested gear landing on the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Nimitz, the flagship of Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, conducting missions in support of OIR, and maritime security operations alongside regional and coalition partners. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cheyenne Geletka)

U.S. Central Command Photo Gallery

210402-N-OC881-1043
210402-N-OC881-1043 SUEZ CANAL (April 2, 2021) The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) transits the Suez Canal, April 2. The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group 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 Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Conner Houghtaling)
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