Through the Straits...

We moved through the Straits to enter the Arabian Gulf today. This is quite an event because of all the force protection that has to be stood up in the ESG-5 (Expeditionary Strike Group). You'll see what I'm talking about in the photos. Because we're so close to land on both sides of the ship and we're not in such a nice part of town, we have to take all these measures precautionary measures. But we made it through just fine and on our way to libo!

Top left, the ships in the ESG-5 fall into line to pass through the Straits. Top right, you'll see a AH-1W Cobra helicopter on standby on the flight deck with one of the ESG-5 ships following in trace. Bottom left, pilots sit in the cockpit of the AH-1W Cobra on standby for an immediate mission. Bottom right, a Navy sailor mans a 25 mm gun on the starboard side of the ship.