GULF OF OMAN - Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Christian Dempsey, from Covington, stands watch in the bridge aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87). 

Mason is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet areas 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 Lasheba James/Released)