210101-N-CR843-0118 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS

210101-N-CR843-0118 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Jan. 01, 2021) Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Christopher Flores, assigned to the “The Fighting Tigers” of Patrol Squadron 8, deployed with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 57, conducts a post flight inspection on a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, Jan. 1. CTF-57 is the maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft Task Force for the U.S. 5th Fleet, Naval Forces Central Command, and Combined Maritime Forces. CTF-57 aircraft conduct missions in support of maritime operations to ensure stability, security, and the free flow of commerce in the Central Command area of responsibility, which connects the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean, encompassing three strategic chokepoints. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Juan S. Sua)