THE TENSION: Combat Camera: US Warships Transit the Suez Canal

SUEZ CANAL (March 1, 2009) The multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) passes under the Mubarak Peace Bridge while transiting the Suez Canal. Iwo Jima is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Chad R. Erdmann.)

SUEZ CANAL (Feb. 27, 2009) The guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) and the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) transit the Suez Canal. Roosevelt and Vella Gulf are deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Flordeliz Valerio.)

SUEZ CANAL (Feb. 27, 2009) The guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) transits the Suez Canal. Roosevelt is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Katrina Parker.)

SUEZ CANAL (Feb. 27, 2009) The amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) transits the Suez Canal. Carter Hall is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason R. Zalasky.)