NORTH ARABIAN GULF -- Boatswain's Mate 1st Class (SW) Conrad Mathis patrols the waters of the North Arabian Gulf near the Al Basra and Khawr Al Amaya Iraqi oil terminals, Sept. 24. Mathis is a crewmember of the Hawaii-based guided missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG 66), currently deployed to the region to conduct maritime security operations (MSO). MSO set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. MSO deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons, or other material. Official U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer's Mate Phillip A. Nickerson Jr.