Which fleet is assigned to the smallest area of responsibility (AOR)?

The Fifth Fleet is assigned to the smallest area of responsibility (AOR) among the options provided. Its AOR encompasses the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean, focusing primarily on the waters surrounding the Middle East, particularly in relation to U.S. strategic interests in that region. This area's relatively limited geographical scope, compared to other fleets, means that the Fifth Fleet covers less territory and has a more concentrated mission.

In contrast, the First Fleet covers the Pacific and Indian Oceans, the Second Fleet oversees the North Atlantic and parts of the Arctic and European waters, while the Fourth Fleet is responsible for the Caribbean and surrounding waters. All of these AORs are larger in geographical coverage than that of the Fifth Fleet, highlighting the specific focus of the Fifth Fleet on the vital maritime interests of the U.S. in the Middle East.