170806-N-UD618-144 ARABIAN GULF (Aug. 6, 2017) Sailors perform pre-flight checks on an F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the “Black Knights” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the Arabian Gulf. Nimitz is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. While in this region, the ship and its carrier strike group are conducting maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners, preserve freedom of navigation, and maintain the free flow of commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kennishah J. Maddux/Released)