170822-N-KR702-189 ARABIAN GULF (Aug. 22, 2017) Airman Christopher Francis, from Atlanta, holds a push back bar as he waits to conduct flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), Aug. 22, 2017, in the Arabian Gulf. Nimitz is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. While in this region, the ship and 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 2nd Class Holly L. Herline/Released)