170905-N-UD618-114 ARABIAN GULF (Sept. 5, 2017) Capt. Kevin P. Lenox, commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and Cmdr. J.W. David Kurtz, executive officer, entertain the crew as part of a celebration highlighting the ship reaching its third month of deployment in the mess decks of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), Sept. 5, 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 Seaman Kennishah Maddux/Released)