170905-N-UD618-131 ARABIAN GULF (Sept. 5, 2017) Capt. Kevin P. Lenox, right, commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), and Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Maria Reyes cut a cake during a ceremony commemorating the halfway point of deployment aboard the ship. 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 illustration by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kennishah J. Maddux)