170910-N-LC642-080 ARABIAN GULF (Sept. 10, 2017) Sailors prepare to launch an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the “Argonauts” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) 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 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 Emily Johnston/Released)