170915-N-UM507-098 ARABIAN GULF (Sept. 15, 2017) Newly pinned chief petty officers (CPO) stand at attention after being welcomed into the Chief's Mess during a CPO pinning ceremony 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 3rd Class Weston A. Mohr/Released)