170916-N-KR702-026 ARABIAN GULF (Sept. 16, 2017) Rear Adm. Bill Byrne, commander of Carrier Strike Group 11, gestures to Sailors from the French navy as he says goodbye after returning to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) from a visit aboard the French navy destroyer FS Auvergne (D654), Sept. 16, 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)