170919-N-WM647-1946 ARABIAN GULF (Sept. 19, 2017) The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), center, the French navy Aquitaine-class anti-submarine warfare destroyer Auvergne (D654), left, and the French navy Cassard-class air defense destroyer Jean Bart (D615) transit the Arabian Gulf. Auvergne and Jean Bart are operating with the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group to enhance interoperability between partner nations. Nimitz is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. While in the 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 2nd Class Elesia K. Patten/Released)