ARABIAN GULF (Sept. 24, 2017) Marines perform maintenance on an F/A-18C Hornet, assigned to the “Death Rattlers�? of Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 323, in the hangar bay of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is currently deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. While in the 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 Elesia K. Patten/Released)