171003-N-XL056-003 ARABIAN GULF (Oct. 3 2017) Rear Adm. Bill Byrne, commander of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11, greets Republic of Korea Col. Jae Ho Cheon during a distinguished visitor embark 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 Leon Wong/Released)