171013-N-NI812-035 ARABIAN GULF (Oct. 13, 2017) Capt. Kevin Lenox, commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), cuts a cake with other Nimitz Sailors in the mess decks during the U.S. Navy's 242nd birthday celebration. 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 Ian Kinkead/Released)