171005-N-NI812-071
171005-N-NI812-071
ARABIAN GULF (Oct. 5, 2017) An F/A-18F Super Hornet, from the “Black Knights” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, launches off of the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during night flight operations 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 3rd Class Ian Kinkead/Released)