Aerial Views of Naval Operations

Dramatic aerial perspectives of naval vessels and operations, including helicopters and submarines, emphasizing maritime strategy and action within military contexts.

220513-N-DO281-1095 ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 13, 2022) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117) transits the Atlantic Ocean, May 13, 2022. Paul Ignatius is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of U.S., Allied and partner interest in Europe and Africa.

A bow view of the amphibious assault ship USS TARAWA (LHA-1) taken through the window of a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (March. 29, 2013) A UH-1Y Huey helicopter assigned to Marine Medium Squadron (HMM) 364 (REIN) hovers near a landing craft, air cushion (LCAC) while participating in an exercise with the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20). is part of the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group and, with embarked elements of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (15 MEU), is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

DN-ST-85-00742. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A starboard bow view of the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine USS TECUMSEH (SSBN-628) underway east of Charleston, S.C. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

220513-N-DO281-1095 ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 13, 2022) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117) transits the Atlantic Ocean, May 13, 2022. Paul Ignatius is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of U.S., Allied and partner interest in Europe and Africa.

PACIFIC OCEAN (July 30, 2022) U.S. Coast Guard Legend-class cutter USCGC Midgett (WMSL 757) transits the Pacific Ocean during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

A Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15 (HM-15) MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter tows a Mark 105 hydrofoil minesweeping sled during the joint U.S. Canadian fleet exercise MARCOT '93. Subject Operation/Series: MARCOT '93 Country: Strait Of Juan De Fuca

PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 24, 2017) A Landing Craft, Air Cushioned (LCAC) from Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5 approaches the well deck of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) as an F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to the Wake Island Avengers” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211 flies overhead during Dawn Blitz 2017. Dawn Blitz is a scenario-driven exercise designed to train and integrate Navy and Marine Corps units by providing a robust training environment where forces plan and execute an amphibious assault, engage in live-fire events, and establish expeditionary advanced bases in a land and maritime threat environment to improve naval amphibious core competencies.

A Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15 (HM-15) MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter tows a Mark 105 hydrofoil minesweeping sled during the joint U.S.-Canadian fleet exercise MARCOT '93. Subject Operation/Series: MARCOT '93 Country: Strait Of Juan De Fuca

An overhead view of the frigate USS HAROLD E. HOLT (FF-1074) underway.. Country: Pacific Ocean(POC)

The ice pack on the Jacobshavn Glacier Front outside Ilulissat, Greenland, is seen from a plane carrying U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on June 17, 2016, on a flight from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, to Ilulissat as he and Danish Foreign Minister Kristian Jensen prepared to meet with Greenlandic Premier Kim Kielsen and Foreign Minister Vittus Qujaukitsoq and take a cruise through an iceberg field next to the town aboard the HDMS Thetis.

Aviation Technician 3rd Class Tom Schmitt checks the rigging of the AQS-14 minehunting system as its sonar device is towed by a Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14 (HM-14) MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter during operations off the coast of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The system is being used to locate inert mines planted by U.S. forces as part of a minehunting exercise during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Unknown

A flight deck crewman folds the blades of a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter on the flight deck of the amphibious transport dock USS CLEVELAND (LPD 7) during PACEX '89. Subject Operation/Series: PACEX '89 Country: Unknown

GUNNER's Mate (Guns) SEAMAN Timothy Youell scrubs the build up of salt from one of the Mk 28 5 in. gun mounts aboard the battleship USS IOWA (BB 61). Base: USS Iowa (BB 61) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, navigate in a combat rubber raiding craft during a boat launch rehearsal aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the South China Sea, Sept. 20, 2022. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

Crewmen prepare to launch a tow target from the aft deck of the guided missile destroyer USS KING (DDG-41) during exercise Unitas XXI. Subject Operation/Series: UNITAS XXI Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

An overhead bow view of the nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine USS NATHANIEL GREEN (SSBN-636) underway off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DN-ST-86-10272. Country: Italy (ITA)

220402-N-CM110-2186 PACIFIC OCEAN (Apr. 2, 2022) - Sailors assigned to amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) point to Oscar,” the man overboard training dummy, from a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) during a training evolution, April 2. Tripoli is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

A close-up view of a crack in the hull of the Aegis guided missile cruiser USS PRINCETON (CG-59), part of the damage sustained when the vessel struck an Iraqi mine while on patrol in the Persian Gulf on February 18th in support of Operation Desert Storm. The incident resulted in the injury of three crew members and also inflicted propeller damage on the ship, however, the PRINCETON was still able to navigate and operate its weapons systems. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Bahrain (BHR)

Crew members and U.S. Coast Guardsmen aboard the guided missile destroyer USS WILLIAM V. PRATT (DDG-44) watch as an F-14A Tomcat aircraft of Fighter Squadron 102 (VF-102) flies overhead. Country: Red Sea

An aerial view of the fast combat support ship USS CAMDEN (AOE-2) underway. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DN-ST-88-00130. Country: Unknown

NASA's Orion spacecraft awaits the U.S. Navy's USS Anchorage for a ride home. Orion launched into space on a two-orbit, 4.5-test flight at 7:05 am EST on Dec. 5, and returned safely splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, where a combined team from NASA, the Navy and Orion prime contractor Lockheed Martin retrieved it for return to shore. It's now being transported back to shore on board the Anchorage. It is expected to be off loaded at Naval Base San Diego on Monday. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

PACIFIC OCEAN (July 24, 2022) A U.S. Coast Guard 26-foot Over-The-Horizon boat crew from the U.S. Coast Guard Legend-class cutter USCGC Midgett (WMSL 757) conduct training during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

DN-ST-89-08856. Country: Persian Gulf

Three lashed-together 55-gallon drums used to simulate a ditched aircraft during Hong Kong Exercise SEARCH AND RESCUE '82 fall into the ocean. The drums were dropped from an aircraft assigned to the 33rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service. Subject Operation/Series: SEARCH AND RESCUE '82 Country: Hong Kong (HKG)

Exercise with an Alouette III helicopter of the search and rescue (SAR) above Terschelling and the Wadden Sea.

A pararescueman dives into the Gulf of Aden after being extracted from an MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft during Exercise Bull Shark on 21 June 2022. Exercise Bull Shark, led by Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, is a joint training between U.S. service members and partner forces to strengthen personnel recovery capabilities and interoperability in support of the Warfighter Recovery Network Initiative throughout Africa. ( U.S. Army photo by SGT Samantha Shelton)

220612-N-KU796-1246 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 12, 2022) Two MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopters, from the Indians” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6, fly alongside the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during a strait transit exercise. Nimitz is underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations.

U.S. 7TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (March 30, 2013) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the Eightballers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 carries cargo from the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Matthew Perry (T-AKE 9) to the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) during a replenishment-at-sea. John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

050831-N-1467R-080. State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: USS BATAAN (LHD 5)

DN-ST-88-03592. Base: Persian Gulf

DN-ST-87-03069. Base: USS Worden (CG 18)

DN-ST-88-09798. Base: Pascagoula State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The #2 turret of the USS Iowa (BB-61) exploded on April 19, 1989, killing 47 members of the turret crew. The left gun of Turret One in the background is fully elevated as its crew tries to clear a misfire that occurred earlier by trying to coax the powder bags to slide backwards against the primer 19 April 1989

CARIBBEAN SEA (June 2, 2020) Naval aircrewmen hoist a simulated personnel casualty to an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Sea Knights of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22 during a man overboard search-and-rescue drill while embarked with the Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Detroit (LCS 7). Detroit is deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility to support Joint Interagency Task Force South's mission, which includes counter illicit drug trafficking in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.

120205-N-RR095-132 ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 5, 2012) Search and rescue swimmers are hoisted into an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, during a search and rescue training exercise. HSC-23 is embarked aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Makin Island and embarked Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU) are deployed supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

DN-ST-87-03315. Base: USS Iowa (BB 61) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Christopher Hendler, a scout sniper with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires on a Amphibious Ready Group during an aerial live-fire out of a SH-60 Sea Hawk in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 16, 2022. The scout snipers conducted the live-fire to hone their skills and maintain combat readiness. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Two life support team members from the 437th OSS, Charleston Air Force Base skim across the water in a small motor boat in search of debris or any signs of life after a simulated aircraft accident. The exercise was conducted to evaluate response times, correct medical procedures and to demonstrate the integration between members of the military and the Charleston County, Dorchester County and Berkeley County Fire and Rescue Squads. Base: Folly Beach State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations aircrew alertedSector Key West watchstanders of this fishing vessel about 12 miles south of Boot Key, Florida, Aug. 15, 2022. The people were repatriated to Cuba on Aug. 19, 2022. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

Members of Mobile Diving Salvage Unit 1 prepare to dive at the USS ARIZONA Memorial site. Salvage Unit 1 is participating in the joint Navy/Park Service project SeaMark, a surveying and charting effort to assess submerged cultural resources in the Pacific. Base: Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A port bow view of the guided missile destroyer USS ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG-51) underway in rough seas as a wave breaks over the ship's bow. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

010401-N-1110A-504. Subject Operation/Series: ARABIAN GAUNTLET 2001 Country: Unknown

A view of an SLQ-29 electronic warfare system antenna aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72). Base: Hampton Roads, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A 26-foot Over-the-Horizon small boat attached to USCGC Bear (WMEC 901) is prepared to be lowered into the water for a night time man overboard evolution, North Atlantic Ocean, Aug. 30, 2022. The Bear and its crew are participating in a Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) patrol to promote a rules-based order around fisheries which in-turn protects living maritime resources and bolsters international partnerships.

Warships participating in Operation Nanook 2022 follow HMCS Margaret Brooke in line ahead formation within Saglek Fjord in northern Labrador, Canada.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - On the USS San Diego, a crane is used to lower the forward bay cover, attached to tether lines, into the Pacific Ocean as part of the Orion underway recovery test. The Orion boilerplate test vehicle and other hardware are secured in the well deck of the ship in preparation for the test about 100 miles off the coast of San Diego, California. NASA and the U.S. Navy conducted tests to prepare for the recovery of the Orion crew module, forward bay cover and parachutes on its return from a deep space mission. The underway recovery test will allow the teams to demonstrate and evaluate the recovery processes, procedures, hardware and personnel in open waters. During the testing, the tether lines were unable to support the tension caused by crew module motion that was driven by wave turbulence in the well deck of the ship. NASA and the U.S. Navy are reviewing the testing data collected to evaluate the next steps. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program conduct

DN-ST-87-00133. Base: Naval Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

110720-N-MH885-020INDIAN OCEAN (July 20, 2011) Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) return to the ship in a rigid-hull inflatable boat after transporting mail and personnel to the guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54). George Washington is participating in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011, a bilateral exercise intended to train Australian and U.S. Forces in planning and conducting combined task force operations.

000921-N-5961C-003. Subject Operation/Series: CARAT 2000 Country: Unknown

020410-A-1526R-005. Base: Crabbs Training Area Country: Antigua And Barbuda (ATG) Scene Major Command Shown: USSOUTHCOM

A test version of the Orion crew module floats outside the well deck of the USS San Diego during Orion Underway Recovery Test 5 in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California. In the distance are U.S. Navy divers in a rigid hull inflatable boat. NASA's Ground Systems Development and Operations Program and the U.S. Navy are practicing recovery techniques using the well deck of the ship and the test version of the crew module to prepare for recovery of Orion on its return from deep space missions. The testing will allow the team to demonstrate and evaluate recovery processes, procedures, hardware and personnel in open waters. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and NASA's Journey to Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. Orion is scheduled to launch on NASA's Space Launch System in late 2

The hatches of the 12 vertical-launch Tomahawk missile tubes stand open on the bow of the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS OKLAHOMA CITY (SSN-723). Base: USS Oklahoma City (CG 5) State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 3, 2022) -- A landing craft, utility (LCU) assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 1 transits to dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) during exercise Steel Knight (SK23), Dec. 3, 2022. SK23 provides U.S. 3rd Fleet and I Marine Expeditionary Force with an opportunity to practice amphibious operations and demonstrate that amphibious forces can access critical areas that shape actions across the range of military operations to resolve conflict, conduct humanitarian assistance or combat the adversary. Steel Knight is an annual combined-arms live-fire exercise led by the 1st Marine Division which ensures forces are optimized for naval expeditionary warfare in contested spaces and is purpose-built to facilitate future operations afloat and ashore.

Marines debark an LCM-8 mechanized landing craft during an amphibious demonstration for the 14th Annual Inter-American Naval Conference. In the background is the tank landing ship USS MANITOWOC (LST-1180). Base: Naval Amphib Base, Little Creek State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

070131-N-2959L-036. Base: USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Crew members hoist a motor launch aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71). Base: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)

Coast Guard Personnel - Katrina and Rita - 26-HK-337-36. Hurricane Katrina

220811-N-XB010-1006 Philippine Sea (Aug. 11, 2022) A landing craft air cushion (LCAC) stands by in the forward-deployed amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) well deck in preparation for transporting vehicles and personnel ashore. New Orleans, part of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

220726-N-DN159-1008 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (July 26, 2022) Sailors assigned to the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group swim in the Mediterranean Sea during a swim call, July 26, 2022. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

220922-N-EH998-1182 RED SEA (Sept. 22, 2022) Guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94) and two U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons operate in the Red Sea, Sept. 22. Nitze conducted training with U.S. military aircraft to practice air and maritime coordination for join missions.

Members of the Philippine National Police - Maritime Group, 2nd Special Operations Unit and Philippine Coast Guard Special Operations Force take a notional suspect into custody while conducting a visit, board, search and seizure demonstration on June 10, 2022, near Puerto Princesa, Palawan. This engagement provided an opportunity for the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) Green Berets to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures with their Philippine partners in an effort to enhance interoperability while sharing new ideas for maritime operations. U.S. Special Operations Forces continue to prepare for tomorrows challenges and seize the initiative nowtogether. The U.S. focus on integrated deterrence requires geographically distributed, operationally resilient, defense-in-depth, and sustainable force postures that are coordinated globally and effectively employed every day.

A plume of water rises as a 52,700-pound sled hits the water after being launched from a catapult aboard the aircraft carrier USS RANGER (CV-61). The sled is being used to evaluate the performance of the vessel's steam catapults. Base: Naval Air Station, North Island State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A view of Cape Horn as seen from the signal bridge of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). The ship is approaching the Horn while circumnavigating South America. Base: Cape Horn Country: Chile (CHL)

DA-ST-85-02253. Subject Operation/Series: URGENT FURY Base: Grenville Country: Grenada (GRD)

Marinegeschütz. Kanone auf dem grauen Wasser Hintergrund. Naval gun. Gun on the gray water background. Copyright: xZoonar.com/StanislavxSablinx 22689342

Equipment Operator Second Class Scott Moneypenny, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 7 from San Diego, California is hoisted up by a CH-47 helicopter from Detachment 1, Company G, 140th Aviation, Nevada Army National Guard. The Zodiac boat used to search the lake for the 500 pound bombs is already attached to the CH-47 by cables. The missing bombs were carried by the A-10 that crashed on nearby Gold Dust Peak. Base: Big Spruce Lake State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

ESU Incident Command Post New Orleans - Katrina Sector - 26-HK-305-47. Hurricane Katrina

Prime Crew A/S 204 Astronauts Edward White, Virgil I. Grissom, & Roger Chaffee receive water egress training in the Gulf of Mexico. Duchess yacht for newmen. GULF OF MEXICO B&W/CN

U.S. Navy Landing Craft, Utility 1663 approaches the well deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) during embarkation operations off the coast of Brazil, during exercise UNITAS LXIII, Sept. 6, 2022. UNITAS is the worlds longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during littoral and amphibious operations in order to build on existing regional partnerships and create new enduring relationships that promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the U.S. Southern Commands area of responsibility.

PACIFIC OCEAN (July 18, 2013)The littoral combat ship USS Independence (LCS 2) demonstrates its maneuvering capabilities in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego.

240207-N-VO895-1183MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Feb. 7, 2024) Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Luis Mata, left, and Gunners Mate 2nd Class Niko Solomon, both assigned to the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), participate in a gun shoot, Feb. 7. Bataan is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests. Navy

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