Aircraft Launch Operations

Dynamic images of military aircraft launching from aircraft carriers, featuring F-14A Tomcat and F/A-18F Super Hornet in action over oceans.

F/A-18C Hornet USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) US Navy
F/A-18C Hornet USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) US Navy
254 assets in this story
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An Air Anti-submarine Squadron 29 (VS-29) S-3A Viking aircraft catches the crash barricade and an arresting wire on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). The aircraft was unable to make a normal arrested recovery because of damaged landing gear. Fourth view in a series of ten. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)
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Right rear view of the F/A-18C hornet aircraft of Strike Fighter Squadron Twenty-Five (VFA-25) parked on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72). The LINCOLN is open house ship today for the Navy League. The ship is taking part in Operation RIMPAC 2000. Subject Operation/Series: RIMPAC 2000 Base: Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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DN-ST-88-04794. Base: USS America (CV 66)
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971012-N-0000M-003. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Country: Unknown
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A plane handler straddles a tow bar connected to the nose wheel of an A-7E Corsair II aircraft as he waits to help respot the aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS FORRESTAL (CV-59) during the allied forces exercise Team Work '88. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM WORK '88 Country: North Atlantic Ocean
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PACIFIC OCEAN (June 27, 2019) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Kestrels of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137 takes off from the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is currently underway conducting routine operations.
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A Fighter Squadron 143 (VF-143) F-14A Tomcat aircraft is positioned on a catapult aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Unknown
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A Fleet Logistic Support Squadron 30 (VRC-30) C-2A Greyhound aircraft moves up to the No. 3 catapult on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)
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120505-N-AU606-052 ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 5, 2012) A Marine MV-22 Osprey awaits flight testing on the deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). George H.W. Bush is in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications.
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230627-N-KU796-1169 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 27, 2023) An F/A-18F Super Hornet from the Fighting Redcocks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 prepares to launch from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is underway conducting routine operations.
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220725-N-CY569-2485 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (July 25, 2022) F/A-18E Super Hornets, attached to Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW-1) and Belgian Air Force F-16s fly in formation over the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), July 25, 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.
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TIMOR SEA (July 9, 2015) Lt. Morgan George, front, and Lt. Kieth Ferrell, shooters aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), launch an E-2C Hawkeye from the Liberty Bells of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 115 during Talisman Sabre 2015. Talisman Sabre is a biennial exercise that provides an invaluable opportunity for nearly 30,000 U.S. and Australian defense forces to conduct operations in a combined, joint and interagency environment that will increase both countries' ability to plan and execute a full range of operations from combat missions to humanitarian assistance efforts.
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A French Marine F-8E (FN) Crusader aircraft prepares to takeoff after overshooting the arresting cable while attempting to land aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)
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030823-N-7871M-001. Base: USS George Washington (CVN 73)
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A firefighting team mans a hose on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) during a general quarters drill. In the background is an S-3A Viking aircraft of Air Anti-submarine Squadron 32 (VS-32), part of Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW-1). Some pilots of CVW-1, normally assigned to the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV-66), are landing aboard the ROOSEVELT to gain their carrier qualifications. Country: Unknown
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DN-ST-87-03604. Base: USS Constellation (CV 64)
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060831-N-8591H-149. Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)
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GULF OF OMAN (Jan. 9, 2014) Two F/A-18C Hornet, assigned to the "Ragin' Bulls" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37, fly over the crew of VFA-37 during an aerial change of command ceremony above the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Harry S. Truman, flagship for the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, supporting theater security cooperation efforts and supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
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DN-ST-89-08122. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)
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220817-N-LI114-1131 PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 17, 2022) F/A-18E Super Hornets, attached to the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 prepare for launch aboard the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). The Royal Maces conduct carrier-based air strike and strike force escort missions, as well as ship, battle group, and intelligence collection operations. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
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220626-N-XN177-2278 PHILIPPINE SEA (June 26, 2022) - An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 121 taxis on the flight deck aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), June 26, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
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DN-SN-86-03917. Base: USS Coral Sea (CV 43) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)
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000930-N-8160S-504. Base: Uss Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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111212-N-BT887-160ARABIAN GULF (Dec. 12, 2011) A Sailor gives the approval to launch an F/A-18C Hornet from the Golden Dragons of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 192 aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and support missions as part of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.
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A Pioneer I remotely-piloted vehicle (RPV) is prepared for launching from the stern of the battleship USS IOWA (BB-61). The RPV, which carries a stabilized television camera and a laser designator, is being tested aboard the IOWA as a basic gunfire support system with over-the-horizon targeting and reconnaissance capabilities. The system may be operated out to a range of 110 miles from the battleship surface group and has an endurance of eight hours. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)
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Gulf of Oman, August 20, 2013 - An F/A-18C Hornet takes off from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz.
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An F-18A Hornet aircraft is positioned on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) shortly after landing. The Hornet, along with the two A-7E Corsair II aircraft parked on the sideline, are among several planes from the Patuxent River Flight Test Center aboard the carrier to test the vessel's flight deck capabilities. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)
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Heading back from the Persian Gulf USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) passes through the Suez Canal on her way to the Mediterranean Sea. Base: USS Nimitz (CVN 68) State: Suez Canal Country: Egypt (EGY)
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DN-ST-87-10404. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)
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LCPL Chad Mitchell monitors flight operations, as an F-14 Tomcat launches from the deck of the aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN 68). Nimitz is deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Nimitz (CVN 68)
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Catapult crew members prepare to launch an F-14A Tomcat aircraft from the No. 2 catapult aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). The Tomcat is one of several aircraft from the Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent River aboard the LINCOLN for the purpose of testing the carrier's flight deck capabilities. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)
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220624-N-XN177-2297 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 24, 2022) - An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 121 taxis on the flight deck aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), June 24, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
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DN-SC-89-02807. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM WORK '88 Country: North Atlantic Ocean
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An A-6 Intruder aircraft taxis on the flight deck during flight operations aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70). In the foreground is an integrated catapult control station (ICCS). Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)
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A Fleet Logistic Support Squadron 50 (VRC-50) US-3A Viking aircraft prepares to be launched from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70). Country: North Pacific Ocean
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000728-N-7412M-005. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 2000 Base: Uss Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Egypt (EGY)
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A KA-3B Skywarrior aircraft of Naval Reserve Tactical Aerial Refueling Squadron Two-Zero-Nine (VAK-209) catches the arresting cable during a landing on board the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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Catapult crewmen position a Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ-1) EA-3B Skywarrior aircraft on a catapult during flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63). Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)
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F-14 Tomcat, A-6 Intruder, FA-18 Hornet, E-2 Hawkeye and S-3 Viking aircraft overfly the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) during its commissioning ceremony. Base: Newport News State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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221202-N-UF592-1087 PHILIPPINE SEA (Dec. 2, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, launches from the flight deck of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), in the Philippine Sea, Dec. 2. The Royal Maces conduct carrier-based air strikes and strike force escort missions, as well as ship, battle group, and intelligence collection operations. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports Alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
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PACIFIC OCEAN (May 17, 2013) An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the Black Knights of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154 launches from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.
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030306-M-0175R-010. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: USS Nassau (LHA 4)
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070130-N-3659B-153. Base: USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)
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060815-N-6106R-022. Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)
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060428-N-6484E-006. Base: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)
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war fare
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TROMSO, Norway (April 15, 2022) - The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) moored in port in Tromso, Norway, during a scheduled port visit, April 15, 2022. Kearsarge, flagship of the Kearsarge ARG/MEU team, is on a scheduled deployment under the command and control of Task Force 61/2 while operating in U.S. Sixth Fleet in support of U.S., Allied and partner interests in Europe and Africa.
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981114-M-2092T-005. Base: Uss Belleau Wood (LHA 3) Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)
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