Aircraft on Flight Decks

Scenes of military aircraft on flight decks, showcasing operations and maintenance activity with personnel and various fighter jets.

A UH-46D Sea Knight helicopter from the ammunition ship USS KISKA (AE 35) hovers above the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) during Fleet Exercise 85. In the foreground are several F-14A Tomcat aircraft from Fighter Squadron 21. On the far right is an F/A-18A Hornet aircraft. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

The pilot of a Fighter Squadron 74 (VF-74) F-14B Tomcat aircraft waits for instructions on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60). The Tomcat is armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-7 Sparrow missiles. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-ST-86-10270. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

Flight deck crewmen hitch an MS-3A tow tractor to an F/A-18A Hornet aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) during PACEX '89. Subject Operation/Series: PACEX '89 Base: USS Constellation (CV 64)

DN-ST-86-04437. Base: USS Midway (CV 41)

An Attack Squadron 46 (VA-46) A-7E Corsair aircraft taxis across the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) as it prepares to depart on a strike mission during Operation Desert Storm. The aircraft is carrying Mark 82 500-pound bombs on its wing pylons and an AIM-9 SIdewinder missile on its fuselage pylon. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Red Sea

DN-ST-88-00676. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-ST-88-00756. Country: Unknown

DN-SC-87-05778. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

A flight deck crewman watches as an Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75) A-6E Intruder aircraft lands on the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). Country: Adriatic Sea

A UH-46D Sea Knight helicopter from the ammunition ship USS KISKA (AE 35) hovers above the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) during Fleet Exercise 85. In the foreground are several F-14A Tomcat aircraft from Fighter Squadron 21. On the far right is an F/A-18A Hornet aircraft. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DN-SC-86-03901. Base: USS Saratoga (CV 60) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

An MD-3A tow tractor is used to position an EA-6B Prowler aircraft from Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 135 (VAQ-135) on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS CORAL SEA (CV-43) prior to air strike on targets in Libya. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-ST-88-04790. Base: USS America (CV 66)

AIRMAN First Class Mike Rabot of the 67th Aircraft Maintenance Unit directs an F-15 Eagle aircraft to a parking spot during the joint Japanese Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) and US Air Force exercise COPE NORTH 84-1. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH 84-1 Base: Chitose Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

An Air Anti-submarine Squadron 33 (VS-33) S-3A Viking aircraft lands aboard the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) during flight operations aboard the vessel. Country: Unknown

A plane captain signals to the pilot of a Fighter Squadron 143 (VF-143) F-14A Tomcat aircraft on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69). An MD-3A tow tractor is beneath the aircraft's wing at right. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

An F-14 Tomcat aircraft makes an arrested landing on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). The F-14 is assigned to Fighter Squadron 142 (VF-142). Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

DN-ST-88-00729. Base: USS America (CV 66)

The launch officer gives the launch signal to the pilot of a Fighter Squadron 21 (VF-21) F-14 Tomcat aircraft on the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62). The INDEPENDENCE is participating in Operation Southern Watch, a multinational effort establishing a no-fly zone for Iraqi aircraft south of the 32nd parallel in Iraq. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Independence(CV 62)

A Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 135 (VAQ-135) EA-6B Prowler aircraft comes in for a landing on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A Strike-Fighter Squadron 151 (VFA-151) F/A-18A Hornet aircraft piloted by CAPT. Patrick D. Moneymaker, the commander of Carrier Air Wing 14 (CVW-14), is prepared for launch on the No. 1 catapult aboard the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV-41). The launch will be the last one made aboard the MIDWAY, which is to be decommissioned in the Spring of 1992. Moneymaker also made the last arrested landing aboard the MIDWAY. Country: Pacific Ocean(POC)

The pilot and radar intercept officer of a Fighter Squadron 114 (VF-114) F-14A Tomcat aircraft wait for flight operations to commence aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). The MD-3A tow tractor in the foreground still has "CVN-65" painted on its side after being brought aboard the LINCOLN from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65). Country: Caribbean Sea

Crewmen hose down the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) during Fleet Ex 1-90. Subject Operation/Series: FLEET EX 1-90 Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

An aviation ordnanceman positions an HLU-196 bomb hoist near an Attack Squadron 95 (VA-95) A-6E Intruder aircraft on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Country: Caribbean Sea

An F/A-18 Hornet aircraft from Strike-Fighter Squadron 113 (VFA-113) is towed on the deck of the the aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CV-64) by an MD-3A tow tractor. Country: Unknown

DN-SN-85-11094. Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)

DN-ST-87-10406. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

An Attack Squadron 12 (VA-12) A-7E Corsair II aircraft is ready for launch from the No. 2 catapult on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69). Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

Flight deck crew members stand by as an Attack Squadron 95 (VA-95) KA-6D Intruder aircraft is launched from the No. 2 catapult on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Three Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 135 (VAQ-135) EA-6B Prowler aircraft are standing by for launch. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Laser-guided bombs line the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) in preparation for air strikes against Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. The A-6E Intruder aircraft in the background is armed with laser-guided bombs. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Red Sea

DN-ST-86-04372. Country: Sea Of Japan

A plane captain and plane director discuss the positioning of an Attack Squadron 72 (VA-72) A-7E Corsair II aircraft during flight operations aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Drawbars, visible at the front of the aircraft, secure the plane to an MD-3A tow tractor. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A right front view of an A-7 Corsair aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62), during operations off the coast of Beirut, Lebanon. Base: USS Independence (CV 62) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-ST-86-10280. Base: USS America (CV 66) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-ST-88-05268. Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

A bomb attached to the wing of an AV-8B Harrier aircraft from Marine Light Attack Squadron 231 (VMA-231) is checked by a crewman prior to flight operations. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-87-10438. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A Fighter Squadron 21 (VF-21) F-14 Tomcat aircraft stops after landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62). The INDEPENDENCE is participating in OPERATION SOUTHERN WATCH, a multinational effort establishing a no-fly zone for Iraqi aircraft south of the 32nd parallel in Iraq. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Country: Unknown

A squad of Marines aboard the amphibious assault ship USS SAIPAN (LH-2) are being directed to board a Marine CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter, not shown. Behind them is another CH-46 and a Marine AH-1 Sea Cobra helicopter. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

010401-N-0295M-001. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: Uss Constellation (CV 64) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC) Scene Major Command Shown: USS Constellation (CV 64)

A Super Etendard aircraft of the Argentine Navy comes in to briefly touch down on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). The plane is taking part in touch-and-go landings aboard the LINCOLN during the vessel's circumnavigation of South America. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A crane is used to lift an F-4 Phantom II aircraft away from the port side deck edge of the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV 41). The F-4 was damaged when the MIDWAY collided with the Panamanian freighter CACTUS. Base: Naval Station, Subic Bay State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

DN-SC-05-07452. Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

Two F-4 Phantom II aircraft are prepared for takeoff on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV 41). Base: USS Midway (CV 41) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DN-SC-87-05556. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

DN-SN-90-01091. Base: USS Independence (CV 62) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

An A-7E Corsair II aircraft lands aboard 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

DN-SN-89-01237. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

Flight deck crew members stand by an Attack Squadron 95 (VA-95) A-6E Intruder aircraft positioned on an elevator aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DF-SN-82-00895. Base: Tuy Hoa Air Base Country: Viet Nam (VNM)

Members of an EA-6B Prowler flight crew make a final preflight check before entering the cockpit of their aircraft during flight operations aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Unknown

A catapult crewman signals that a Strike Fighter Squadron 136 (VFA-136) F/A-18A Hornet aircraft is ready for launch on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69) during Fleet Ex '90. Subject Operation/Series: FLEET EX '90 Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A Fighter Squadron 41 (VF-41) F-14A Tomcat aircraft comes in for an arrested landing aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) during the ship's shakedown cruise. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

An air-to-air close-up view from the boom operator's window of an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft refueling. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DN-ST-86-11448. Base: USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

A left side view of a Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 135 (VAQ-135) EA-6B Prowler aircraft being serviced on the flight line. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SN-86-03930. Base: USS Coral Sea (CV 43) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A Fighter Squadron 106 (VF-106) F/A-18 Hornet aircraft lands aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A right side view of a Marine F/A-18 Hornet aircraft as it lands aboard the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63) during an operational evaluation (OPEVAL). Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Flight deck crew members service a Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 12 (HS-12) SH-3H Sea King helicopter on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Independence (CV-62) while the carrier is underway in the gulf during Operation Southern Watch, a multinational effort establishing a no-fly zone for Iraqi aircraft south of the 32nd prallel in Iraq. Other crew members stand by beside an F-14A Tomcat aircraft and a NAN-2 nitrogen servicing unit, at right. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Country: Unknown

DN-ST-89-02288. Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

F-14 Tomcat and A-6E Intruder aircraft on the deck of the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV-66) during Operation El Dorado, a retaliatory strike on Libyan terrorist targets. Subject Operation/Series: EL DORADO Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

An F/A-18 Hornet aircraft is examined by a member of Strike-Fighter Squadron 113 (VFA-113) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CV-64). Country: Unknown

An A-6E Intruder aircraft catches the arresting cable as it touches down on the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67) during FLEET EX 1-90. Subject Operation/Series: FLEET EX 1-90 Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-SC-88-06699. Base: USS Hancock (CVA 19)

An FRS. Mark 1 Sea Harrier aircraft comes in for a landing on the flight deck of the British light aircraft carrier HMS INVINCIBLE (R-05) during the NATO Southern Region exercise DRAGON HAMMER '90. Subject Operation/Series: DRAGON HAMMER '90 Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

Missiles are loaded while bombs are being secured on an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft during a practice load and preflight exercise. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A Navy ES-3A Shadow takes off into the evening sun aboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) This is part of a four day exercise involving Navy, Army, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard to test proficiency in joint operations and coordination of various elements of a strike package. Subject Operation/Series: Joint Task Force Exercise 95-2 State: Atlantic Ocean Country: United States Of America (USA)

A ground crewman performs maintenance on an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft as a specialist works on the interior of the intake. The aircraft is assigned to the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A right front view of an A-7E Corsair II aircraft as it touches down on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV 41) during CINCPAC Exercise FLEETEX '83. The US Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and the Canadian navy are participating in the exercise near the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. Subject Operation/Series: FLEETEX '83 Base: USS Midway (CV 41) Country: Northern Pacific Ocean

A Fighter Squadron 114 (VF-114) F-14A Tomcat aircraft lands on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). The plane is piloted by CAPT. William B. Hayden, the LINCOLN's commanding officer. Country: Caribbean Sea

A view of an F-4E Phantom II aircraft parked on the flight line. The F-4E has two Pave Claw 30mm gun pods mounted under its wings. Pave Claw is designed to destroy armor and a variety of fixed and mobile targets. Base: Burlington State: Vermont (VT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Strike Fighter Squadron 131 (VFA-131) F/A-18A Hornet aircraft approaches the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69) as it comes in for a landing during exercise Solid Shield '89. Subject Operation/Series: SOLID SHIELD '89 Country: Unknown

US Navy Lieutenant Steve Nevarez takes a short break from the stress of flight deck operations atop an F-14B Tomcat strike fighter, Fighter Squadron One Zero Two (VF-102). Aircraft is armed with an AIM-9L Sidewinder short range, IR (infrared) air to air missile; AIM-54C Phoenix long range, radar guided, air to air missile and a Mk 82 500 lb. bomb. The nuclear powered aircraft carrier GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) and VF-102 are currently conducting operations in the Persian Gulf in support of UN sanctions against Iraq. Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, 2 December 1997. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS George Washington (CVN 73)

DN-SN-89-03430. Country: Unknown

Two catapult crewmen position an A-6 Intruder aircraft shuttle with a tee-bar aboard the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV 41). Country: Unknown

British and U.S. Air Force ground crew members refuel a Royal Air Force Jaguar aircraft during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

A Fighter Squadron 41 (VF-41) F-14A Tomcat aircraft is given a final check as catapult crewmen prepare for its launch on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71). The ROOSEVELT is on station in the eastern Mediterranean in support of Operation Provide Comfort, a multinational effort to aid Kurdish refugees in southern Turkey and northern Iraq. Subject Operation/Series: PROVIDE COMFORT Country: Mediterranean Sea(MED)

Aerial view of an EC-130 International Flightline

DN-SN-87-03494. Subject Operation/Series: DISPLAY DETERMINATION '86 Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A pilot walks beside an A-7E Corsair II aircraft armed with Mark 82 500-pound high-drag bombs as it is towed across the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70). Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Its nose section swung open, an F-15 Eagle aircraft is served on the flight line. Country: Unknown

An Attack Squadron 72 (VA-72) A-7E Corsair aircraft dumps excess fuel from its wing tanks prior to landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-ST-88-00692. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A 'folding' Westland Wasp Mk.1, Series 2 & 2A (AH-12A) submarine control helicopter (1966-1981) on the flight deck of one of SPEYK class Fregat (1967-1990) from for the MLM (1976-1982).

DF-ST-87-00562. Subject Operation/Series: COMMANDO WEST IX Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA)

Flight deck crewmen place chocks on the landing gear of a Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 4 (HS-4) SH-3H Sea King helicopter on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70). Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

DN-ST-87-02257. Base: USS Nimitz (CVN 68)

DN-ST-89-08981. Base: USS Independence (CV 62) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DN-ST-86-02305. Subject Operation/Series: OCEAN VENTURE '84 Country: Caribbean Sea

A flight deck crewman stands in front of several A-7E Corsair II aircraft from Attack Squadron 72 (VA-72) and Attack Squadron 46 (VA-46) on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67) during FLEET EX 1-90. Subject Operation/Series: FLEET EX 1-90 Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A ground crew chief and his assistant prepare to assist a pilot out of his F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft. The aircraft is assigned to the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

The Second Indochina War, known in America as the Vietnam War, was a Cold War era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of South Vietnam, supported by the U.S. and other anti-communist nations. The U.S. government viewed involvement in the war as a way to prevent a communist takeover of South Vietnam and part of their wider strategy of containment. The North Vietnamese government viewed the war as a colonial war, fought initially against France, backed by the U.S., and later against South Vietnam, which it regarded as a U.S. puppet state. U.S. military advisors arrived beginning in 1950. U.S. involvement escalated in the early 1960s, with U.S. troop levels tripling in 1961 and tripling again in 1962. U.S. combat units were deployed beginning in 1965. Operations spanned

Crew members stand by to refuel a US Army UH-60 Black Hawk (Blackhawk) helicopter as it lands on the deck of the aircraft carrier. Subject Operation/Series: RESTORE DEMOCRACY Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

A Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 8 (HC-8) CH-46D Sea Knight helicopter, assigned to the replenishment oiler USS SAVANNAH (AOR-4), prepares to take off from the amphibious assault ship USS NASSAU (LHA-4) during exercise Teamwork '88. Subject Operation/Series: TEAMWORK '88 Country: Unknown

DN-SC-87-06093. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

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