Aircraft Operations on Aircraft Carriers

Dynamic images of fighter jets and military personnel on aircraft carriers, capturing exciting moments of takeoff and landing operations.

DN-ST-89-06968. Country: Unknown

DN-ST-87-10123. Country: Unknown

DN-ST-89-06968. Country: Unknown

An F-14A Tomcat aircraft of Reserve Fighter Squadron 101 (VF-101) touches down on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) during carrier qualifications off the coast of Florida.EXACT DATE SHOT UNKNOWN. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-ST-86-11445. Base: USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

Photograph - Launching of a Fighter Squadron 74 (VF-74) F-4J Phantom IIMediterranean Sea. A catapult officer, center, and a catapult crewman signal for the launching of a Fighter Squadron 74 (VF-74) F-4J Phantom II aircraft from the attack aircraft carrier USS Forrestal (CVA-59). Photographer: PH2 J.P. Kiser.

AV-8B Harrier aircrafts lined up onboard the USS TARAWA (LHA 1) during Exercise KERNEL BLITZ 2001. Subject Operation/Series: KERNEL BLITZ '01 Base: USS Tarawa (LHA 1) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A right front view of an F-14 Tomcat aircraft, with the canopy open, as the flight crew prepares for a catapult-assisted takeoff from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Three blast deflector panels are raised at the rear of the aircraft. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

Plane directors stand by as a Fighter Squadron 101 (VF-101) F-14A Tomcat aircraft lands aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-ST-88-00395. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Maintenance personnel roll a staircase into place near the tail of 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 A-7E Corsair II aircraft approaches the flight deck for an arrested landing aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER. The A-7E is assigned to Light Attack Squadron 66 (VA-66). Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

DF-ST-85-01343. Subject Operation/Series: AIR WARRIOR Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-87-10402. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-ST-89-11022. Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

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

Maintenance crewmen stand on the wings of an F-14A Tomcat aircraft tied down on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS FORRESTAL (CV 59). Base: USS Forrestal (CV 59) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-ST-88-00763. Base: USS America (CV 66)

An F/A-18A Hornet aircraft from Strike Fighter Squadron 25 taxis on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64). The aircraft is armed with an AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missile on the right wing tip and an AGM-45 Shrike air-to-surface anti-radiation missile on the right outboard wing pylon. Aircraft parked in the background include S-3 Vikings, A-6E Intruders and F/A-18A's. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

An Attack Squadron 95 (VA-95) KA-6D Intruder aircraft sits on the No. 4 elevator aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Country: Caribbean Sea

A Strike Fighter Squadron 136 (VFA-136) F/A-18C Hornet aircraft is launched from the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69) during maritime interdiction operations. Country: Unknown

A Marine Utility/Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 (HML/A-167) AH-1W Sea Cobra helicopter touches down on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS WASP (LHD 1) during flight operations off the coast of North Carolina. Country: Onslow Bay

A maintenance crewmen climbs into the rear seat of a Fighter Squadron 213 (VF-213) F-14A Tomcat aircraft on the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Country: Caribbean Sea

A firefighter wearing a proximity suit climbs onto an A-6E Intruder aircraft during a general quarters drill aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71). Base: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)

Aviation Boatswains Mate 3rd Class William Short (right) directs an F-14 Tomcat to catapult number 3 during preparations for prior launch. USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) is deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Nimitz (CVN 68)

Flight deck crew members watch as a Fighter Squadron 14 (VF-14) F-14A Tomcat aircraft takes off from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67 during Fleet Ex 1-90. A-7E Corsair II aircraft from Attack Squadron 46 (VA-46) and Attack Squadron 72 (VA-72) are parked on the flight deck. The Corsair on the extreme left is equipped with Tactical Air Reconnaissance Pods (TARPS). Subject Operation/Series: FLEET EX 1-90 Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A left rear view of an F/A-18C Hornet aircraft of Marine Corps Strike Fighter Squadron 212 (VMFA-212) parked on the flight line. Base: Naval Air Facility, Andrews Afb State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-89-07341. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE 88 Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-88-00178. Country: Unknown

A crew member wearing a proximity suit sits in a damage control vehicle during flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63). Several A-7E Corsair II aircraft are in the background. Base: Naval Station, Subic Bay State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

DN-SC-90-04295. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

Ground crewmen manually push an F-15 Fighting Falcon aircraft from the 429th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, into its hangar during exercise Coronet Wrangler. Subject Operation/Series: CORONET WRANGLER Base: Raf Bentwaters Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

Crewmen move an A-6 Intruder aircraft aboard the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV41). Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DN-SN-86-03922. Base: USS Coral Sea (CV 43) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-ST-86-06155. Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

DN-ST-88-00638. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-ST-86-06159. Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

Flight deck crewmen use an MD-3 tow tractor to move an 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. The Tomcat has an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile mounted on the outboard wing pylon and an AIM-7 Sparrow missile mounted on the inboard pylon. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Country: Unknown

DN-ST-87-02270. Base: USS Nimitz (CVN 68)

DN-ST-88-02177. Country: Unknown

DN-SC-88-06696. Country: Unknown

DN-SC-87-05517. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

A pilot climbs into an A-7 Corsair II aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV41). Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DN-ST-89-07556. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

An AV-8A Harrier aircraft is prepared for takeoff aboard the amphibious assault ship USS NASSAU (LHA-4). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

An A-6E Intruder aircraft engages the arresting cable during a landing on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). The A-6E is assigned to Medium Attack Squadron 65 (VA-65). Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

The pilot and Radar Intercept Officer (RIO) of a Fighter Squadron 41 (VF-41) F-14A Tomcat aircraft prepare for launch aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) during Operation Desert Storm.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

A US Navy F/A-18 "Hornet" attached to Strike Fighter Squadron 195 (VFA-195) readies for launching from the Forrestal Class Aircraft Carrier, USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62). The INDEPENDENCE is deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Independence (CV 62)

An advanced medium range air-to-air missile (AMRAAM) after its launch from an F-14A Tomcat aircraft, near the Pacific Missile Test Center (PMTC), Point Mugu, California. (Substandard image). Country: Unknown

Flight deck crew members stand by during helicopter operations on the amphibious assault ship USS IWO JIMA (LPH 2). Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A left side view of two TA-4J Skyhawk aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63). An F/A-18 Hornet aircraft is visible in the background. Country: Unknown

DN-SN-86-02046. Subject Operation/Series: FLEET EXERCISE 85 Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DN-ST-88-00750. Base: USS America (CV 66)

An F/A-18C Hornet prepares for launch 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)

DN-ST-87-11773. Base: USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3)

Two AV-8A Harrier aircraft and a UH-1 Iroquois helicopter are parked on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS NASSAU (LHA-4). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Catapult crew members make a last minute check of a Training Squadron 19 (VT-19) T-2C Buckeye aircraft as it is readied for launch from the aircraft carrier USS FORRESTAL (CV-59) while the vessel is underway during carrier qualifications. Country: Gulf Of Mexico

With steam still rising from the tracks of the No. 4 waist catapult following the launch of an aircraft, a Fighter Squadron 84 (VF-84) F-14A Tomcat aircraft waits for launch on the No. 3 waist catapult aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN 68). Base: USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-ST-87-10465. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

ABE3 Joshua Schwandt makes final launch signals for a F/A-18 Hornet. USS INDEPENDENCE is deployed to the Persian Gulf to enforce UN sanctions against Iraq in support of Operation Southern Watch. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Independence (CV 62)

An Attack Squadron 95 (VA-95) A-6E Intruder aircraft prepares to catch the arresting wire as it comes in for a landing on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-ST-86-06081. Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

An F-4S Phantom II aircraft, with tail-hook down, prepares to land on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV 41). Country: Unknown

A plane captain from Attack Squadron 42 (VA-42) watches as an Attack Squadron 85 (VA-85) A-6E Intruder aircraft taxis past. VA-85, part of Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW-1), is returning to Oceana following its deployment to the Persian Gulf region aboard the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV-66) for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An S-3A Viking aircraft of Air Anti-submarine Squadron 31 (VS-31) is prepares for launch aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

Members of the Australian media inspect an F/A-18 Hornet aircraft on display during an open house. Base: Raaf Williamtown Country: Australia (AUS)

The pilot and radar intercept officer of a Fighter Squadron 74 (VF-74) F-14A Tomcat aircraft conduct a preflight check of their aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Red Sea

SSGT Michael Bolton assists LCOL Ruger Seidell in exiting his A-10 Thunderbolt while SSGT Michael B. Hoffman performs post flight checks on the aircraft. LCOL Seidell is deployed from the 172nd Fighter Squadron, SSGT Bolton and Hoffman are from the 110th Fighter Group. The 110th Fighter Group is deployed to Aviano to relieve the 81st Fighter Squadron of Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, in time for the Christmas holidays. The 81st and the 110th are deployed to Aviano to enforce the United Nations no-fly zone over war-torn Bosnia-Herzegovina. Subject Operation/Series: DENY FLIGHT Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

DN-ST-85-10506. Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

DN-SN-86-00115. Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)

An MD-3A tow tractor positions a Fighter Squadron 213 (VF-213) F-14A Tomcat aircraft on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-SN-87-04607. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A pair of T-2C Buckeye aircraft wait behind the blast deflector on the flight deck of the auxiliary aircraft landing training ship USS LEXINGTON (AVT-16) for their turns at the catapult during pilot carrier training. On the corner of the flight deck at upper right are parked a C-2A Greyhound aircraft and a Coast Guard HH-65A Dolphin helicopter. Country: Gulf Of Mexico

DN-SC-90-04288. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

An A-6E Intruder aircraft assigned to the "Sunday Punchers" of Attack Squadron Seven Five (VA 75) takes up position on catapult one, during launch and recovery operations on board the US Navy's nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65). Enterprise is participating in the Combined Joint Task Force Exercise (CJTFX) '96, as part of a multinational force of over 50,000 Soldiers, Sailors, AIRMAN and Marines from Canada, Britain and the United States. Subject Operation/Series: CJTFX '96 Base: USS Enterprise (CVN 65)

Ordnance crew members prepare to load an AGM-65 Maverick air-to surface missile onto an A-6E Intruder aircraft on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69) during maritime interdiction operations. Country: Unknown

A left side view of two F/A-18 Hornet aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63). The aircraft are assigned to strike Fighter Squadron 125 (VFA-125). Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)

An F-14A Tomcat aircraft from Fighter Squadron 21 prepares to land aboard the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) during Fleet Exercise 85. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

An Attack Squadron 72 (VA-72) A-7E Corsair II aircraft is towed to the catapult 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)

DN-SC-86-03963. Base: USS Coral Sea (CV 43) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-ST-89-11023. Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

Members of the fuel crew prepare to service a Marine Utility/Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 (HML/A-269) AH-1W Sea Cobra helicopter on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS GUADALCANAL (LPH-7). The ship is participating in the joint service exercise Ocean Venture '93. Subject Operation/Series: OCEAN VENTURE '93 State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-14A Tomcat aircraft takes off from the USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62) during carrier qualifications of Reserve Carrier Air Wing 30 (CVWR-30) off the coast of southern California. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Flight deck crewmen and a jogger move between the rows of aircraft on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). The EISENHOWER is one of the U.S. Navy ships sent to the Persian Gulf in response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD/STORM Country: Unknown

The assistant catapult and arresting gear officer stands by at the bow catapult control station as an Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126 (VAW-126) E-2C Hawkeye aircraft unfolds its wings prior to being launched from 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 US Air Force F-15 Eagle connects to the refueling boom of a KC-135 Stratotanker for aerial refueling. The Eagle was part of a joint strike package of US Navy F/A-18 Hornets and US Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons for the exercise. Joint Task Force 95-3 involved each branch of the armed services and all major units of the US Atlantic Command. The aircraft is from the 69th Fighter Squadron, Moody Air Force Base, Ga.(Exact date unknown). Subject Operation/Series: JOINT TASK FORCE 95-3 Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SN-86-04071. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

AV-8 Harrier aircraft line the deck as a CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter prepares to lift a howitzer from the amphibious assault ship USS SAIPAN (LHA-2) during Fleet Ex 1-90. Subject Operation/Series: FLEET EX 1-90 Base: USS Saipan (LHA 2) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

060808-N-8604L-332. Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)

DN-SN-85-07594. Base: USS Enterprise (CVN 65)

A restored B-25 Mitchell bomber aircraft takes off from the deck of the aircraft carrier USS RANGER (CV-61) off the coast of California. It and another B-25 are being launched in a re-enactment of "Doolittle's Raid" of April 18, 1942, during which 16 B-25's were launched from the aircraft carrier USS HORNET (CV-8) in the first mainland attack on Japan. The RANGER's steam catapult remains idle for the re-enactment as the catapult was introduced to carrier aviation after World War II. Country: Pacific Ocean(POC)

Flight deck crewmen watch from the deck edge as an A-6E Intruder aircraft is launched from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) during Operation Deny Flight. Subject Operation/Series: DENY FLIGHT Country: Adriatic Sea

An air-to-air view of a KA-6D Intruder tanker aircraft from Attack Squadron 52 (VA-52) assigned to the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63). The refueling drogue housing is visible under the after fuselage. Country: Unknown

DN-SN-89-04784. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A group of Super Entendard aircraft line the aft flight deck of the French aircraft carrier FOCH (R-99). The FOCH is deployed off the coast of Lebanon. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A front view of a highly maneuverable aircraft technology (HIMAT) flight vehicle under the wing of a B-52 Stratofortress aircraft before a test flight. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-95-01453. Country: Caribbean Sea

of 2