Helicopters and Naval Operations

Aerial views of military helicopters and ships in maritime environments, showcasing operations and coordinated movements across open waters.

Camouflaged USS Roper (DD-147) on Convoy Duty Photo by FAPSA, Norfolk, Va..

221006-N-XK462-1016 PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 6, 2022) The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) steams across the horizon with the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108). Wayne E. Meyer is currently operating with Nimitz Carrier Strike Group in preparation for an upcoming deployment.

The No. 1 Mark 7 16-inch/50-caliber gun turret is fired during a main battery firing exercise aboard the battleship USS IOWA (BB-61). Country: Unknown

An AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266(Reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes off from the flight deck of the USS Kearsarge, at sea, Nov. 1, 2013. The 26th MEU finished their eight month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility aboard the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group serving as a sea-based, expeditionary crisis response force capable of conducting amphibious operations across the full range of military operations.

U.S. Navy sailors with Naval Beach Unit 7 pilot a landing craft, air cushion during well deck operations aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Philippine Sea, July 30, 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.

220808-N-SP805-0001 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (August 8, 2022) Quartermaster Seaman Angel Mendoza stands watch as a bearing taker during an inbound sea and anchor transit into Souda Bay, Greece aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98). USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) is the flagship for Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2), a multinational integrated task group that projects a constant and visible reminder of the Alliances solidarity and cohesion afloat and provides the Alliance with a continuous maritime capability to perform a wide range of tasks, including exercises and real-world operations in periods of crisis and conflict.

An A-6E Intruder aircraft is launched from the number one starboard catapult of the aircraft carrier USS Independence (CV-62). An EA-6B Prowler aircraft is parked on deck to the left. Subject Operation/Series: Southern Watch Country: Unknown

A nurse relaxes aboard the hospital ship USNS COMFORT (T-AH-20) during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

Crew members from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) are lowered to the water in a motorized whaleboat as the vessel lies at anchor. Base: Puget Sound State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Trident D-5 missile launched from the nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine USS TENNESSEE (SSBN-734) ascends from the ocean surface, beneath the exhaust plume of a Trident launched 15 seconds earlier. The TENNESSEE is conducting missile test PEM-9/DASO-1 off the coast of Florida. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A port beam view of the salvage ship USS BOLSTER (ARS 38), anchored just offshore from the island. Base: Kapingamarangi Island Country: Caroline Islands

GULF OF ADEN (Jan. 5, 2015) A Sailor fires a .50- caliber machine gun at a "killer tomato" target during a small craft action team gun shoot aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22). San Diego is part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU), is deployed in support of maritime and theater security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Standard SM-2 ER missiles in a Mark 10 launcher are silhouetted by the setting sun as the guided missile cruiser USS JOSEPHUS DANIELS (CG 27) sits in port. The cruiser is one of five U.S. Navy ships taking part in Unitas XXXI, an annual, joint exercise between the U.S. Navy and the naval forces of nine South American countries. Subject Operation/Series: UNITAS XXXI Country: Unknown

NAVAL BASE VENTURA COUNTY POINT MUGU, Calif. (May 3, 2013) Three flight crews from the San Diego-based "Merlins" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 3 and the "Blackjacks" of HSC 21 provide firefighting support in response to wildfires at Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Point Mugu. The team dropped roughly 20,000 gallons of water using 360-gallon capacity precision helicopter firefighting Bambi buckets to help save vital areas of NBVC including portions of base housing.

DN-ST-88-04081. Base: Persian Gulf

DN-ST-85-08321. Country: Caribbean Sea

Mess Management SPECIALIST 2nd Class William Hendrickson scans the water for mines from the bow of the guided missile frigate USS NICHOLAS (FFG-47) as the ship escorts the tanker SS CHESAPEAKE CITY through the Persian Gulf. The frigate is taking part in Earnest Will, a convoy mission in which reflagged Kuwaiti tankers are escorted through waters of the Gulf by U.S. naval ships. Subject Operation/Series: EARNEST WILL Country: Unknown

The submarine Hr.Ms. Sea lion (1990-).

Marines in AAVP-7A1 assault amphibian vehicles head toward the Ecuadorian shore during Unitas XXXII, a combined exercise involving the naval forces of the United States and nine South American nations. Subject Operation/Series: UNITAS XXXII Country: Pacific Ocean(POC)

DN-SC-88-01999. State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A view of the forward deck, looking toward the stern, of the nuclear-powered attack submarine SAN FRANCISCO (SSN-711) underway during sea trials held about one month before commissioning. The ship was built by Newport News Shipbuilding. Base: James River State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U. S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Units Maritime Interception Operations (MIO) assault force attach a cave ladder with a telescopic pole to HNS Aris during their final exercise at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 12, 2010. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

ARABIAN GULF (Jan. 4, 2014) The guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) passes through bioluminescent algae while underway in the Arabian Gulf. San Jacinto is deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Members of Special Boat Unit 20 (SBU-20) riding in a rigid-hull inflatable boat pass astern of the dock landing ship USS GUNSTON HALL (LSD-44). Country: Adriatic Sea

DN-SC-05-07446. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A close-up view of water level markings on the bow of a U.S. Navy ship. Base: Naval Station, Subic Bay State: Luzon Country: Philippines(PHL)

The rising sun silhouettes a U.S. serviceman looking out at ships off the coast during the multinational relief effort Operation Restore Hope. Subject Operation/Series: RESTORE HOPE Base: Modadishu Country: Somalia (SOM)

An aerial high oblique bow-on view of the amphibious dock landing ship USS OAK HILL (LSD-51) underway during builders completion and sea trials. Country: Gulf Of Mexico

DN-SD-06-10398. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A port quarter view of the USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63) as crewmen form the number "200,000" on the flight deck. AN S-3A Viking has just made the 200,000th aircraft landing aboard the aircraft carrier. Base: Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Navy Sailor stands at the end of a pier in Manama, Bahrain to prepare for the arrival of Tarawa Class Amphibious Assault Ship, USS TARAWA (LHA 1), and its escort ships (Not Shown). The ARG (Amphibious Ready Group) is in the Persian Gulf as part of the Southwest Asia buildup. Base: Manama Country: Bahrain (BHR) Scene Major Command Shown: 980311-N-1717N-001

DN-ST-89-02859. Base: Naval Amphib Base, Little Creek State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A rear view of an F-14 Tomcat aircraft as it takes off from the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV 66) during rough weather conditions. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

COTS-2 Freedom Star Thermal Imaging Test

A Pioneer I remotely piloted vehicle (PV) approaches a recovery net erected on 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 endurance of eight hours. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Crew members stand watch on the bow of the guided missile destroyer USS KIDD (DDG-993) as the reflagged Kuwaiti tanker GAS KING moves through Persian Gulf waters. The GAS KING is part of a convoy of tankers being escorted by U.S. Navy ships which serve as protection against possible attack from hostile forces until the tankers reach open waters. Country: Unknown

A view of the Mark 15 20mm/76-cal. Phalanx close-in weapon system during firing drills aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN-68). Country: Unknown

The bow of the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS ALEXANDRIA (SSN-757) rises out of the water as the submarine surfaces during post-commissioning trials off Andros Island, Bahamas. The ALEXANDRIA was commissioned on June 29, 1991.. Country: Atlantic Ocean(AOC)

A port quarter view of the salvage ship USS BOLSTER (ARS 38), silhouetted against the sun while underway. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Members of the Philippine Navy Special Operations Group, U.S. Navy SEALs with Special Warfare Group, and Australian Operators with 2nd Commando Regiment conduct maritime security operations together during exercise Balikatan 22 off the coast of Palawan, Philippines, April 7, 2022. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. Balikatan, Tagalog for 'shoulder-to-shoulder' is a longstanding bilateral exercise between the Philippines and the United States highlighting the deep-rooted partnership between both countries. BK22 is the 37th iteration of the exercise and coincides with the 75th anniversary of U.S. Philippine security cooperation.

U.S. Navy Seals conduct boat seizure training with Guatemalan soldiers during CENTAM Guardian 2023 in Guatemala, Mar 23. 2023. CENTAM Guardian 23 (CG23) is an annual multi-national partnership-building exercise designed to build capacity and capabilities with Central American partner nations.

A silhouetted sunset view of crewmen performing flight deck operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV 66). Base: USS America (CV 66) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A view of the bow portion of the capsized Philippine destroyer DATU KALANTIAW (ex-USS BOOTH DE-170). Base: Calayan Island Country: Philippines

Gulf of Aden, September 15, 2012 - Information Systems Technician Seaman fires a .50-caliber machine gun during a small craft attack team live-fire exercise aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall.

220929-N-DW158-1276 WATERS EAST OF THE KOREAN PENINSULA (Sept. 29, 2022) The U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), USS Benfold (DDG 65), Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy ships ROKS Gangwon (FFG 815), ROKS Gwanggaeto the Great (DDH 971), ROKS Munmu the Great (DDH 976), and ROKS Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong (DDG 993), break formation while steaming in waters east of the Korean Peninsula, Sept. 29. The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is participating with the ROK Navy in Maritime Counter Special Operations Exercise (MCSOFEX) to strengthen interoperability and training. The U.S. routinely conducts CSG operations in the waters around the ROK to exercise maritime maneuvers, strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance, and improve regional security.

An aerial stern view of the tank landing ship USS BARBOUR COUNTY (LST 1195) after running aground on Silver Strand. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

GULF OF ADEN (Sept. 15, 2012) Information Systems Technician Seaman Daniel Morrow fires a .50-caliber machine gun during a small craft attack team live-fire exercise aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44). Gunston Hall, with the embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24th MEU), is part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is deployed supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

A U.S. Navy Landing Craft, Utility (LCU) with Naval Beach Unit 7 prepares to land on the beach during a boat raid exercise, Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 20, 2022. The Marines conducted this exercise to strengthen their ability to conduct boat operations and secure contested terrain. The 31st MEU is operating aboard the 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.

DN-ST-89-07201. Country: Unknown

100107-N-8288P-031MEDITERRANEAN (Jan. 7, 2010) The Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS Virginia (SSN 774) cruises through the Mediterranean while on a scheduled deployment within the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Virginia is home ported in Groton, Conn., and is the lead boat of the Virginia-class of submarines.

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Aug. 11, 2018) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) transits the Mediterranean Sea. Carney, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is on its fifth patrol in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of regional allies and partners as well as U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.

A second class petty officer holds the American flag prior to it being raised for the first time during the commissioning ceremony on the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS HOUSTON (SSN-713). Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs), U.S. Army Green Berets from 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), and Norwegian Naval Special Operations Commandos conduct a reconnaissance dive in Arctic waters near Kodiak, Alaska, Feb. 26, 2024, during Arctic Edge 24. AE24 is an annual defense exercise for U.S. Northern Command emphasizing Joint Force operations in an extreme cold weather and high latitude environment and is designed to demonstrate the Commands ability to conduct Globally Integrated Layered Defenses in the Arctic. Army

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, navigate in formation during a company formation exercise off the USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 6, 2022. Blackhearts practiced formations on the water to refine infantry tactics. The 31st MEU is operating aboard the ships of the Tripoli Expeditionary Strike 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.

220402-N-TT059-2013 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Apr. 02, 2022) The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) transits the South China Sea. Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

DN-ST-87-05933. Base: USS Iowa (BB 61) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), swim after jumping from a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter assigned to Heavy Marine Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 361 during a helocasting masters course conducted by Expeditionary Operations Training Group (EOTG) at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 7, 2022. Helocasting is an airborne technique used by small unit special operations forces to insert into hard to reach areas via bodies of water.

Steam rises from the catapult tracks as two F/A-18C Hornet aircraft are prepared for launch aboard the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Red Sea

DN-SD-03-12630. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC) Scene Major Command Shown: CINCPACFLT

A Fighter Squadron 154 (VF-154) F-14A Tomcat aircraft is launched from the No. 4 catapult aboard the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV-64) underway during PAC Ex '89. Subject Operation/Series: PAC EX '89 Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

040229-N-1938O-009. Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

230215-N-ZQ263-1189 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 15, 2023) Ships and aircraft from Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (NIMCSG) and Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (MKI ARG), with embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), operate in formation in the South China Sea. NIMCSG, MKI ARG and 13th MEU, are conducting combined expeditionary strike force (ESF) operations, demonstrating unique high-end war fighting capability, maritime superiority, power projection and readiness. Operations include integrated training designed to advance interoperability between the two groups while simultaneously demonstrating the U.S. commitment to our alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. NIMCSG is in U.S. 7th Fleet conducting routine operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

030808-N-6477M-252. Base: Strait Of Juan De Fuca State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, paddle out on a combat rubber raiding craft during a welldeck operations ship verification aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 1, 2022. The 31st MEU is operating aboard the 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.

220825-N-TP544-1261 BALTIC SEA (Aug. 25, 2022) Landing Craft, Air Cushions, attached to Assault Craft Unit 4, launched from the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), fly ashore in Kristianstad, Sweden, Aug. 26, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, 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.

An aerial view of Battle Group Echo in formation. The ships are, from the left, top to bottom, row 1: USNS HASSAYAMPA (T-AO-145), USS LEFTWICH (DD-984), USS HOEL (DDG-13); row 2: USS KANSAS CITY (AOR-3), USS BUNKER HILL (CG-52), USS ROBERT E. PEARY (FF-1073); row 3: USS LONG BEACH (CGN-9), USS RANGER (CV-61), USS MISSOURI (BB-63); row 4: USS WICHITA (AOR-1), USS GRIDLEY (CG-21), USS CURTS (FFG-38); row 5: USS SHASTA (AE-33), USS JOHN YOUNG (DD-973) and USS BUCHANAN (DDG-14). Country: Northern Arabian Sea

220917-N-AL206-1408 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 18, 2022) The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) shoots at an unmanned vessel target during a simulated straight transit while underway conducting Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT). McFaul is underway with the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group conducting SWATT exercises to increase lethality, ensure combat readiness, and promote tactical innovation. SWATT is led by the Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center, whose mission is to increase the tactical proficiency and lethality of the surface force.

An MH-60S Sea Hawk attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 hovers in Pyramid Cove during a mine countermeasure (MCM) live fire training exercise off the coast of San Clemente Island, Aug. 23, 2022. The MCM live fire is realistic, relevant training that enables our joint, multi-domain forces to integrate and rehearse a critical capability and complex skillset.

A view of the bow portion of the capsized Philippine destroyer DATU KALANTIAW (ex-USS BOOTH DE-170). Base: Calayan Island Country: Philippines

220701-N-XN177-1119 EAST CHINA SEA (July 1, 2022) - Sailors and Marines prepare F-35B Lightning II aircraft for flight operations aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), July 1, 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.

Salvage Engineering Response Team - New Orleans - Early October - 26-HK-351-133. Hurricane Katrina

An aerial bow view of Battle Group Charlie underway in formation. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70) is in the center of the group. Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

Sgt. Greg Starr, Frederic Township Fire Department firefighter, watches a helocast from a CH-47 Chinook, 111th General Support Aviation Battalion, Florida Army National Guard, into Lake Margrethe during Northern Strike 22-2, at Camp Grayling, Mich., Aug. 11, 2022. Units visiting Northern Strike regularly use Lake Margrethe to conduct littoral operations.

An overhead port quarter view of the destroyer USS KINKAID (DD 965) underway off the coast of San Diego, California. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 30, 2023) Arleigh Burke-Class guided missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74), fires its MK 45 -5-inch 54 Caliber Gun at an unmanned surface vehicle during an integrated live-fire event, March 30, 2023. McFaul, as part of the Ford Carrier Strike Group, is underway in the Atlantic Ocean completing its Composite Training Units Exercise (COMPTUEX), an intense, multi-week exercise designed to fully integrate a carrier strike group as a cohesive, multi-mission fighting force and to test their ability to carry out sustained combat operations from the sea.

An E-2D Hawkeye, assigned to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117, launches off the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

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