Naval Aircraft Launch and Landing

Images of naval aircraft taking off and landing from aircraft carriers, highlighting operations within military naval aviation environments.

Landing signal officers stand by as an Air Anti-submarine Squadron 29 (VS-29) S-3A Viking aircraft comes in for a landing on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) during the vessel's circumnavigation of South America. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DF-ST-85-11488. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH 84-3 Base: Chitose Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

DN-ST-86-06157. Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

An A-7 Corsair II aircraft starts down the starboard catapult during a takeoff from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64). Base: USS Constellation (CV 64)

Landing signal officers stand by as an Air Anti-submarine Squadron 29 (VS-29) S-3A Viking aircraft comes in for a landing on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) during the vessel's circumnavigation of South America. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Squadron maintenance personnel perform a preflight check on a Fighter Squadron 143 (VF-143) F-14A Tomcat aircraft prior to its launch from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

Crewmen aboard the Invincible Class Aircraft Carrier, HMS ILLUSTRIOUS (RO 6), prepare a Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier for take off from the flight deck. The British vessel is operating in the Persian Gulf in support of the Southwest Asia build-up. Base: Hms Illustrious (RO 6)

A Fighter Squadron 213 (VF-213) F-14 Tomcat aircraft taxies out to launch position on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) as the ship is underway during its circumnavigation of South America. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

F/A-18 Hornet USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) US Navy

An F-14B Tomcat attached to Fighter Sqadron One Zero Two (VF-102) waits for the next launch cycle aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73). GEORGE WASHINGTON is conducting operations in the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS George Washington (CVN 73) Country: At Sea

A front view of a Marine AV-8 Harrier aircraft with an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile mounted on the right wing. Base: Nav Weapons Center, China Lake State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-06051. Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

An aviation electronics technician inspects the cockpit of an EA-6B Prowler aircraft during flight operations aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

Secretary of the Navy John F. Lehman Jr. straps himself into an Attack Squadron 65 (VA-65) A-6E intruder aircraft being readied for launch on the deckof the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Unknown

Flight line crew members prepare a bomb-loaded A-6E Intruder aircraft for a mission during Operation CAX 1-2-82, held at the Marine Corps Air-to-Ground Combat Center. Subject Operation/Series: CAX 1-2-82 Base: Twentynine Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The starboard catapult crew prepares a Fighter Squadron 74 (VF-74) F-14B Tomcat aircraft for launch on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60). A VF-74 plane inspector is in the foreground. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-SC-87-05506. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

Flight deck crews prepare F/A-18C Hornets for the mornings flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73). GEORGE WASHINGTON is deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS George Washington (CVN 73) Country: At Sea

An F/A-18 Hornet strike fighter aircraft takes off from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63) as another F/A-18 waits its turn. The aircraft, assigned to Marine Fighter/Attack Squadron 314 (VMFA-314), homeported at Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro, California, are undergoing operational evaluations. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

An A-7E Corsair II aircraft of Attack Squadron 72 (VA-72) takes off from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) during Operation Desert Storm.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: USS John F. Kennedy(CV 67) Country: Red Sea

A left side view of an F-16 Fighting Falcon firing an advanced medium-range air-to-air missile. Country: Unknown

An A-7E Corsair aircraft, right, assigned to the commander of Attack Squadron 46 (VA-46) sits on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) following the cease-fire that ended Operation Desert Storm. The Corsair aircraft in the background with the desert camouflage paint scheme is assigned to the commander and deputy commander of Carrier Air Wing 3 (CVW-3). A P-16 shipboard firefighting and rescue truck is at left. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

DN-ST-87-10458. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-SC-90-04341. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

U.S. Marine Corp Harrier

An Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75) A-6E Intruder aircraft comes in for an arrested landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) during Fleet Ex 1-90. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DF-ST-86-09249. Base: Naval Air Station, Barbers Point State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A left side view of a Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106) F/A-18A Hornet aircraft parked on the flight line. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A right side view of an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft in use during exercise Bright Star '83. Base: Cairo West Air Base State: Al Qahirah Country: Egypt (EGY)

DN-ST-88-07028. Base: Naval Air Station, Dallas State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, US Air Force KC-10 Extenders wait on the ramp while deployed to Moron Air Base, Spain. This mission is in direct support of Joint Task Force Noble Anvil. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE ANVIL Base: Moron Air Base State: Sevilla Country: Spain (ESP)

Three AV-8B Harrier aircraft attached to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 162 (HMM-162) wait to take off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS WASP (LHD-1). The squadron is embarked aboard the WASP during the ship's first deployment. Country: Mediterranean Sea(MED)

A laser-guided bomb is positioned beside others near an F-14 Tomcat aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). The ordnance will be fitted on aircraft in preparation for strikes on Iraqi targets at the onset of Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Red Sea

DN-ST-89-08983. Base: USS Independence (CV 62) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Lockheed P2V-7B, P-2H & SP-2H Neptune Maritime Patrouille Plan (1961-1982) on Fly Camp Valkenburg.

DF-ST-86-05103. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER '84-7 Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

A silhouetted view of F-14A Tomcat aircraft aboard the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62) while off the coast of Lebanon. Base: USS Independence (CV 62) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-ST-89-08889. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE '88 Base: Hill Air Force Base State: Utah (UT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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

A Rockwell International Corporation employee marshals a B-1 bomber into a hangar area. The aircraft, just arriving, is undergoing testing and evaluation. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Aviation personnel from the Marine Wing Support Squadron 174, repair an AV-8B Harrier jump jet in the King Abdul Aziz Stadium parking lot during DESERT SHIELD. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Base: Jubail Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

An air-to-air left side view of a pair of Fighter Squadron 142 (VF-142 F-14A Tomcat aircraft off the coast of Virginia. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-SC-89-02630. Subject Operation/Series: WEST WIND 88 Base: USS Forrestal (CV 59) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DF-ST-89-04626. Base: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base State: Ohio (OH) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Flight deck crewmen prepare to move an Attack Squadron 35 (VA-35) KA-6D Intruder aircraft from an elevator on the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: USS Saratoga (CV 60) Country: Red Sea

DN-SC-86-03629. Base: USS Saratoga (CV 60) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-SC-86-03630. Base: USS Saratoga (CV 60) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-SC-04-14277. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-88-00686. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A 42nd Electronic Combat Squadron EF-111A Raven aircraft taxis between two hangars as it moves into position for takeoff during the U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) exercise Display Determination '89. Subject Operation/Series: DISPLAY DETERMINATION '89 Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

Flight deck crewmen prepare an AV-8A Harrier aircraft for flight aboard the amphibious assault ship USS NASSAU (LHA-4). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Two F/A-18 Hornet aircraft are prepared for takeoff from the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) during an operational evaluation (OPEVAL). Base: USS Constellation (CV 64) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A Tomahawk cruise missile, launched from the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS LA JOLLA (SSN 701), is followed by an A-6 Intruder aircraft as it travels toward its target on the Tonapah Test Range in Nevada. Country: Unknown

DF-ST-86-08027. Base: Cairo West Country: Egypt (EGY)

An A-6E Intruder aircraft is serviced on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV 41) prior to takeoff. Base: USS Midway (CV 41) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 132 (VAQ-132) A-3D Skywarrior aircraft approaches for a landing aboard the attack aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CVA-66). Country: Unknown

The catapult crew prepares to launch a Fighter Squadron 11 (VF-11) F-14A Tomcat aircraft from the aircraft carrier USS FORRESTAL (CV-59). Country: Unknown

DF-SC-85-02808. Base: Eglin Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A-4 Skyhawk jet fighter in flight

010811-F-7910D-036. Base: Buckley Air Force Base State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Canadian Armed Forces

An AV-8B Harrier pilot waits for the green light to launch his jet off of the flight deck of the USS BELLEAU WOOD (CVL 24). The pilots were practicing touch and goes while USS BELLEAU WOOD (CVL 24) steamed toward the Persian Gulf. The Secretary of Defense ordered the Marine Expeditionary Units' nearly 2,000 Marines and Sailors to set sail from Okinawa, Japan to the Gulf November 11, 1999. An AV-8B Harrier pilot waits for the green light to launch his jet off of the flight deck of the USS BELLEAU WOOD (CVL 24). The pilots were practicing touch and goes while USS BELLEAU WOOD (CVL 24) steamed toward the Persian Gulf. The Secretary of Defense ordered the Marine Expeditionary Units' nearly 2,000 Marines and Sailors to set sail from Okinawa, Japan to the Gulf November 11, 1999.

Two RF-4C Phantom II aircraft from the 26th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing (26th TRW) take off from the base for the last time. The 26th TRW's last three aircraft are being flown to the United States following wing's inactivation on April 5, 1991. Base: Zweibrucken Air Base Country: Deutschland / Germany(DEU)

A member of the Air Force Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Squadron maintenance crew polishes one of the team's six F-16 Fighting Falcon. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 125 (VAW-125) E-2C Hawkeye aircraft is launched from the No. 1 catapult aboard the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) during Operation Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Red Sea

DN-SN-86-03919. Base: USS Coral Sea (CV 43) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

AN air-to-air left side view of a 347th Tactical Fighter Wing F-4E Phantom II aircraft with the tail of an Egyptian air force aircraft in the foreground during exercise PROUD PHANTOM. Subject Operation/Series: PROUD PHANTOM Base: Cairo West Country: Egypt (EGY)

DF-ST-85-05210. Base: Fairchild Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-89-00781. Subject Operation/Series: SHADOW HAWK Base: Azarq Air Base Country: Jordan (JOR)

A view of the flight deck operations on the 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 right rear view of an F-15 Eagle aircraft as a crewman performs maintenance on it in the flow-through area. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

An Air Anti-submarine Squadron 29 (VS-29) S-3A Viking aircraft comes to a halt after catching 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-SC-88-02556. Country: Unknown

DN-SC-87-06354. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

British Royal Navy flight deck personnel prepare a Royal Navy FA-2 Harrier Jumpjet for a mission while on board the Invincible Class Aircraft Carrier, HMS ILLUSTRIOUS (RO 6). The British vessel is operating in the Persian Gulf in support of the SWA build-up. Base: Hms Illustrious (RO 6)

An Air-Anti-submarine Squadron 29 (VS-29) S-3A Viking aircraft is brought to a halt by 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. Ninth view in a series of ten. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Front view of a parked F/A-18 Hornet aircraft armed with four wing mounted AGM-84 Harpoon missiles (underneath the wings) and an AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missile on each wingtip. Country: Unknown

DN-SC-87-06352. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

Maj. Nick Krajicek, a T-38 Talon pilot, flies in a two-ship formation with retired Lt. Col. Dale Cooke, a former T-38 pilot, over Tyndall Air Force Base and Panama City, Fla., April 21, 2017. The T-38 in the formation was the same jet Cooke flew during his tenure on the team. The Thunderbirds transitioned from the T-38 to the F-16 in 1982.

A crew member uses a scrubber truck to clean 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)

Members of the Italian press gather to photograph an A-6E Intruder aircraft and other aircraft being shown as part of a static display of NATO Southern Region exercise DRAGON HAMMER '90. Subject Operation/Series: DRAGON HAMMER '90 Country: Italy (ITA)

An A-7E Corsair II aircraft of Attack Squadron 72 (VA-72) prepares to land 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)

An air-to-air left side view of an S-3 Viking aircraft after firing an AGM-84 Harpoon missile. Country: Unknown

DN-ST-87-11421. Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)

980516-N-4319P-004. Base: Uss Wasp (LHD 1)

DF-ST-86-05112. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER '84-7 Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

The Could. Marechaussee at Marineliegkamp Valkenburg at the Breguet BR1150 Atlantic (SP-13A) Maritime Patrol Vlieguiever 255 (1971-1981) on inspection.

DN-ST-87-08175. Base: Naval Air Station Patuxent River State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air-to-air left side view of the Navy's new T-45A Goshawk training aircraft. Country: Unknown

DF-ST-89-05439. Subject Operation/Series: CORONET WARRIOR II Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-87-10750. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A left side view of a parked A-4EJ Skyhawk aircraft from Marine Light Attack Squadron 214 (VMA-214) during exercise Cope North '80. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH '80 Base: Naval Air Facility, Misawa State: Aomori Country: Japan (JPN)

DF-ST-89-05349. Country: West Germany (FRG)

of 3