Naval Aircraft Launch Procedures

Dynamic shots of aircraft launching from aircraft carriers, showcasing naval operations during Desert Shield, emphasizing coordination and readiness.

U.S. Navy McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk Jet Fighter

A lowered elevator transports aircraft as Air Anti-submarine Squadron 29 (VS-29) S-3A Viking aircraft, an Attack Squadron 95 (VA-95) A-6E Intruder aircraft, and a Strike Fighter Squadron 305 (VFA-305) F/A-18 Horner aircraft stand on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A right front view of a Marine Attack Squadron (Training) 542 (VMAT-542) TAV-8A Harrier aircraft parked on the flight line. Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An MD-3A tow tractor backs into position as personnel crowd around a V-22A Osprey aircraft on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS WASP (LHD-1). The aircraft is aboard the WASP for shipboard compatibility trials. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Pilots sit in the cockpits of their aircraft, an F-4 Phantom II, left, and an EA-6B Prowler, right, as they prepare for takeoff during Exercise COPE THUNDER 83-7. The F-4 is assigned to the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing and the EA-6B is assigned to the Navy's Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 136 (VAQ-136). Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER 83-7 Country: Philippines (PHL)

Maintenance crews prepare F-4D PHantom II aircraft during Creek Klaxon, an exercise where Air National Guard units from 20 states were sent to temporarily assume the Zulu Alert duties of the 526th Tactical Fighter Squadron. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: CREEK KLAXON Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Maintenance personnel wash down a Fighter Squadron 103 (VF-103) F-14A Tomcat 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

A left side view of a Fighter Squadron 84 (VF-84) F-14A Tomcat aircraft being serviced on the flight line. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-87-06718. Base: Naval Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Crewmen board an F-4 Phantom II aircraft for their final flight from the base. The Phantom has been replaced by F-16 Fighting Falcons as the official mission's essential fighter aircraft. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

Visitors sit in the shade of an AV-8 Harrier aircraft while attending the Detroit Air Show. Base: Detroit State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Firefighters from Yokota Air Base, dressed in proximity suits and air tanks, rescue an injured pilot from the cockpit of an aircraft inside a hangar as a part of the Yokota Air Base CERRI inspection. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

Aviation ordnancemen move a weapons skid into place near a Strike Fighter Squadron 303 (VFA-303) F/A-18A Hornet aircraft. Two AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles are on the skid. Base: Naval Air Station, Lemoore State: California(CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

CPT Stan Kanno of the 44th Tactical Fighter Wing, Kadena, Japan, briefs members of the Chitose Air Base fire department on emergency fire-fighting techniques used with the F-15 Eagle aircraft. Chitose Air Base is the site of training exercise Cope North '83-1. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH '83 Base: Hokkaido Country: Japan (JPN)

A left rear view of an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft with another Falcon in the background during exercise COPE ELITE '81. The aircraft, loaded with a Mark 82 500-pound laser-guided bombs, is from the 428th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 474th Tactical Fighter Wing. Subject Operation/Series: COPE ELITE '81 Base: Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Plane captains of Fighter Squadron 14 (VF-14) and other squadrons check out their F-14A Tomcat aircraft in front of the island 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 flight deck crewman uses an MD-3 tow tractor to position an Air Anti-submarine Squadron 33 (VS-33) S-3 Viking aircraft on the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN-68). Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A pair of A-4F Skyhawk aircraft of Composite Fighter Squadron 13 (VFC-13), Reserve Carrier Air Wing 30 (CVWR-30), taxis to the runway prior to an air combat maneuvers training mission against Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17). Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-87-03266. Base: USS America (CV 66) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

US Navy aviation ordnancemen load a US Navy EA-6B Prowler with a AGM-88 HARM missile. The ground crew is preparing the aircraft for a NATO airstrike against the Bosnian Serbs. HARM or High-speed Anti-Radiation Missiles, are air-to-surface tactical missiles designed to seek out and destroy enemy radar-equipped air defense systems. The aircraft is from Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 141 deployed on board the aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71). The ROOSEVELT is operating in the Adriatic Sea in support of the operation. Subject Operation/Series: DELIBERATE FORCE Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

DN-SN-85-02036. Subject Operation/Series: URGENT FURY Country: Grenada (GRD)

Pilots from Attack Squadron 46 (VA-46) and Attack Squadron 72 (VA-72) sit in the cockpits of their A-7E Corsair aircraft as flight operations commence aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Red Sea

DF-ST-86-07634. Base: Aqaba Country: Jordan (JOR)

Personnel aboard the hospital ship USNS COMFORT (T-AH-20) stand by as a members of the 45th Medical Company prepares to board a UH-60 Black Hawk (Blackhawk) helicopter following the loading of a simulated casualty. Members of the company and COMFORT personnel are taking part in the drill in support of Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Unknown

One F-14A Tomcat aircraft stands by on a catapult as another F-14A is launched during flight operations aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71). Country: Unknown

A Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 24 (VR-24) C-2A Greyhound aircraft prepares to catch the arresting cable as it comes in for a landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV-66). Country: Mediterranean Sea(MED)

LT. Eric Meyer, USN, (right) a pilot assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106), instructs Colonel-General Kostyantyn Morozov, Ukrainian Ministry of Defense (left), as Major Krylov Alexander of the Ukrainian Air Force (center) interprets, on how to use the oxygen mask in the F/A-18D Hornet aircraft. The aircraft is being prepared for the flight out to the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) which is operating off the Virginia Capes. Base: Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

During Friends and Family Day Cruise aboard USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75), spectators get a front row seat as a F/A-18 Hornet aircraft from Fighter Attack Squadron One Zero Five (VFA-105) catapults off the flight deck during a air power demonstration. Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

DN-SN-85-06364. Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

DN-ST-86-04390. Country: Sea Of Japan

Lockheed F-104G Starfighter is prepared before departure.

A-7B Corsair II aircraft in the hangar bay of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70). The aircraft are assigned to Light Attack Squadrons 203, 204, and 205 (VA-203, 204, 205). Country: Unknown

An Attack Squadron 36 (VA-36) A-6E Intruder aircraft is launched from the No. 2 catapult as the No. 1 catapult director guides another aircraft into place during flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). The LINCOLN is at sea for its shakedown cruise. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

000709-N-1324P-001. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 2000 Base: Uss Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

DF-ST-87-08058. Base: Warner Robins Air Force Base State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

As seen from the ship's O-9 level, an Attack Squadron 65 (VA-65) A-6E Intruder aircraft is moved clear of the arresting wires on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A view of several F/A-18A Hornet, A-6E Intruder, and EA-6B Prowler aircraft parked on the flight line. The Carrier Air Wing 13 (CVW-13) aircraft, based aboard the aircraft carrier USS CORAL SEA (CV 43), have been sent to Sigonella for corrosion control treatment. Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA)

Right side view of a UH-46 Sea Knight helicopter providing replenishment service to ships positioned off the coast of Lebanon. The ships are supporting US Marines assigned to the multinational peacekeeping force in Beirut. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

Aircraft parked on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) include S-3A Vikings, F/A-18A Hornets, EA-6B Prowlers, and an A-6E Intruder. The carrier is participating in Fleet Exercise 85. Base: USS Constellation (CV 64) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DF-SN-87-03878. Subject Operation/Series: HOG STAMPEDE Base: England Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-87-07519. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE '86 Base: Norton Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A restored B-25 Mitchell bomber aircraft is towed to a pier, where it will be lifted by crane aboard the aircraft carrier USS RANGER (CV-61). It and another B-25 will be lanched in a re-enactment of "Doolittle's Raid" of April 18, 1942, during which 16 B-25s were launched from the aircraft carrier USS HORNET (CV-8) in the first mainland attack on Japan. Base: Naval Air Station, North Island State: California(CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A flight deck crew member signals to the pilot of an F-14A Tomcat aircraft taxiing on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) as the vessel is underway during WesPac '93. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DN-ST-85-03267. Base: Nav Sup Activity, Diego Garcia Country: British Indian Ocean Territory (IOT)

A view of an RT-33 aircraft ready for flight during Exercise Jack Frost '75. A ground crewman removes safety pins from the aircraft. Subject Operation/Series: JACK FROST '75 Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Right side view of a UH-46 Sea Knight helicopter from Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 6 (HC-6) providing replenishment service to ships positioned off the coast of Lebanon. The ships are supporting US Marines assigned to the multinational peacekeeping force in Beirut. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A flight deck crewmen poses for a photograph during a lull in flight operations on the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). Country: Adriatic Sea

DF-ST-88-02890. Base: Mather Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A ground crewman signals to the pilot of the first F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft to arrive at the base. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A crewman works on the landing gear of an SH-3H Sea King helicopter. The Navy helicopter is operating in support of U.S. forces sent to the Persian Gulf region in response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD/STORM Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

An overhead left side view of a camouflaged C-130 as it is being loaded at the Entebbe International Airport. Two other C-130s are parked in the background. Subject Operation/Series: SUPPORT HOPE Base: Entebbe Country: Uganda (UGA)

Anefo photo collection. Transfer first f 16 to the Royal Netherlands Army. F 16 on the ground. June 6, 1979. Noord-Holland, Schiphol

Aviation Boatswains Mate Tyron Dukes (center) stands watch as an F-14B Tomcat from Fighter Squadron One Zero Two (VF-102) launches from the flight deck of the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73). George Washington and her embarked air wing are conducting operations in support of UN sanctions against Iraq. Base: USS George Washington (CVN 73) Country: At Sea

A firefighting team member dressed in protective gear stands by with a fire extinguisher as he and other flight deck crew members take part in a drill aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Country: Caribbean Sea

DN-SN-87-07017. Base: Naval Station, Long Beach State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt.

A chief petty officer watches as a Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 1 (HC-1) CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter moves into position over a damaged Attack Squadron 52 (VA-52) A-6E Intruder aircraft. The helicopter will carry the aircraft to the Naval Air Rework Facility, Alameda, California, for repairs. The Intruder was damaged when a hydraulic failure forced it to land with its landing gear retracted. Base: Naval Air Station, North Island State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Light Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 34 (HSL-34) SH-2F Seasprite helicopter lands aboard the destroyer USS PETERSON (DD-969) during FLEET EX 1-90. Subject Operation/Series: FLEET EX 1-90 Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

An F/A-18A Hornet aircraft undergoes regular maintenance. Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA)

Northrop NF-5Bs from 313 squadron taxiing to the runway.

A CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 6 (HC-6) delivers supplies to the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69) during underway replenishment. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DF-ST-87-07411. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER '86-1 Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

DF-ST-88-03761. Subject Operation/Series: SOLID SHIELD Base: USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20)

A view of the tail section of a Marine Fighter-Attack Squadron 321 (VMFA-321) F-4S Phantom II aircraft on display at the 1991 Department of Defense Joint Services Open House. VMFA-321 is a reserve squadron with the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing (4th MAW). Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-SC-89-11406. Country: Unknown

DN-SN-85-06298. Subject Operation/Series: INTENSE LOOK Base: Rota Country: Spain (ESP)

DN-ST-86-10453. Base: USS Coral Sea (CV 43) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-SN-89-04785. Base: Usns Spica (T-AFS 9)

A crew member from the aircraft carrier USS RANGER (CV-61) and a Russian helicopter crew member pose for a photograph beside a Russian Ka-27 Helix helicopter shortly after it landed on deck. The Helix is the first helicopter to land aboard a U.S. carrier. Country: Northern Arabian Sea

A munitions crew loads an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile aboard an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft during the Strike Command Tactical Bombing Competition. No live ordnance will be dropped during the competition. Dummy bombs will be used to hit the targets and scoring will be based on ground observation and gun camera film. Base: Raf Lossiemouth Country: Scotland (SCT)

Munitions loader SGT. Aaron May checks bombs before other crew members mount them on F-15E Eagle aircraft of the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing (4th TFW). The 4th TFW is the first unit to have an operational F-15E squadron. Base: Seymour Johnson Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A flight deck crewman leans on the turbine compressor hose of an MD-3A tow tractor aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Aviation ordnancemen use an Aero 21A weapons skid to move AIM-9 Sidewiner missiles across 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. A Strike Fighter Squadron 192 (VFA-192) F/A-18C Hornet aircraft is in the background. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Country: Unknown

A view of a bunting-draped ship, taken from the hangar deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70) during the commissioning ceremony for the carrier. Base: Newport News State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Right side view of an F-4 Phantom II aircraft from Marine Fighter Squadron 212 (VMFA-212) preparing to take off during an Alpha Strike exercise. Subject Operation/Series: ALPHA STRIKE Base: Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Steven R. Davis and Aviation Ordnanceman AMN Mark W. Self inspect a GBU-16 1,000 pound bomb for it's proper configuration and any visible defects. This mission is in direct support of NATO Operation Allied Force. Subject Operation/Series: ALLIED FORCE Country: Adriatic Sea

DN-ST-88-02715. Country: Unknown

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