Naval Aircraft Operations

Dynamic shots of military aircraft launching and landing from aircraft carriers, showcasing naval aviation and maritime operations.

Arabian Sea, January 9, 2012 - An F/A-18F Super Hornet launches from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis.
Arabian Sea, January 9, 2012 - An F/A-18F Super Hornet launches from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis.
454 assets in this story
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PHILIPPINE SEA (June 15, 2016) An E-2C Hawkeye assigned to the Golden Hawks of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 112 lands aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) during Malabar 2016. A trilateral maritime exercise, Malabar is designed to enhance dynamic cooperation between the Indian Navy, Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and U.S. Navy forces in the Indo-Asia-Pacific.
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220729-N-CM110-1141 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 29, 2022) - An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 121 launches from the flight deck aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), July 29, 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.
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PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 9, 2017) Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Vincent Sanchez directs the pilot of an F/A-18C Hornet from the “Blue Blasters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 34 on the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) flight deck. Carl Vinson is participating in a sustainment training exercise in preparation for an upcoming deployment.
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A Spanish Navy pilot climbs into his EAV-8B+ aboard an aircraft carrier.
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ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 21, 2020) F/A-18E and F Super Hornets assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 stack up in preparation for launch from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) during flight operations in the Atlantic Ocean March 21, 2020. Gerald R. Ford is underway conducting carrier qualifications.
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An F/A-18 Hornet aircraft from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron Three One Two (VMFA-312) prepares to catch the arresting wire on the flight deck of USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75). Truman is en route to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)
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Aviation ordnancemen and fuel handlers prepare to service aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). Country: Adriatic Sea
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220609-N-MK109-1006 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 9, 2022) Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), prepare to launch an E-2C Hawkeye. Nimitz is underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations.
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SOUTH CHINA SEA (Dec. 23, 2019) Thailand Armed Forces leaders observe flight operations during a distinguished visitor trip aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). The visit was an opportunity for Thai military officials to familiarize themselves with U.S. Navy carrier operations and reinforce long-standing U.S.-Thai relations. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. With Abraham Lincoln as the flagship, deployed strike group assets include staffs and aircraft of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2 and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7.
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DN-SC-87-00518. Base: USS Saratoga (CV 60) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)
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041027-N-3519C-001. Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)
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DN-SN-90-02286. Base: Guantanamo Bay Country: Cuba (CUB)
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220830-N-XN177-2015 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Aug. 30, 2022) - An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced) launches from amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), Aug. 30, 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.
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220418-N-PG226-1033 IONIAN SEA (April 14, 2022) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Dagnan Vissoh, from Abidjan, Ivory Coast, directs the pilot of an F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to the Fighting Checkmates of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211, on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), April 14, 2022. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of U.S., allied and partner interests in Europe and Africa.
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Pacific Ocean, November 14, 2006 - Aircraft fly over a group of 18 U.S. and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force ships, at the conclusion the two nations' exercise ANNUALEX. The exercise is designed to improve both forces' capabilities in the defense of Japan. Ships taking part in the exercise-ending photo shoot were the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), two guided-missile cruisers, two Military Sealift Command oilers, two submarines, seven guided-missile destroyers and four JMSDF destroy
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DN-SC-87-05607. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)
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PACIFIC OCEAN (February 16, 2024) An F-35B Lightning II aircraft from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Units (MEU) Air Combat Element (ACE), takes off of the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6) while conducting flight operations in the Pacific Ocean, February 16. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navys largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Navy
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060508-N-7711S-288. Base: USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76)
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Crash and rescue personnel stay alert as preparations are made to remove an Air Anti-submarine Squadron 29 (VS-29) S-3A Viking aircraft from the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Damaged landing gear forced the aircraft to make an emergency landing. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)
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Various aircraft line the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) as the vessel transits the Suez Canal en route to the Red Sea. They include, from left foreground: Fighter Squadron 84 (VF-84) F-14A Tomcat aircraft; Attack Squadron 36 (VA-36) A-6AE Intruder aircraft, right; an EA-6B Prowler aircraft, center right; an E-2C Hawkeye aircraft, center background; and F/A-18 Hornet aircraft on the bow. State: Suez Canal Country: Egypt (EGY)
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060227-N-9362D-011. Base: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)
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220808-N-JR318-1047 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Aug. 8, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to the Fighting Checkmates” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), Aug. 8, 2022. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group 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.
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220731-N-DN159-1074 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (July 31, 2022) Distinguished visitors from Croatia observe flight operations on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) during a scheduled visit, July 31, 2022. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group 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.
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A catapult crewman directs an Air Anti-submarine Squadron 24 (VS-24) S-3A Viking aircraft into place on the No. 1 catapult on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)
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110513-N-GZ277-144PACIFIC OCEAN (May 13, 2011) Aviation BoatswainÕs Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Jason Querido, assigned to the air department of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), works as an aircraft director on the flight deck. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.
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A T-45A Goshawk trainer aircraft is launched from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) during its first series of carrier qualifications. Country: Unknown
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040225-N-9907G-003. Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)
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Tyron Dukes (right) and Brian Price (left) both Aviation Boatswain Mates, stand watch as an F/A-18C Hornet from Fighter Attack Squadron Eighty Two (VFA-82) launches from the flight deck of USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73). George Washington and her embarked air wing are conducting operations in the Persian Gulf in support of UN sanctions against Iraq. Base: USS George Washington (CVN 73) Country: At Sea
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A pair of F/A-18A Hornet aircraft from Strike Fighter Squadron 192 (VFA-192), their arresting hooks down, pass near the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV-41). Country: Unknown
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Catapult crew members prepare to launch an F-18A Hornet aircraft from the No. 2 catapult aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). The Hornet is one of several aircraft from the Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent River aboard the LINCOLN for the purpose of testing the carrier's flight deck capabilities. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)
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050804-N-9866B-001. Base: USS Peleliu (LHA 5) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)
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DN-ST-87-10433. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)
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011112-N-9483W-007. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Uss Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Scene Major Command Shown: USS Kitty Hawk
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A catapult officer signals for the launch of an F/A-18 Hornet fighter from the Kitty Hawk class aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV-64). Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)
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The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) steams away from Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, after a four-day visit. Country: Caribbean Sea
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Landing signal officers aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) watch as a Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32) F-14A Tomcat aircraft makes an arrested landing during FLEET EX 1-90. Subject Operation/Series: FLEET EX 1-90 Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)
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PHILIPPINE SEA (April 23, 2022) Members of international media outlets film flight operations aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). 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.
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Catapult crewmen hook up an F-14A Tomcat aircraft from Fighter Squadron 41 (VF-41) on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) during operations with the Sixth Fleet. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)
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220524-N-DN159-1083 IONIAN SEA (May 24, 2022) An E/A-18G Growler, attached to the Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137, prepares to launch from the flight deck of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), May 24, 2022. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group 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.
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DN-SC-90-04023. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)
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DN-SC-87-10757. Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)
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120814-N-NZ569-029 ARABIAN SEA (August 14, 2012) An F/A-18C Hornet from the Wildcats of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131 prepares to launch from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Dwight D. Eisenhower is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
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DN-SC-87-03205. Base: Naval Air Station, Pensacola State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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An A-7E Corsair II aircraft moves into position for take-off from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63). An A-6E Intruder aircraft is visible on the left. Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)
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More than 200 Airmen and 10 A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthogs from the 924th Fighter Group of the 944th Fighter Wing are working out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, July 29, 2022, during the units participation in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 21-Aug. 4. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.
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SEA OF JAPAN (April 14, 2022) Aviation Boatswains Mate (Equipment) 2nd Class Kayla Pettit, from Charlotte, N.C., signals an an F-35C Lightning II, assigned to the "Black Knights" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, as it launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during a U.S.-Japan bilateral exercise. During bilateral exercises between Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, the two navies strengthen all-domain awareness and maneuvers across a distributed maritime environment. Bilateral operations like this one, reassure our allies and partners of the U.S. commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
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More than 200 Airmen and 10 A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthogs from the 924th Fighter Group of the 944th Fighter Wing are working out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, July 26, 2022, during the units participation in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.
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DN-SC-04-15240. Base: USS Nimitz (CVN 68)
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220423-N-VI910-1568 PHILIPPINE SEA (April 23, 2022) Distinguished visitors and Sailors observe an F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the Vigilantes” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, conduct maneuvers during a Super Hornet demonstration on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). 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.
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Fog envelops the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) shortly after the ship's departure from port in Rio de Janeiro. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)
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A 62nd Tactical Fighter Training Squadron (62nd TRFS) F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft flies over the Florida coast.. State: Florida(FL) Country: United States Of America(USA)
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A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 approaches the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), while underway, May 27, 2022. Marines with VMFA-121, based out of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, are conducting flight operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.