Naval Operations and Maritime Support

Images of naval ships and support operations, focusing on towing, docking, and logistical preparations in various ports.

A port view of the fleet oiler USS WILLAMETTE (AO 180) as it refuels the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63) during an underway replenishment, 1987

Longshoremen prepare to attach lifting cables to a D8K heavy tractor before loading it aboard the maritime pre-positioning ship PFC. James Anderson Jr. (T-AK-3002). The ship will transport its cargo to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Base: Newport News State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Crewmen work on camera pods mounted on a target boat prior to its use during a high-speed anti-radiation missile (HARM) launch test at the Pacific Missile Test Center. Base: Point Mugu State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

060109-N-3019M-012. Base: Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The Marine Fire Reverse in action (fire fighting exercise on board) in March 1990.

220618-A-EQ028-1011 ARABIAN GULF (June 18, 2022) A tugboat pulls alongside the expeditionary sea base USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3) prior to departing the Jebel Ali Harbor, during exercise Iron Defender in the Arabian Gulf, June 18. Iron Defender is an annual bilateral training event between U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and forces from the United Arab Emirates. The exercise focuses on maritime security operations, mine countermeasures, and harbor defense.

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholfs (WMSL 750) crews offload contraband in San Diego seized during their 77-day counter-narcotic patrol, Nov. 29, 2022. Bertholfs crew performed multiple boardings of suspected drug-smuggling vessels while patrolling international waters off the coasts of Central and South America, which led to the detainment of multiple suspected drug smugglers and the interdiction of more than 1,050 pounds of cocaine.

120206-N-VG904-340 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 6, 2012) A landing craft from the French amphibious assault ship FS Mistral (L9013) comes ashore during the amphibious assault phase of Bold Alligator 2012. Exercise Bold Alligator 2012, the largest naval amphibious exercise in the past 10 years, represents the Navy and Marine Corps' revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on today's fight with today's forces, while showcasing the advantages of seabasing. This exercise will take place Jan. 30 through Feb. 12, 2012 afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina. #BA12

060515-N-6031Q-007. Base: Naval Air Station, Pensacola State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

120101-N-ED900-334 GULF OF ADEN (Jan. 1, 2012) Medical personnel and members of the visit, board, search and seizure team assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91) return from the cargo vessel Motor Vessel Pucon after providing medical assistance to an injured civilian. Pinckney is assigned to Combined Task Force 151, a multinational, mission-based task force working under Combined Maritime Forces, to conduct counter-piracy operations in the Southern Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Somali Basin, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.

Iraqi fast patrol boat FPB-57 is sunk after being hit by a British Skua missile during Operation Desert Storm. The missile was launched from an HA-52 Lynx helicopter stationed aboard the British destroyer HMS GLOUCESTER (D-96). Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

AIRMAN Christopher Bergstram, 436th Aerial Port Squadron, Dover AFB, Delaware, offloads equipment with a TA-40 loader at Rhein Main AB, Germany. The equipment will be vital in supporting Operation Joint Endeavor. (Substandard image). Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVOR Base: Rhein-Main Air Base Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

220923-N-VI910-1034 PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 23, 2022) An F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the Flying Eagles of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122, prepares to launch from 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.

111214-N-AW342-030GROTON, Conn. (Dec. 14, 2011) The Los Angeles-class submarine USS Dallas (SSN 700) is tugged to the pier at Naval Submarine Base New London after a scheduled six-month deployment.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - At the U.S. Naval Base San Diego in California, the Orion boilerplate test vehicle and support hardware are loaded in the well deck of the USS Anchorage for Underway Recovery Test 2. NASA, Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Navy will conduct tests in the Pacific Ocean to prepare for recovery of the Orion crew module, forward bay cover and parachutes on its return from a deep space mission. The second underway recovery test will allow the teams to demonstrate and evaluate the recovery processes, procedures, new hardware and personnel in open waters.The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is conducting the underway recovery tests. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is sched

An aerial view of various U.S. Navy ships moored at the Mina Sulman pier. From front to back are: the guided missile frigate USS RODNEY M. DAVIS (FFG-60), the guided missile cruiser USS HORNE (CG-30), and the destroyer tender USS CAPE COD (AD-43). The replenishment oiler USS KANSAS CITY (AOR-3) is on the left. Country: Bahrain (BHR)

A bow on view of Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC 54) from Assault Craft Unit 4 being marshaled ashore at Naval Station Rota, Spain. US Marine Amphibious Readiness Group (COMPHIBRON 6) is in Naval Station Rota, Spain, to do the necessary wash down and inspection of equipment. Base: Naval Station, Rota Country: Spain (ESP)

Marines with 4th Recon Battalion and 3d Force Recon Company participate in a small craft on-the-water demonstration provided by the civilian boat vendors at the Marine Forces Reserve and Defense Innovation Unit Small Boat Evaluation and Demonstration event on Nov. 2, 2022, near the 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion headquarters in Tampa, Florida. Selected boat vendors presented their craft during static displays, answered queries during question-and-answer periods and conducted on-the-water demonstrations to showcase general craft characteristics and capabilities. This phase of the DIU-led rapid acquisitions process helps determine which vessel(s) will be used by the Marine Corps Reserve in support of Force Design 2030 experimentation.

DN-SC-88-05678. Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

011011-N-7590D-013. Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CINCPACFLT

ROSEAU, Dominica (Aug. 3, 2015) The Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) is moored pierside in Roseau, Dominica during Continuing Promise 2015. Continuing Promise is a U.S Southern Command-sponsored and U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet-conducted deployment to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian-civil assistance subject matter expert exchanges, medical, dental, veterinary and engineering support and disaster response to partner nations and show U.S. support and commitment to Central and South America and the Caribbean.

The CGA CGM Herodote is moored at the Port of Guam on Aug. 10, 2022. The U.S. Coast Guard recognized mariners aboard the Herodote for their action to save lives back in March.Capt. Nick Simmons, U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam commander, presented Capt. Donald Moore and the crew a Coast Guard Certificate of Merit for their efforts to rescue fishers more than 100 miles off Japan after their vessel suffered a fire on March 21.

DN-SC-90-01824. Base: New Orleans State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220520-N-AO868-1013 BARCELONA, Spain (May 20, 2022) The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) departs Barcelona, Spain, after a four day port visit May, 20, 2022. San Jacinto 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.

Salvage Engineering Response Team - Empire and Pogeys - 26-HK-355-22. Hurricane Katrina

Loaded with equipment, the rapid-response vehicle cargo ship USNS REGULUS (T-AKR-292) transits the Suez Canal en route to Saudi Arabia. The REGULUS is transporting the equipment in support of Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Egypt (EGY)

A crew member services the SPS-49 air search radar antenna aboard the battleship USS IOWA (BB 61). Base: USS Iowa (BB 61) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Salvage Engineering Response Team - New Orleans - First Few Days - 26-HK-356-101. Polyhronus and Other Ships. Hurricane Katrina

NORFOLK (Nov. 20, 2017) The hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) returns to Naval Station Norfolk after being deployed in support of humanitarian relief efforts. Comfort returned from supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the lead federal organization, as well as other federal and local authorities helping those in Puerto Rico affected by Hurricane Maria.

221006-N-MW880-1028 SOUDA BAY, Crete (Oct. 6, 2022) Sailors heave line as the ship, along with the embarked staff of Carrier Strike Group 10, arrives in Souda Bay, Crete for a scheduled port visit, Oct. 6, 2022. The George H.W. Bush 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.

DN-ST-85-08374. Base: Mare Island State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-85-09814. Subject Operation/Series: OCEAN VENTURE '84 Base: Nas, Roosevelt Roads State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

041110-N-3770P-002. Base: Freeland State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The guided missile frigate R.M. DAVIS (FFG-60) slides down the ways after being launched. Base: Los Angeles State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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DN-SC-88-03658. Base: Avondale State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A large crane has completed removing the gang plank from the side of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69) as the ship gets underway from pier 11 for the Caribbean en route to the waters off Haiti to take part in the joint Operations Able Vigil and Support Democracy. The EISENHOWER is transporting the U.S. Army's elite 10th Mountain Division and their military hardware including HH-60 Black Hawk (Blackhawk) helicopters shown parked on the flight deck along with a Navy RH-53D Sea Stallion helicopter. Subject Operation/Series: ABLE VIGILSUPPORT DEMOCRACY Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

000930-N-1407C-007. Base: Uss George Washington (CVN 73) State: Suez Canal Country: Egypt (EGY)

Norfolk (September 21, 2022). Chief Petty Officer selectees from various commands in the Hampton Roads, Virginia participate in a Community Relations (COMREL) evolution aboard the decommissioned Iowa-Class Battleship USS Wisconsin (BB-64). The unique COMREL evolution, which consisted of moving large amounts of holiday decorations, was part of the Hampton Roads Naval Museums 21st Annual Chief Petty Officer Heritage Days event. The three-day event allows CPO selectees to receive history and heritage training at the museum and aboard the Battleship Wisconsin. The event is held at the museum and aboard the Battleship Wisconsin, and is hosted in conjunction with area commands. The event is the longest running and largest of its kind in Virginia.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Aug. 10, 2015) The aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) pulls into Naval Air Station North Island to participate in a cross deck exercise.

The USCGC Mohawk (WMEC 913) prepares to moor in Key West, Florida, Sept. 12, 2022. The cutter's crew returned home following a 92-day deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Africa area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, met with shipyard maintenance personnel from Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PHNSY & IMF), along with Sailors from USS Michael Murphy

A train carrying M-60A1 main battle tanks moves past the amphibious transport dock USS SHREVEPORT (LPD-12). Elements of the 2nd Marine Division are boarding the SHREVEPORT and other ships to leave the U.S. to participate in Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Base: Morehead City State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Memorial of the heroic defense of Odessa, Ukraine Odessa, Ukraine. 25.08.2022. Memorial of the heroic defense of Odessa, Ukraine, on a sunny summer day. Coastal artillery no. 411 in World War 2 Copyright: xZoonar.com/Multipediax 19035831

Right side front view medium shot of US Marines from the 5th Force Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, Okinawa, Japan, as they carry a Mark V Zodiac raft to the nearby dock (Not shown). These rafts will be used to transport the reconnaissance unit to the water for their cold water training exercise at Iwakuni, Japan. Subject Operation/Series: 5TH FORCE RECON COLD WATER TRAINING Base: Marine Corps Air Station,Iwakuni Country: Japan (JPN)

Coast Guard Pacific Strike Team member Chief Petty Officer Jeremy Kay talks with residents during an assessment for possible pollution threats following Hurricane Ian, Fort Myers Beach, Florida, Oct. 31, 2022. Coast Guard marine environmental response teams are working closely with interagency partners to identify and mitigate environmental hazards after the storm. (Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Lisa Ferdinando)

050112-N-3228G-003. Subject Operation/Series: UNIFIED ASSISTANCE Base: Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-86-06932. Base: Westwego State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Florida Army and Air National Guard personnel deploy water rescue vessels during Hurricane Ian relief efforts, Punta Gorda, Fla., Oct. 1, 2022. Maritime operations were supported through the use of Florida National Guard's Chemical, Biological, Radiological/Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) - Enhanced Response Force Package (FL-CERFP) personnel across areas affected by the natural disaster. Specialized equipment allowed guardsmen to provide day and night time capabilities to residents in need of medical aid and emergency extraction. ( U.S. Army photo by Sgt. N.W. Huertas)

221009-O-LW180-1010-GR NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Oct. 9, 2022) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) pier side at the NATO Marathi Pier Complex in Souda Bay, Crete, during a scheduled port visit on Oct. 9, 2022. The George H.W. Bush 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. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., allied, coalition, and partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

Crewmembers of the Ohio class submarine USS MARYLAND (SSBN-738) hang the boat's banner on the ramp after mooring at the naval station in support of the joint military exercise GLOBAL GUARDIAN '98. Subject Operation/Series: GLOBAL GUARDIAN '98 Base: Nas, Roosevelt Roads State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Navy landing craft, air cushion with Assault Craft Unit 5 carries an AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar during exercise Steel Knight 23, Dec. 6, 2022. Exercise Steel Knight 23 provides 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing an opportunity to refine Wing-level warfighting in support of I Marine Expeditionary Forceand fleet maneuver.

GROTON, Conn. (Feb. 13, 2014) The attack submarine USS Virginia (SSN 774) arrives at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., after completing a scheduled six-month overseas deployment in the European operating region.

A bow view of the guided missile frigate USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS (FFG-58) secured on the Dutch heavy lift ship MIGHTY SERVANT II. The frigate was damaged when it struck an Iranian mine while on patrol in the Persian Gulf. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

060109-N-9643K-105. Base: Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

NORFOLK (April 1, 2015) The Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (TA-H 20) departs Naval Station Norfolk. Comfort is deploying to support Operation Continuing Promise 2015, a series of humanitarian exercises conducted under the direction of U.S. Southern Command to provide medical, dental and veterinary aid to people in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

221009-O-LW180-1005-GR NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Oct. 9, 2022) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) pier side at the NATO Marathi Pier Complex in Souda Bay, Crete, during a scheduled port visit on Oct. 9, 2022. The George H.W. Bush 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. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., allied, coalition, and partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

The mine countermeasures ship SENTRY (MCM-3) slides off the ways during the ship's launching ceremony. Base: Sturgeon Bay State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Salvage Engineering Response Team - Various Operations - 26-HK-360-95. mm 49 to 59 photos. Hurricane Katrina

220509-N-DU622-1036 INDIAN ISLAND, Wash., (May 9, 2022) Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) heave around a line while departing Naval Magazine Indian Island. Nimitz is underway preparing for future operations.

A view of buildings and a section of the pier on the naval station's opening day. The guided missile cruiser USS DALE (CG-19) is moored in the foreground. Base: Naval Station, New York State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An aerial view of the boat house taken from the seaward side of the air station. Base: Marine Corps Air Station,Iwakuni Country: Japan (JPN)

Katrina - General - 26-HK-403-131. Hurricane Katrina

050119-N-8148A-045. Base: USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76)

060321-O-9999N-002. Country: Gulf Of Aden

220503-N-TL932-1035 PACIFIC OCEAN (May 3, 2022) Sailors and civilian personnel transport an F/A-18 Super Hornet, attached to the Blue Angels, onto the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), May 3. Vinson is currently pierside in its homeport of San Diego.

010408-N-4615G-002. Base: Uss Constellation (CV 64) State: Sydney Harbor Country: Australia (AUS)

U.S. Navy Sailors with the amphibious docking ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20), and U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, coordinate a boat raid exercise from the well deck of the USS Green Bay, off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 3, 2024. The exercise builds upon the Navys and Marine Corps ability to work together for the successful launch and recovery of combat rubber raiding crafts for rapid ship-to-shore operations. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America 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. Marine Corps

Printed during the 1989 Fleet Days. Rubber boats from the Marines Corps are moored at the stern (fence) of the GW frigate Hr.Ms. Tromp (1975-1999).

111107-N-UD469-119SAN DIEGO (Nov. 7, 2011) Bleachers are set-up on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) for the Quicken Loans Carrier Classic basketball game. The Michigan State University Spartans are playing the University of North Carolina Tar Heels aboard Carl Vinson for the first ever Quicken Loans Carrier Classic on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

Rescue team members are using a Boeing CST-100 Starliner training capsule, known as Boiler Plate 3, to practice uprighting procedures in the unlikely event of an emergency resulting in a splashdown. NASA and the Department of Defense Human Space Flight Support Office Rescue Division conducted a search and rescue training exercise at the Army Wharf at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on April 17, 2019. The manual uprighting airbags could be used to lift the spacecraft to its upright position. This is the first at-sea exercise with the Starliner training capsule ahead of Boeings Crew Flight Test with astronauts targeted for later this year. During normal return scenarios, Boeing's Starliner will land on land in a safe zone of about 15 square miles in the Western United States. Throughout the commercial crew development phases with NASA, Boeing has performed dozens of qualification tests on its parachute and airbag systems simulating conditions on land and in the water.

SEWARD, Alaska (Sept. 20, 2019) The amphibious dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45) sits pierside prior to departing Seward, Alaska following a scheduled port visit as part of Arctic Expeditionary Capabilities Exercise (AECE) 2019. Approximately 3,000 U.S. Navy and Marine Corps personnel participate in AECE 2019, a joint training exercise that tests expeditionary logistical capabilities in the Arctic region and prepares joint forces to respond to crises across the Indo-Pacific.

NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (January 26, 2022) Emergency personnel assigned to Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota, Spain, support a simulated firefighting exercise aboard the the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117), January 26, 2022. NAVSTA Rota sustains the fleet, enables the fighter and supports the family by conducting air operations, port operations, ensuring security and safety, assuring quality of life and providing the core services of power, water, fuel and information technology.

The men of the USS RANGER (CV-61), off the coast of Somalia, proudly spell out why they are there...to "Restore Hope" to the Somali people. Subject Operation/Series: RESTORE HOPE Country: Unknown

230103-N-GR655-0026 GROTON, Conn. (January 3, 2023) - Master Chief Petty Officer James Elmstead, chief of the boat for the USS Newport News (SSN 750), supervises mooring operations during a homecoming event at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Jan. 3. Newport News returned to homeport after a six-month deployment in support of the chief of naval operations maritime strategy. The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Newport News and crew operate under Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) TWELVE and its primary mission is to provide attack submarines that are ready, willing, and able to meet the unique challenges of undersea combat and deployed operations in unforgiving environments across the globe.

DN-SC-86-04202. Base: Long Beach State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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