← Military & Defence

Navy Aircraft Carrier Operations

F/A-18 Hornets launching and landing from aircraft carriers. Action shots showcasing naval aviation and carrier deck operations in various ocean settings.

Persian Gulf, January 9, 2006 - An F/A-18 Hornet makes an arrested landing aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71).
Persian Gulf, January 9, 2006 - An F/A-18 Hornet makes an arrested landing aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71).
457 assets in this story
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220613-N-MK109-1045 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 13, 2022) An E-2C Hawkeye, from the "Sun Kings" of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 116, launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations.
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110803-N-MK401-079PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 3, 2011) A shooter signals the launch of an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Flying Eagles of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln is underway off the coast of Southern California conducting carrier flight qualifications.
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110331-N-6320L-192ARABIAN GULF (March 31,2011) Chief Aviation Electrician's Mate Todd Wing, assigned to the First of the Fleet of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 25, watches an F/A-18C Hornet launch from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are conducting maritime security operations and close-air support missions for Operation New Dawn in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
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ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 17, 2016) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) Airman Raheem Malloy, from Greensboro, N.C., clears the catapult to launch a T-45C Goshawk assigned to Training Air Wing (TRAWING) 1 on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington, homeported in Norfolk, is underway conducting carrier qualifications in the Atlantic Ocean.
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A Fighter Squadron 21 (VF-21) F-14 Tomcat aircraft hooks an arresting cable on 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. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Country: Unknown
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DN-ST-87-11417. Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)
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240112-N-VC924-1075 RED SEA (Jan. 12, 2024) USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) conducts flight operations in response to increased Iranian-backed Houthi malign behavior in the Red Sea, Jan. 12, 2024. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security and stability in the Middle East region.
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PHILIPPINE SEA (May 19, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the "Tophatters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14, makes an arrested landing on the flight deck 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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An Air Anti-submarine Squadron 29 (VS-29) S-3A Viking aircraft sits parked on the edge of the flight deck aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Country: Caribbean Sea
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DN-SC-88-02014. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)
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DN-ST-88-00480. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)
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A US Navy (USN) Yellow Shirt Catapult Officer, holds his position while launching one of the last F-14B Tomcats aircraft, assigned to the "Swordsmen" of FIGHTER Squadron Three Two (VF-32), from the flight deck of the Nimitz Class: Aircraft Carrier, USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN-75). The current underway-period marks the final time the F-14 Tomcat will take part in flight operations while embarked aboard the Truman. VF-32 will shortly begin the process of transitioning to the newer F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft. Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)
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DN-ST-88-00207. Base: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)
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A right side view of an Attack Squadron 94 (VA-94) A-7E Corsair aircraft parked on the flight line. Base: Naval Air Station, Cubi Point State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)
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U.S. 5th FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Sept. 27, 2018) U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), load ordnance into an F-35B Lightning II aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) in preparation for the F-35B's first combat strike, Sept. 27, 2018. The Essex is the flagship for the Essex Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 13th MEU, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.
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220615-N-XN177-3241 PHILIPPINE SEA (June 15, 2022) - An MV-22 Osprey aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 takes off from the flight deck of amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), June 15, 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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060724-N-7202W-009. Base: USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)
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Flight deck crewmen perform a preflight check on an Attack Squadron 55 (VA-55) A-6E Intruder aircraft aboard the aircraft carrier USS CORAL SEA during operations near Libya. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)
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220922-N-LI114-1010 PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 22, 2022) An F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to the Diamondbacks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102, launches from the flight deck of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 22. The Diamondbacks conduct carrier-based air strikes and strike force escort missions, as well as ship, battle group, and intelligence collection operations. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
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000718-N-6904B-002. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 2000 Base: Uss George Washington (CVN 73) Country: Egypt (EGY)
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110719-N-XE109-147ARABIAN SEA (July 19, 2011) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuel) 3rd Class Bryan Herring takes a moment to relax on the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). George H.W. Bush is deployed supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility on its first operational deployment.
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120528-N-WD757-125 ARABIAN SEA (May 28, 2012) Aviation ordnancemen offload ordnance from an F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the Bounty Hunters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2 on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Lincoln 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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011102-N-0382M-003. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Uss Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Scene Major Command Shown: CVN-71 COD C-2A aircraft
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021004-N-9593M-033. Base: USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)
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Tails of U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys, at Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, southern Afghanistan.
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During Flight Operations on board the USS PELELIU (LHA 5), an AV-8B Harrier from Marine Attack Squadron-214 (VMA-214) is signaled to launch from the flight deck by an Aircraft Handler (yellow jersey) during Exercise KERNEL BLITZ '97. KERNEL BLITZ is taking place off the coast of Southern California and Camp Pendleton to train Navy and Marine Corps personnel in amphibious operations. Subject Operation/Series: KERNEL BLITZ '97 Base: Uss Peleliu (LHA 5)
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Italian Navy personnel on the deck of the ITS Cavour aircraft carrier.
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PACIFIC OCEAN (June 21, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the Vigilantes of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet.
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A Fighter Squadron 84 (VF-84) F-14A Tomcat aircraft waits for launch on the No. 3 waist catapult aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN 68). Base: USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)
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DN-SN-87-04606. Base: USS Constellation (CV 64) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)
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Aviation ordnancemen position AGM-88A HARM high-speed anti-radiation missiles near A-7E Corsair II aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). The planes will be fitted with the missiles in preparation for strikes on Iraqi targets at the onset of Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Red Sea
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An EA-6B Prowler aircraft of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron Two-Zero-Nine (VAQ-209) lands on board the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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220531-N-OM737-1195NEW YORK (May 31, 2022) - the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) departs New York City May 31, 2022. Bataan is underway in the 2nd fleet area of operations. Bataan is homeported at Naval Station Norfolk.
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DN-ST-89-11018. Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)
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221025-N-OL632-2412 ADRIATIC SEA (Oct. 25, 2022) Royal Navy Rear Adm. James Morley, deputy commander, Striking and Support Forces NATO, center right, observes flight operations on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) for a scheduled visit during the NATO-led vigilance activity Neptune Strike 2022.2 (NEST 22.2), Oct. 25, 2022. NEST 22.2 is the natural evolution of NATO's ability to integrate the high-end maritime warfare capabilities of a carrier strike group to support the defense of the alliance in Europe.
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221006-N-LI114-2075 SEA OF JAPAN (Oct. 6, 2022) Lt. j.g. Sylvester Williams signals an F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to the Eagles of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115, after landing on the flight deck of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), in the Sea of Japan, Oct. 6. The Eagles conduct carrier-based air strikes and strike force escort missions, as well as ship, battle group, and intelligence collection operations. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
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F-14B Tomcat USS George Washington (CVN 73) US Navy
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Crew members watch from the railings of the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV-66) as A-6E Intruder aircraft conduct a flyover in honor of the ship's arrival in port. The AMERICA has just returned to Norfolk following deployment in the Persian Gulf area during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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100621-N-7908T-029 ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 21, 2010) Air department Sailors assigned to the crash and salvage division of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) spray water on an F/A-18 Hornet training aircraft during a flight deck firefighting drill. George H.W. Bush is conducting training in the Atlantic Ocean.
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221019-N-MW880-1139 ADRIATIC SEA (Oct. 19, 2022) Social media influencers pose for a group photo on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) during the NATO-led vigilance activity Neptune Strike 22.2 (NEST 22.2), in the Adriatic Sea, Oct. 19, 2022. NEST 22.2 is the natural evolution of NATO's ability to integrate the high-end maritime warfare capabilities of a carrier strike group to support the defense of the alliance in Europe.
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240129-N-FK754-1205 PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 29, 2024) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14, releases from the arresting gear cable on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations conducting advanced tactical training that increases warfighting capability and tactical proficiency across all domains.
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221017-N-MW880-1214 ADRIATIC SEA (Oct. 17, 2022) A member of the media captures video of flight operations aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) during the NATO-led vigilance activity Neptune Strike 22.2 (NEST 22.2), in the Adriatic Sea, Oct. 17, 2022. NEST 22.2 is the natural evolution of NATO's ability to integrate the high-end maritime warfare capabilities of a carrier strike group to support the defense of the alliance in Europe.
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060702-N-7730P-114. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)
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DN-SC-87-05768. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)
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An Argentine navy Super Etendard aircraft prepares to land on the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). The aircraft is taking part in touch-and-go operations aboard the LINCOLN during the vessel's circumnavigation of South America. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)
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PACIFIC OCEAN (April 4, 2023) - U.S. Sailors prepare to launch an F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the Vigilantes of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), April 4, 2023. Theodore Roosevelt is conducting a flight deck certification with the Black Aces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, the Tophatters of VFA-14, the Rough Raiders of VFA-125, the Vigilantes of VFA-151, and the Eightballers of Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) 8 ahead of an upcoming deployment workup cycle. The ship recently completed an 18-month maintenance availability, receiving extensive restorations and upgrades.
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221205-N-MW880-1105 NAPLES, Italy (Dec. 5, 2022) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), along with the embarked staff of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, departs Naples, Italy, following a scheduled port visit Dec. 5, 2022. The George H.W. Bush CSG 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 officer on the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) confirms the go signal from the hook-up petty officer while preparing to launch a Strike fighter Squadron 105 (VFA-105) F/A-18C Hornet aircraft. Country: Adriatic Sea
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PHILIPPINE SEA (May 30, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the Vigilantes” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, launches from 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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PACIFIC OCEAN (May 8, 2012) Lt. Daniel Colon, assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), prepares to launch two F-18/E Super Hornets assigned to the Salty Dogs of Air Test and Evaluation (VX) 23 squadron. Nimitz is conducting carrier qualifications off the coast of southern California.
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Silver EaglesF/A-18A HornetUS Navy
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230627-N-KU796-1023 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 27, 2023) A U.S. Navy Sailor directs an F/A-18F Super Hornet from the Fighting Redcocks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 on the flight deck of the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is underway conducting routine operations.
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050708-N-5781F-009. Base: Sydney State: New South Wales Country: Australia (AUS)
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PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 18, 2024) U.S. Sailors prepare for flight operations aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), Jan. 18, 2024. Theodore Roosevelt, flagship of Carrier Strike Group Nine, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations. An integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet operates naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to execute the U.S. Navys role across the full spectrum of military operations - from combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with our allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation, the rule of law, and other principles that underpin security for the Indo-Pacific region.
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230410-N-MH015-1110 PHILIPPINE SEA (April 10, 2023) A U.S. Navy Sailor launches an F/A-18F Super Hornet from the Mighty Shrikes of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 94 from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz 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.
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An E-2C Hawkeye aircraft from Carrier Airborne Early Warning One Two Six (VAW-126) prepares to launch as the crowd looks on during an air power demonstration aboard USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75). Truman is conducting a Friends and Family Day Cruise off the Virginia Coast prior to it's maiden six month deployment. Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)