Aircraft Carriers II (Closed to posting)

An MV-22 Osprey helicopter assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 261 prepares to launch from the flight deck of the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7). Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group is participating in Bold Alligator 2012 and final certification exercises in preparation for an upcoming deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Morgan E. Dial/Released)

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(Jan. 30, 2012) Cpl. Shaun Deibert, from of Hays, Kan., assigned to the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 261 cleans the cabin of an AV-8B Harrier on the flight deck of the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7). Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group is participating in Bold Alligator 2012 and final certification exercises in preparation for an upcoming deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Morgan E. Dial/Released)

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As we reported last week British and French ships joined a US carrier group in a six-strong flotilla of warships which passed through the Strait of Hormuz. French Navy released several pictures of the passage and of joint maneuvers in the gulf.
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Marine Nationale (French Navy) explain that La Motte-Picquet four-month deployment is part of the fight against terrorism and contributes to crisis prevention and surveillance of an area where maritime safety must be ensured. Such a mission is not conducted alone and could not succeed without the help of several nations. And to work together successfully, there is nothing like training together. That's why every opportunity must be seized to conduct exercises between allied navies, united in the same coalition in the mission "Enduring Freedom".

The six vessels strong battle group is made of:
- USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) Nimitz class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
- USS Sterett (DDG-104) and USS Russell (DDG-59) Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.
- USS Cape St. George (CG-71) Ticonderoga-class cruiser.
- HMS Argyll (F231) Type 23 'Duke' Class frigate.
- French Ship La Motte-Picquet (D645) Georges Leygues Class Destroyer (Frigate in French designation)

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navyreco said:

The slings/cables used to launch SEMs
And on top of them (blue tip) the clamp/adapter they fit on the catapult

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bd popeye said:

Gotcha.. Similar to the bridles that were once used on USN CVs to launch A-4s and F-4s among others.

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Sunday, February 5 2012, an air group consisting of Rafales and Hawkeye landed on the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle off Toulon to train and qualify French Naval Aviation pilots switching from Super Etandard Modernisé (SEM) to the new Rafale M.

The French carrier took to the sea on February 2nd. Following three days of sea trials, air operations that will be held on board throughout the week will allow for the transformation of SEM pilots on Rafale M as well as Hawkeye crews qualifications.

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Rafale M and Hawkeye pilots conduct carrier qualification and transformation off Toulon Naval Base on 05/02/2012

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The amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) follows a group of coalition ships during a strait transit simulation during Bold Alligator 2012. 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 takes place from Jan. 30 - Feb. 12, 2012, afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tommy Lamkin)

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