Aircraft Carriers III

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 15, 2023) The ensign flies aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (NIMCSG) and Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (MKI ARG), with embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (13th MEU), are conducting combined expeditionary strike force (ESF) operations, demonstrating unique high-end war fighting capability, maritime superiority, power projection and readiness. Operations include integrated training designed to advance interoperability between the two groups while simultaneously demonstrating the U.S. commitment to our alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Emma Burgess)



SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 15, 2023) An F/A-18F Super Hornet from the “Mighty Shrikes” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 94 launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joseph Calabrese)



SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 15, 2023) A U.S. Navy Sailor launches an F/A-18F Super Hornet from the “Fighting Redcocks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joseph Calabrese)



SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 15, 2023) U.S. Navy Sailors load cargo into an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the “Screamin’ Indians” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6 on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Caitlin Flynn)



SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 15, 2023) A U.S. Navy Sailor inspects ordnance aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Hannah Kantner)

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SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 15, 2023) The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) steams alongside the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (NIMCSG) and Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (MKI ARG), with embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), are conducting combined expeditionary strike force (ESF) operations, demonstrating unique high-end war fighting capability, maritime superiority, power projection and readiness. Operations include integrated training designed to advance interoperability between the two groups while simultaneously demonstrating the U.S. commitment to our alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. Nimitz is in U.S. U.S. 7th Fleet conducting routine operations. U.S. 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Emma Burgess)



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SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 15, 2023) Amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), and USS Chung Hoon (DDG 93) perform expeditionary strike force (ESF) operations, Feb. 15, 2023 in the South China Sea. Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (NIMCSG) and amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) with embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit are conducting joint ESF operations, representing unique high-end war fighting capabilities, maritime superiority, and power projection, demonstrating the U.S. commitment to our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kendra Helmbrecht)



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SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 15, 2023) F-35B Lightning II from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), rest aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). . (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David Rowe)



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SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 14, 2023) Rear Adm. Christopher Sweeney, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11, Capt. Tony Chavez, commanding officer of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), Col. Samuel Meyer, commanding officer of 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), and Capt. Justin Kubu, commander, Amphibious Squadron SEVEN tour the flight deck aboard Makin Island, Feb. 14, 2023, in the South China Sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joshua Martinez)



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SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 15, 2023) U.S. Navy Sailors prepare to launch an F/A-18F Super Hornet from the “Fighting Redcocks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (NIMCSG) and Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (MKI ARG), with embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), are conducting combined expeditionary strike force (ESF) operations, demonstrating unique high-end war fighting capability, maritime superiority, power projection and readiness. Operations include integrated training designed to advance interoperability between the two groups while simultaneously demonstrating the U.S. commitment to our alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. Nimitz is in U.S. 7th Fleet conducting routine operations. U.S. 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Hannah Kantner)

PHILIPPINE SEA (March 7, 2023) An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the “Kestrels” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137 launches from 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin McTaggart)



PHILIPPINE SEA (March 7, 2023) An E-2C Hawkeye from the “Sun Kings” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 116 makes an arrested landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin McTaggart)



PHILIPPINE SEA (March 7, 2023) U.S. Navy Sailors observe an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter from the “Battlecats” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73 as it flies by an F/A-18F Super Hornet from the “Fighting Redcocks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin McTaggart)



PHILIPPINE SEA (March 7, 2023) An E-2C Hawkeye from the “Sun Kings” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 116 makes an arrested landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Hannah Kantner)



PHILIPPINE SEA (March 7, 2023) A U.S. Navy Sailor climbs into an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the “Kestrels” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137 on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Hannah Kantner)

Sailors assigned to the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), taxi an F/A-18E Super Hornet attached to the "Ragin' Bulls" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37, March 7, 2023. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean executing its Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), an intense, multi-week exercise designed to fully integrate a carrier strike group as a cohesive, multi-mission fighting force and to test their ability to carry out sustained combat operations from the sea. As the first-in-class ship of Ford-class aircraft carriers, CVN 78 represents a generational leap in the U.S. Navy's capacity to project power on a global scale. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jennifer A. Newsome)



An F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to the "Blacklions" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213, is chocked and chained on the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford's (CVN 78) flight deck, March 3, 2023.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jennifer A. Newsome)



Sailors assigned to the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) conduct flight operations on the flight deck, March 4, 2023. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nolan Pennington)




Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Christian Lindsey, from Mercator, Georgia, assigned to the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) weapons department, participates in a live-fire exercise, March 6, 2023.(U.S. Navy photos by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Simon Pike)

SEATTLE (March 17, 2023) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) transits Puget Sound after departing Bremerton, Wash., March 17, 2023. Theodore Roosevelt is conducting a change of homeport to San Diego following an 18-month docking planned incremental availability at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Heather C. Wamsley)



ADRIATIC SEA (March 17, 2023) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) transits alongside the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W Bush (CVN 77) during flight operations in the Adriatic Sea, March 17, 2023. 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Novalee Manzella)



SOUTH CHINA SEA (March 15, 2023) Amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) conducts a photo exercise and replenishment-at sea with the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Chung Hoon (DDG 93), March 15, 2023 in the South China Sea. The ability to refuel ships at sea demonstrates the mobility and sustainability provided by amphibious platforms that gives the Makin Island Navy/Marine Corps team an asymmetric advantage in a maritime environment. Chung Hoon and Makin Island of Amphibious Squadron (CPR) 7 are operating in the 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely operating with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Alexander Martinez)



PHILIPPINE SEA (March 13, 2023) An E/A-18G Growler from the "Cougars" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139 prepares for flight operations aboard 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Hannah Kantner)



ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 5, 2023) A view from the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) of the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and the the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), USS Ramage (DDG 61) and USS McFaul (DDG 74) as the ships steam in formation during a drill while underway as part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group in the Atlantic Ocean, March 5, 2023. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Malachi Lakey)

PACIFIC OCEAN (March 31, 2023) Sailors assigned to the “Bounty Hunters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2, perform maintenance on an F/A-18F Super Hornet, on the flight deck aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Vinson is currently underway conducting Tailored Ship’s Training Availability/Final Evaluation Problem certification. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Isaiah B. Goessl)



PACIFIC OCEAN (March 31, 2023) A Sailor assigned to the “Golden Dragons” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 192, washes an F/A-18E Super Hornet on the flight deck aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Isaiah B. Goessl)



PACIFIC OCEAN (March 31, 2023) A Sailor assigned to Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), taxis an MH-60R Sea Hawk, assigned to the “Blue Hawks” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 78, into place on aircraft elevator four. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Isaiah B. Goessl)




An MH-60S Knighthawk, attached to the "Tridents" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9, transports ammunition during an ammunition on-load with USNS Medgar Evers (T-AKE 13), March 31, 2023. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting routine operations and training in order to maintain readiness. As the first-in-class ship of Ford-class aircraft carriers, CVN 78 represents a generational leap in the U.S. Navy's capacity to project power on a global scale. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nolan Pennington)

PHILIPPINE SEA (April 8, 2023) U.S. Navy Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Antonio Anderson, from Miami, performs a test and check on a bomb rack unit 32 (BRU-32) aboard 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph Calabrese)



EAST CHINA SEA (April 8, 2023) U.S. Navy Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Emely Hernandez, from Los Angeles, calibrates a radar altimeter test set aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Caylen McCutcheon)



EAST CHINA SEA (April 8, 2023) U.S. Navy Aviation Survival Equipmentman Madison Racicot, from Pinckney, Michigan., and Airman Natalie Gutierrez, from Rockford, Ill., pressure test an oxygen regulator in the oxygen shop aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Caylen McCutcheon)



EAST CHINA SEA (April 8, 2023) U.S. Navy Aviation Survival Equipmentman Airman Tristan Suldan, from Nampa, Ind., heat seals the seam tape of a CWU-86P drysuit in the paraloft aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Caylen McCutcheon)



PHILIPPINE SEA, (April 8, 2023). U.S. Navy Sailors install safety wiring to the blade of an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the "Indians" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC 6) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin Tang)

PHILIPPINE SEA, (April 8, 2023). U.S. Navy Aviation Structural Mechanic (E-Safety Equipment) Clay Sachse from Kelo, Wash., services a walk around oxygen bottle aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin Tang)



PHILIPPINE SEA, (April 8, 2023). U.S. Navy Boatswain's Mate Seaman Gabriela Yanes, right, from Long Island, N.Y., and U.S. Navy Seaman Valeria Camargo, from Napa, Calif., perform maintenance on a ballistic door hatch aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin Tang)







PHILIPPINE SEA (April 8, 2023) F/A-18F Super Hornets from the “Fighting Redcocks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 launch off 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. (U.S. Navy photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin McTaggart)

PHILIPPINE SEA (April 8, 2023) U.S. Navy Engineman Fireman Ryan Simpliciano, from Wailuku, Hawaii, performs a blow down on a emergency diesel generator aboard 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph Calabrese)



PHILIPPINE SEA (April 8, 2023) U.S. Navy sailor taxis an F/A-18F Super Hornet from the “Fighting Redcocks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin McTaggart)



PHILIPPINE SEA (April 8, 2023) An F/A-18F Super Hornet from the “Fighting Redcocks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 taxis aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin McTaggart)



PHILIPPINE SEA (April 8, 2023) An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the “Blue Diamonds” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146 makes an arrested landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin McTaggart)



PHILIPPINE SEA (April 8, 2023) An E/A-18G Growler from the “Cougars” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139, stands by to launch off the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Lagadi)

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