Yes tis I the forever skeptic. First off that photo could have been taken at dawn or dusk. I want to see some traps and launches when the sun is down...that's all..kinda like this.
Have they performed night ops? I don't know for sure.
Jeff, if you have photos of a night launch or recovery please post.
PHILLIPINE SEA (June 3, 2012) An F/A-18E assigned to the Eagles of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115 lights its afterburners before launching from the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington departed Fleet Activities Yokosuka on May 26 to begin its 2012 patrol. George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Paul Kelly/Released)
Have they performed night ops? I don't know for sure.
Jeff, if you have photos of a night launch or recovery please post.