Today's US Navy Photos & Videos

siegecrossbow said:

What are the primary functions of naval divers? Location of underwater enemy assets?

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As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an extraordinary brotherhood. You will journey anywhere from the darkest depths of the world’s oceans to freezing arctic-like conditions underneath icebergs. Accomplishing a number of tasks only few can perform. All with the focus to achieve.

In this role you can expect to:

Perform a variety of diving salvage operations and special diving duties worldwide
Take part in construction and demolition projects
Execute search and rescue missions
Support military and civilian law enforcement agencies
Serve as the technical experts for diving evolutions for numerous military Special Operations units
Provide security, communications and other logistics during Expeditionary Warfare missions
Carry out routine ship maintenance, including restoration and repair

Specific Responsibilities

Your job as a Navy Diver could encompass many dive specialties, including:

Salvage and recovery – Locating and retrieving wreckage; conducting harbor and waterway clearance, underwater repairs and salvage operations in all environments

Deep submergence – Probing the greatest depths in the name of research and other classified missions

Ship husbandry – Inspecting and repairing ships and submarines

Saturation diving – Working and living at extreme depths for days or weeks at a time

No college degree is required to become a Navy Diver, but a high degree of difficulty and satisfaction come standard with nearly everything you’ll do. Training is tough and ongoing. And for those with further leadership aspirations and a college degree, Officer roles are available – providing opportunities to lead and train others.

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ARABIAN SEA (Feb.16, 2012) An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Vigilantes of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151 and an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Kestrels of VFA 137 launch from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle R. Henley/Released)

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ATHENS, Greece (Feb. 15, 2012) A Sailor assigned to Naval Special Warfare, U.S. Special Boat Team, jumps out of the MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter "Ghostrider 53", assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28, Det. 1, as it flies over Megara Army Airfield as during the final day of a multi-week joint exercise. HSC-28, Det. 1, based out of Naples, Italy, is participating in joint combined exchange training with Special Operations Command Europe and the Hellenic armed forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Naval Air Crewman 2nd Class Brandon Dewey/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 16, 2012) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Kestrels of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137 approaches the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan P. Idle/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 16, 2012) An aviation ordnanceman rests on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan P. Idle/Released)

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AYASE, Japan (Feb. 14, 2012) Airman Douglas Shearer, assigned to the "Gauntlets" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 136, directs an EA-6B Prowler to the flightline on Naval Air Facility Atsugi. The aircraft are being replaced by the EA-18G Growler of the ¨Shadow Hawks" of VAQ-141 which will occur in early spring 2012. VAQ-136 has been part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 for nearly 32 years. (U.S. Navy photo Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin Smelley/Released).

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HAKODATE, Japan (Feb. 15, 2012) Lt. Cmdr. Suzanne Schang, commanding officer of the mine countermeasures ship USS Patriot (MCM 7), reads the inscription on the gravesite of Seaman James G. Wolfe, one of two American Sailors who perished during the 1854 U.S. expedition to Hakodate, Japan, led by Commodore Matthew Perry. Patriot is in Hakodate on a goodwill port visit. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Devon Dow/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 11, 2012) Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class Floyd Watson swings a gold club on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), as part of a steel beach picnic. Makin Island and embarked Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11the MEU) are deployed supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alan Gragg/Released)

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STRAIT OF HORMUZ (Feb. 14, 2012) A Sailor manning a small craft attack team post aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) watches the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sterett (DDG 104) travel in formation as the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group transits the Strait of Hormuz. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher S. Johnson/Released)

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GULF OF OMAN (Feb. 15, 2012) Sailors participate in a 5-kilometer fun run on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Joshua E. Walters/Released)

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GULF OF OMAN (Feb. 14, 2012) Helicopters deliver supplies to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during a replenishment at sea. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Carlos M. Vazquez II/Released)

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CAMP SHELBY, Miss. (Feb. 9, 2012) U.S. Navy Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 74's Convoy Security Element attack a simulated insurgent compound. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Michael Lindsey/Released)

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 9, 2012) An MV-22 Osprey assigned to the Fighting Griffins of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 266 makes a historic first landing aboard the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5). The Osprey landed aboard Robert E. Peary while conducting an experimental resupply of Marines during exercise Bold Alligator 2012. Bold Alligator, 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 Jan. 30 through Feb. 12, 2012 afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina. #BA12 (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Michael Sheehan/Released)

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SAN DIEGO (Feb. 9, 2012) Marine Cpl. Toran Gaal, assigned to the Marine Wounded Warrior Battalion-West detachment at Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD), walks on his new prosthetics in the Comprehensive Combat and Complex Casualty Care facility at NMCSD. This is the second time Gaal is walking since he lost both legs on June 26, 2011 from an improvised explosive device while deployed to Sangin Afghanistan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jessica L. Tounzen/Released)

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OKINAWA, Japan (Feb. 14, 2012) Construction Mechanic Constructionmen Benjamin St. Aubin and Joshua Port, both assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 40, pose for an on location portrait showing off the tools of the trade at the ALFA company maintenance shop at Camp Shields in Okinawa, Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Michael B. Watkins/Released)

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CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Feb. 13, 2012) Seabees assigned to the Bridge Detachment of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 and Marines from the 8th Engineer Support Battalion Bridge Company assemble a medium girder bridge during a joint training exercise at Camp LeJeune, N.C. The Seabees and Marines worked together for the first time during the three-day project to build the bridge over a 107-foot gap. The joint training capitalized on Bold Alligator 2012, the largest amphibious exercise in 10 years. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Scott B. Boyle/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 17, 2012) Aviation boatswain's mates guide the tow bar of an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Kestrels of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137 into a catapult shuttle on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan P. Idle/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 17, 2012) Sailors go through final flight checks before launching an F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the Bounty Hunters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2 from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan P. Idle/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 17, 2012) An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Blue Blasters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 34 approaches the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan P. Idle/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 17, 2012) Airman Kana D. Boudreaux signals to the pilot of an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Saberhawks of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77 aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Zachary S. Welch/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 16, 2012) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) transits the Pacific Ocean as aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 perform a flyover in formation during an air power demonstration practice run. The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group is operating in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of responsibility while on a seven-month deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Abbate/Released)

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SOUDA BAY, Greece (Feb. 17, 2012) The guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) arrives for a routine port visit. (U.S. Navy photo by Paul Farley/Released)

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SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Feb. 14, 2012) The amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) passes beneath the Coronado Bay Bridge. Bonhomme Richard left homeport at San Diego and is en route to Sasebo, Japan, where she will relieve the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Janell Alvarez/Released)

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 14, 2012) A CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron VMM 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24th MEU), lifts an M777 A2 Lightweight 155 mm Howitzer off the flight deck of amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) to to transport it to Camp Lejeune, N.C. during an amphibious assault training mission. This was the first time a howitzer has been externally lifted off the flight deck of New York. New York is underway participating in Certification Exercise (CERTEX), the final certification for the 24th MEU and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group before their scheduled spring deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Recruit Scott Youngblood/Released)

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ARABIAN GULF (Feb. 10, 2012) CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters assigned to the Red Dragons of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 (Reinforced) prepare to depart the flight deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) during night flight operations. New Orleans and embarked Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU) are deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dominique Pineiro/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 17, 2012) Engineman 2nd Class Marc Scavone performs taps during a memorial service for Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Kyler L. Estrada aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Estrada was assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU) and died while conducting night live-fire and maneuver training in Djibouti, Africa. Makin Island and embarked Marines assigned to the 11th MEU are deployed supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Ethan Tracey/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 17, 2012) Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Alexandria Greterman pays respects to Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Kyler L. Estrada during a memorial service aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Estrada, who was assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU), died while conducting night live-fire and maneuver training in Djibouti. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class David McKee/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 17, 2012) Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Buyannemek Tsoctbaatar pays his respects to Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Kyler L. Estrada during a memorial service aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Ethan Tracey/Released)

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GULF OF THAILAND (Feb. 20, 2012) Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) heave a phone and distance line aboard the forward-deployed amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) during a replenishment at sea with the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO-199). Germantown, with embarked elements of the 31st MEU, is underway after participating in Exercise Cobra Gold 2012, an annual Thai-U.S. co-sponsored joint and multinational exercise designed to advance security throughout the Asia-Pacific region and enhance interoperability with participating nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Johnie Hickmon/Released)

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GULF OF THAILAND (Feb. 20, 2012) A Sailor aboard the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO-199) attaches a cargo net to a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter during a replenishment at sea with the forward-deployed amphibious dock landing ships USS Germantown (LSD 42) and USS Tortuga (LSD 46). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Johnie Hickmon/Released)

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GULF OF THAILAND (Feb. 20, 2012) Sailors and Marines pass boxes received from the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199) during a replenishment at sea. The Essex Amphibious Ready Group is underway during a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric Crosby/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 20, 2012) Marines from 2/1 Weapons Company practice move and shoot drills in the hangar bay of the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). Bonhomme Richard left homeport at San Diego and is en route to Sasebo, Japan, where she will relieve the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). (U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Joe Kane/Released)

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NORFOLK (Feb. 17, 2012) Sailors aboard the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Montpelier (SSN 765) tend to mooring lines as the ship returns to homeport at Naval Station Norfolk after a scheduled deployment to the European Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Todd A. Schaffer/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 16, 2012) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) transits the Strait of Hormuz. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John Grandin/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 19, 2012) Hospital Corpsman JoJuan Lee goes up for a dunk inside the hangar bay of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Benjamin T. Liston/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 18, 2012) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Andrew Kropf directs an F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Vigilantes of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151 on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian Morales/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 18, 2012) Lt. Cmdr. James Udall signals the launch of 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).(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian Morales/Released)

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GULF OF OMAN (Feb. 18, 2012) Quartermaster 3rd Class Rebecca Periut, left, charts a course as Quartermaster Seaman Apprentice Monica Crout, right, records the data in a log on the bridge aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Carlos M. Vazquez II/Released)

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Gunners Mate 1st Class Shane Howard fires a MK-38 machine gun system during a live-fire exercise aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92) (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Carlos M. Vazquez II/Released)

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GULF OF OMAN (Feb. 18, 2012) A MK-45 5-inch light-weight gun is fired during a live-fire exercise aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92). Momsen is deployed as part of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Carlos M. Vazquez II/Released)

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ARABIAN GULF (Feb. 18, 2012) Aviation Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Nicholas Priebe performs maintenance on the engine of an F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Vigilantes of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151 in the hangar bay of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Benjamin T. Liston/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 18, 2012) Aviation ordnancemen perform final checks on ordnance attached to 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). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan P. Idle/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 17, 2012) Master Chief Logistics Specialist Joselito Tolentino, a member of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) ship's band, sound-checks his guitar in the hangar bay before an African-American History Month celebration. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Wade T. Oberlin/Released)

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GULF OF OMAN (Feb. 15, 2012) Seaman Robert Estronza runs from the landing area on the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) after securing an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Golden Falcons of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12. Cape St. George is deployed as part of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher S. Johnson/Released)

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PEARL HARBOR (Feb. 17, 2012) Sailors get into position to man the rails as the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of responsibility while on a seven-month deployment. (U.S. Navy photos by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Benjamin Crossley/Released)

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PEARL HARBOR (Feb. 17, 2012) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) returns to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after completing a seven-month deployment in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Barker/Released)

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CARACOL, Haiti (Feb. 22, 2012) Constructionman 3rd Class Castro Amoakoh, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 23, embarked aboard High Speed Vessel (HSV 2) Swift, sands the blackboard in a classroom at the National School of Caracol. NMCB-23 and the Indonesian Military Engineering Contingent are working at the school as part of a subject matter expert exchange to make structural repairs and refurbish a roof and classrooms. NMCB-23 is supporting HSV-Southern Partnership Station 2012, a deployment of U.S Naval assets in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Alan B. Owens/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 22, 2012) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the Eightballers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 demonstrates how search and rescue sailors operate during an air power demonstration for tiger cruise participants aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is returning to homeport in Bremerton, Wash., after completing a seven-month deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Benjamin Crossley/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 22, 2012) Sailors prepare to launch an F/A-18C Hornet from the Warhawks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 97 aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is returning to homeport in Bremerton, Wash., after completing a seven-month deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Benjamin Crossley/Released)

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EL CENTRO, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2012) Members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, perform a diamond formation maneuver over Naval Air Facility El Centro during a practice flight. The Blue Angels start the 2012 show season at the Naval Air Facility El Centro Air Show March 10. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Rachel McMarr/Released)

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NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md. (Feb. 22, 2012) Lockheed Martin test pilot Dan Levin flies F-35B test aircraft BF-2 with external weapons pylons for the first time. The test measured flying qualities with external pylons, inert AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and centerline 25 mm gun pod. The F-35B is the U.S. Marine Corps variant of the Joint Strike Fighter, capable of short takeoffs and vertical landings for use on amphibious ships or expeditionary airfields to provide air power to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. The F-35B is undergoing test and evaluation at NAS Patuxent River before delivery to the fleet. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin by Andy Wolfe/Released)

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NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md. (Feb. 22, 2012) Lockheed Martin test pilot Dan Levin flies F-35B test aircraft BF-2 with external weapons pylons for the first time.(U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin by Andy Wolfe/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 22, 2012) An F/A-18F Super Hornet from the Black Aces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41 prepares to launch from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Benjamin Crossley/Released)

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PEARL HARBOR (Feb. 18, 2012) Damage Controlman 2nd Class Joshua Haag, right, assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), reenlists during a group reenlistment at the USS Arizona Memorial. John C. Stennis is returning to homeport in Bremerton, Wash., after completing a seven-month deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Abbate/Released)

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PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (Feb. 21, 2012) Sailors prepare to man the rails on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) as the ship prepares to depart Pearl Harbor. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Abbate/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 23, 2012) An EA-6B Prowler from the Wizards of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133 refuels in flight during a air demonstration for a tiger cruise aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is operating in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of responsibility while on a seven-month deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Will Tyndall/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 23, 2012) An F/A-18F Super Hornet from the Black Aces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41 flies by the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) during an air power demonstration. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Will Tyndall/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 22, 2012) The Arleigh Burke-class destroyers USS Kidd (DDG 100), USS Dewey (DDG 105), and USS Pinckney (DDG 91) are underway in the Pacific Ocean with the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Benjamin Crossley/Released)

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