Today's US Navy Photos & Videos

CottageLV said:

Only the USN can use it well. Without the backup of a dominant airforce, they can easily be shot down. It is too slow and not agile enough for modern warfare.

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. (May 15, 2012) Freshman midshipmen know as "Plebes" take part in the annual Sea Trials at the U.S. Naval Academy. Sea Trials is modeled after the Marine Corps' Crucible and the Navy's Battle Stations recruit programs. It is a capstone event for the fourth class midshipmen and serves as a leadership challenge for the upper class midshipmen. (U.S. Navy photos/Released)

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AQABA, Jordan (May 8, 2012) Sailors aboard the amphibious dock-landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) heave mooring lines around a capstan as the ship moors pierside in Aqaba, Jordan. Gunston Hall is deployed with embarked elements of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24th MEU) participating in exercise Eager Lion 12, a multinational exercise involving 19 countries from five different continents and more than 11,000 participants. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Sunderman/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (May 10, 2012) An SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Dragonslayers of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 11 conducts a vertical replenishment-at-sea with guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69). Vicksburg 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 Nick C. Scott/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (May 9, 2012) Two F/A-18E Super Hornets prepare to be launched from the bow during flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise 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 Gregory White/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (May 15, 2012) Airman Halea Bentley calibrates a pressure gauge in an Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance department space aboard 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 Amanda L. Kilpatrick/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (May 15, 2012) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Kestrels of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137 launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Carlos M. Vazquez II/Released)

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ARABIAN GULF (May 9, 2012) Lt. Cmdr. Mark Sand and Kuwaiti air force Lt. Col. Essa Al-Twaitan discuss flight operations 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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ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 14, 2012) An aviation boatswain's mate (handling) directs an F/A-18E Hornet from the Puking Dogs of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143 to a catapult aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Dwight D. Eisenhower, the flagship for Carrier Strike Group 8, is underway conducting a composite training unit exercise in the Atlantic Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nathanael Miller/Released)

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 14, 2012) An Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) directs an aircraft towards a catapult aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Dwight D. Eisenhower, the flagship for Carrier Strike Group 8, is underway conducting a composite training unit exercise in the Atlantic Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nathanael Miller/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (May 16, 2012) Quartermaster Seaman Apprentice Takarah Cherrington from Miami looks through an alidade on the signal bridge aboard the Japan-based, Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington's quartermasters observe and communicate with each other from numerous stations aboard the ship looking for navigation bearings as the ship pulls into her homeport of Yokosuka, Japan. George Washington spent several days underway and successfully completed sea trials. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class William Pittman/Released)

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PEARL HARBOR (May 15, 2012) Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) man the rails as the ship arrives in Pearl Harbor. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 recently completed a deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet and U.S. 7th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman George M. Bell/Released)

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PEARL HARBOR (May 15, 2012) An HH-60H Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 15 flies over the USS Arizona Memorial as the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) arrives in Pearl Harbor. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 recently completed a deployment the U.S. 5th Fleet and U.S. 7th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman George M. Bell/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (May 15, 2012) Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Ebrima Jagne, from Columbus, Ohio, signals the distance of an ammunition load aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during a replenishment at sea. George Washington successfully completed a six-month, routine maintenance period and is now underway conducting sea trials. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Brian H. Abel/Released)

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WASHINGTON (May. 17, 2012) The four 2011 Navy Sailor's of the Year are recognized during the Sailor of the Year advancement ceremony. Steelworker 1st Class Louis Salazar, Ship's Serviceman 1st Class Angela A. Zamora, Master-at-Arms 1st Class Douglas Newman, and Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 1st Class Maria Johnson received their appointment letters from Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Thomas L. Rosprim/Released)

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BANGOR, Wash. (May 15, 2012) The Blue Crew of the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN 730) moors the boat as it returns to its homeport of Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor following a strategic deterrent patrol. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ahron Arendes/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (May 15, 2012) A Sailor awaits orders while aircraft are being positioned aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise 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 Heath Zeigler/Released)

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 14, 2012) An F/A-18C Hornet from the Rampagers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83 launches from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Dwight D. Eisenhower, the flagship for Carrier Strike Group 8, is underway conducting a composite training unit exercise in the Atlantic Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nathanael Miller/Released)

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 16, 2012) Aviation boatswain's mates wait to recover aircraft aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Dwight D. Eisenhower, the flagship for Carrier Strike Group 8, is underway conducting a composite training unit exercise in the Atlantic Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Julia A. Casper/Released)

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. (May 15, 2012) A U.S. Naval Academy plebes participate in the U.S. Naval Academy's annual Sea Trials. Sea Trials is modeled after the Marine Corps Crucible and the Navy's Battle Stations recruit programs. It is a capstone event for the first-year midshipmen and serves as a leadership challenge for the upper classmen who lead each event during the exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alexia Riveracorrea/Released)

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 16, 2012) Aviation Maintenance Administrationman Airman Kione Morgan and Aviation Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Andrew Dodsworth gives the approval that an F/A-18C Hornet from the Wildcats of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131 is ready to launch aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Julia A. Casper/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (May 16, 2012) Aircraft line up for takeoff 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 3rd Class Carlos M. Vazquez II/Released)

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RED SEA (May 12, 2012) Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Dominique Maisonet directs Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95), during a replenishment at sea with the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7). James E. Williams 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 Daniel J. Meshel/Released)

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RED SEA (May 9, 2012) The guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) transits the Red Sea. James E. Williams 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 Daniel J. Meshel/Released)

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James Elliott Williams (13 November 1930 – 13 October 1999) was born in Fort Mill, South Carolina and moved two months later with his parents to Darlington, South Carolina where he spent his early childhood and youth. He attended the local schools and graduated from St. John's high school. He was a sailor of the United States Navy during the 1950s and 1960s. He is, also, the most highly decorated enlisted man in the history of the U.S. Navy.

In the Navy

In July 1947, at the age of 16, he entered the United States Navy where he served for twenty years, retiring in April 1967. During those twenty years he served in both the Korean and Vietnam War.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. PO1c. Williams was serving as Boat Captain and Patrol Officer aboard River Patrol Boat (PBR) 105 accompanied by another patrol boat when the patrol was suddenly taken under fire by 2 enemy sampans. PO1c. Williams immediately ordered the fire returned, killing the crew of 1 enemy boat and causing the other sampan to take refuge in a nearby river inlet. Pursuing the fleeing sampan, the U.S. patrol encountered a heavy volume of small-arms fire from enemy forces, at close range, occupying well-concealed positions along the river bank. Maneuvering through this fire, the patrol confronted a numerically superior enemy force aboard 2 enemy junks and 8 sampans augmented by heavy automatic weapons fire from ashore. In the savage battle that ensued, PO1c. Williams, with utter disregard for his safety exposed himself to the withering hail of enemy fire to direct counter-fire and inspire the actions of his patrol. Recognizing the overwhelming strength of the enemy force, PO1c. Williams deployed his patrol to await the arrival of armed helicopters. In the course of his movement his discovered an even larger concentration of enemy boats. Not waiting for the arrival of the armed helicopters, he displayed great initiative and boldly led the patrol through the intense enemy fire and damaged or destroyed 50 enemy sampans and 7 junks.

This phase of the action completed, and with the arrival of the armed helicopters, PO1c. Williams directed the attack on the remaining enemy force. Now virtually dark, and although PO1c. Williams was aware that his boats would become even better targets, he ordered the patrol boats' search lights turned on to better illuminate the area and moved the patrol perilously close to shore to press the attack. Despite a waning supply of ammunition the patrol successfully engaged the enemy ashore and completed the rout of the enemy force. Under the leadership of PO 1 c. Williams, who demonstrated unusual professional skill and indomitable courage throughout the 3 hour battle, the patrol accounted for the destruction or loss of 65 enemy boats and inflicted numerous casualties on the enemy personnel. His extraordinary heroism and exemplary fighting spirit in the face of grave risks inspired the efforts of his men to defeat a larger enemy force, and were in keeping with the finest warrior traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

His other awards include the Navy Cross, Silver Star (with one gold award star), the Legion of Merit (with Valor Device), the Navy and Marine Corps Medal with gold star, Bronze Star Medal with two gold stars, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star and Palm, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation with one service star, Purple Heart with two gold stars, Vietnam Service Medal with bronze service star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal with bronze service star, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with two bronze service stars, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Korean War Service Medal, and the Navy Good Conduct Medal with four bronze service stars.

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MAYPORT, Fla. (May 17, 2012) A plaque bears the names of the 37 Sailors killed during a missile strike on the guided-missile frigate USS Stark (FFG 31) is displayed at Mayport Memorial Park. More than 200 guests filled the park to pay their respects to the fallen crew after the frigate was struck by an Iraqi missile while deployed in the Arabian Gulf. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Damian Berg/Released)

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ARABIAN GULF (May 16, 2012) Sailors make their way to the foul line after setting the catapult on an F/A-18C Hornet before it launches from the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise 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 Brian G. Reynolds/Released)

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ARABIAN GULF (May 16, 2012) Cmdr. Carroll Bannister, the air boss aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65), ducks after shooting an F/A-18E Super Hornet off the flight deck during his final day on the ship. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Brian G. Reynolds/Released)

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ARABIAN GULF (May 16, 2012) Cmdr. Carroll Bannister, the air boss aboard aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65), directs an F/A-18E Super Hornet on his final day on the ship. Enterprise 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 Brian G. Reynolds/Released)

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SAN DIEGO (May, 19, 2012) Ensign George Bonebright, Operations Specialist 2nd Class Takeyia Brandon and Yeoman Seaman James Campoverde prepare to set the first watch during the commissioning ceremony of the newest San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22). San Diego is the fourth ship named for the city and the first to be homeported in San Diego. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Shawnte Bryan/Released)

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SAN DIEGO (May, 19, 2012) Sailors run aboard the newest San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22) to man the ship and bring her to life during its commissioning ceremony. San Diego is the fourth ship named for the city and the first to be homeported in San Diego. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Shawnte Bryan/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (May 17, 2012) Sailors aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) man the rails as the ship arrives in San Diego, its new homeport, after being forward deployed in Sasebo, Japan for 12 years. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Marcus L. Stanley/Released)

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SAN DIEGO (May 17, 2012) A Sailor assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) reunites with his family after the ship arrived in San Diego, its new homeport, after being forward deployed in Sasebo, Japan for 12 years. Essex and BonhommeRichard conducted a crew swap while in Recently Japan.(U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Joe Kane/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (May 17, 2012) Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Michael Burkey takes readings in the aft steering unit aboard 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Wade T. Oberlin/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (May 17, 2012) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuels) 3rd Class Dusti Palenzuela operates the Integrated Shipboard Information System from Primary Flight Control aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Karolina A. Martinez/Released)

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SALINAS BAY, Peru (May 17, 2012) Peruvian sailors depart in a rigid-hull inflatable boat after conducting visit, board, search and seizure training aboard the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36). Underwood is conducting exercises with Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico and Peru as part of UNITAS Pacific (PAC) while representing the U.S. Navy in support of UNITAS PAC and Southern Seas 2012. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stuart Phillips/Released)

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SMYRNA, Tenn. (May 11, 2012) The Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornet's practice their flight demonstration at The Great Tennessee Air Show in Smyrna, Tenn. The Blue Angels 2012 performances are in celebration of the Marine Aviation Centennial and commemoration of the bicentennial of the War of 1812. (U.S. Navy photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Johnson/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (May 20, 2012) An FA-18C Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113 flies supersonic over the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson during an air power demonstration. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are underway on a deployment in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Benjamin Stevens/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (May 20, 2012) An SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 15 flies past the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during an air power demonstration for embarked tiger cruise participants. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are underway on a tiger cruise after completing a deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Evans/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (May 19, 2012) Fire Marshall Chief Warrant Officer Dave Hinds, right, teaches Damage Controlman Fireman Apprentice Tia Nix how to man a fire hose on the fantail aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Andrew K. Haller/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (May 19, 2012) An EA-6B Prowler assigned to the Lancers of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 131 prepares to trap the arresting wire 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 Seaman Zachary S. Welch/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (May 19, 2012) Aviation ordnancemen load a missile on to the wing of an F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Blue Blasters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 34 on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Carlos M. Vazquez II/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (May 17, 2012) Sailors aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) attach a spanning wire to a rig using a pelican hook during a replenishment at sea. Cape St. George 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 Christopher S. Johnson/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (May 19, 2012) Aviation ordnancemen transfer ordnance across the flight deck of 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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ARABIAN SEA (May 15, 2002) Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Matthew Hamm applies the name of Army Sgt. Troy Hayes to the side of an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Saberhawks of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77 in the hangar bay of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Adam Arndt/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (May 14, 2012) Boatswain's Mate Seaman Recruit Cambren Oliver mans the helm of the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher S. Johnson/Released)

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Gulf of Thailand (May 21, 2012) Chief Boatswain's Mate Brandon Fleming, assigned to Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 1 demonstrates maneuvering capability of a special operations craft-riverine (SOC-R) to members of the Royal Thai navy Riverine Patrol Regiment during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand 2012. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance force readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Aaron Glover/Released)

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Gulf of Thailand (May 21, 2012) A Royal Thai navy Riverine Patrol Regiment and U.S. Navy Sailors assigned to Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 1 participate in riverine operation exercises aboard a special operations craft-riverine (SOC-R) during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand 2012. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance force readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Aaron Glover/Released)

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JAVA SEA (May 21, 2012) Capt. Daniel C. Grieco, right, the commanding officer of the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), fires a .50-caliber machine gun during a live-fire exercise. Gunner's mates and fire controlmen conducted the firing exercise to qualify Sailors in the use of the weapon. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Fidel C. Hart/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (May 18, 2012) The MK-75 76mm gun is fired aboard the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36) during a live-fire exercise with Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico and Peru as part of UNITAS Pacific (PAC). Underwood is representing the U.S. Navy in support of UNITAS PAC and Southern Seas 2012. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stuart Phillips/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (May 18, 2012) Electronics Technician 3rd Class Casey Colding fires the .50 caliber machine gun aboard the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guide-missile frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36) during a live-fire exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Frank J. Pikul/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (May 18, 2012) The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) fires one of its 25mm chain guns during a pre-aim calibration fire (PACFIRE) exercise at sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher S. Johnson/Released)

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JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. (May 19, 2012) The U.S. Navy fight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, demonstrate choreographed flight skills during the annual Joint Service Open House. (U.S. Navy photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Todd Frantom/Released)

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