Aircraft Operations Aboard Carriers

Dynamic images of military aircraft landing and taking off from aircraft carriers, showcasing naval aviation operations. The mood is energetic, with a focus on precision and coordination.

DF-SN-85-02817. Country: Unknown

A right front view of an A-7E Corsair II aircraft from Light Attack Squadron 105 (VA-105) assigned to Carrier Air Wing 3 (CVW-3) landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) underway off the coast of Florida. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-ST-87-03366. Subject Operation/Series: DISPLAY DETERMINATION '86 Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-SN-88-00788. Base: USS Nassau (LHA 4)

DF-SN-85-02817. Country: Unknown

DN-SN-88-01572. Base: USS Sides (FFG 14) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A crane is used to lift an F-4 Phantom II aircraft away from the port side deck edge of the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV 41). The F-4 was damaged when the MIDWAY collided with the Panamanian freighter CACTUS. Base: Naval Station, Subic Bay State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

DN-ST-88-09335. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A catapult officer aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) signals for the launch of an Attack Squadron 72 (VA-72) A-7E Corsair II aircraft during FLEET EX 1-90. Subject Operation/Series: FLEET EX 1-90 Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Armed crew members aboard the amphibious transport dock USS RALEIGH (LPD-1) escort Iranian detainees from the mine-laying ship IRAN AJR to an awaiting CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter. Country: Unknown

DN-SN-87-06492. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DF-SN-86-12132. Base: Patrick Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A catapult petty officr prepares to signal for the launch of a Strike Fighter Squadron 87 (VFA-87) F/A-18A Hornet aircraft from the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) during the ship's shakedown cruise. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A Marine Attack Squadron 223 (VMA 223) AV-8B Harrier aircraft reaches the ship's bow as it completes its takeoff roll on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS WASP (LHD 1) during flight operations off the coast of North Carolina. Country: Onslow Bay

DN-SN-90-01111. Base: USS Independence (CV 62) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Aviation Boatswain's Mate E (Launching and Recovery Equipment) 2nd Class Joseph Wilson looks up from monitoring the No. 2 catapult station as an Attack Squadron 72 (VA-72) A-7E Corsair II aircraft taxis into position for launch aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67) during FLEET EX 1-90. Subject Operation/Series: FLEET EX 1-90 Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Aviation ordnancemen work to secure a 500-pound practice bomb on a wing pylon of a Strike Fighter Squadron 105 (VFA-105) F/A-18C Hornet aircraft on the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). Country: Adriatic Sea

Port view of the island structure aboard the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62). The INDEPENDENCE is operating off the coast of Lebanon in support of the US Marines that have been assigned to Beirut as part of a multinational peacekeeping force. Base: USS Independence (CV 62) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-SN-86-10591. Base: USS America (CV 66) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-SN-89-03453. Country: Unknown

Deklanding Poolster, 1977.

DN-SN-85-11088. Country: Unknown

An air-to-air left front view of an SH-3D Sea King helicopter with the aircraft carrier USS Ranger (CV 61) visible in the background. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

The Royal Navy during the Second World War A Fairey Fulmar with its wings folded being silhouetted by the early morning sun on the flight deck of HMS VICTORIOUS whilst the aircraft is being ranged and warmed up prior to take off for flying exercises out of Scapa Flow. A Fairey Albacore, again with its wings folded can be seen at the far end of the deck.

A crewman prepares to attach a cargo net to a hook underneath the Navy's first operational Mark III LAMPS (Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System) SH-60B Seahawk helicopter. The helicopter is undergoing flight deck landing qualifications aboard the guided missile frigate USS CROMMELIN (FFG 37), off the coast of San Clemente, California. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A plane captain steps down from the cockpit of an Attack Squadron 72 (VA-72) A-7E Corsair II aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) during Fleet Ex 1-90. Subject Operation/Series: FLEET EX 1-90 Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-SN-88-07098. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT Base: USS Juneau (LPD 10) Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 85 (HS-85) SH-3D Sea King helicopter takes part in Reserve Carrier Air Wing 30 annual training operations off the coast of Southern California. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DN-SN-87-06494. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

Landing signal officers aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) watch as a Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32) F-14A Tomcat aircraft makes and arrested landing during FLEET EX 1-90. Subject Operation/Series: FLEET EX 1-90 Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

The Royal Navy during the Second World War A Fairey Firefly I with wings folded before being struck down on the lift on board HMS PRETORIA CASTLE during flying trials from the Experimental Aircraft Trials Carrier.

DN-SC-85-12181. Base: USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)

A view of aircraft parked on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV 41). These aircraft were left undamaged when the carrier collided with the Panamanian freighter CACTUS. Base: Naval Station, Subic Bay State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

DN-SN-90-01090. Base: USS Independence (CV 62) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A flight deck crewman directs the pilot of a Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14 (HM-14) RH-53D Sea Stallion helicopter just before takeoff from the deck of the amphibious transport dock USS NASHVILLE (LPD-13). The NASHVILLE and the helicopters aboard it are participating in Mine Countermeasures Task Group 1-81 (MCMTG 1-81) exercises to increase the mine countermeasures capabilities of the seven participating NATO countries. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A T-2C Buckeye aircraft prepares to land aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Unknown

A United Kingdom H-3 helicopter is turning up for liftoff from the H.M.S. ILLUSTRIOUS off the coast of North Carolina. Coming in for a landing is a Harrier jump jet. Subject Operation/Series: Combined Joint Training Field Exercise (CJTFEX) 96 Base: H.M.S. Illustrious State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SN-86-10593. Base: USS America (CV 66) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

Snatching 'Casualties' From The Air -- The Hoverfly Helicopter ambulance flies off to the dressing station with a "Casualty" on the external stretcher. "Casualties" were "snatched up" by a Hadrian glider and picked up by a grating stretcher suspended from a helicopter during a "Casualty Evacuation Exercise" at the Royal Air Force Station, Brize Norton, Oxford today (Thursday). The exercise demonstrated modern methods of speedily recovering wounded from battle areas. January 20, 1949. (Photo by

A right rear view of an E-2C Hawkeye airborne-early-warning (AEW) aircraft as its wings are folded back by crewmen, during flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV 66). Base: USS America (CV 66) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

An Air Anti-submarine Squadron 29 (VS-29) S-3A Viking aircraft is brought to a halt by the crash barricade and an arresting wire on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72). The aircraft was unable to make a normal arrested recovery because of damaged landing gear. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

US Army Cobra Gunship helicopters stand by for take off during an air assault rehearsal on board the aircraft carrier. Subject Operation/Series: RESTORE DEMOCRACY Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

Smallest U.S. Jet Combat Plane Carries Atom -- A midget atom bomber, the smallest and lightest United States jet combat plane ever built is unveiled today by the Navy Department at the Douglas Aircraft plane. It is the A4D Skyhawk, performance and specifications were not disclosed, but it is less than half the size and superior in performance to many jet fighters, the Navy said. Flying from carrier flight decks the bantam bomber is designed to carry atom bombs or rockets, machine guns, missiles and other weapons required of attack-type aircraft. June 07, 1954. (Photo by AP Wirephoto).

An F-14 Tomcat aircraft, with its arresting hook down, approaches for a landing on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). The F-14 is assigned to Fighter Squadron 142 (VF-142). Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

Anefo photo collection. Visit Danish Royal Family Second Day Rotterdam Visit Charles Doorman. April 27, 1954. Rotterdam, South Holland

Flight deck crew members watch as a C-2A Greyhound aircraft prepares to catch the arresting wire aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67) during FLEET EX 1-90. Subject Operation/Series: FLEET EX 1-90 Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

An F-14 Tomcat aircraft takes off from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62). The INDEPENDENCE is operating off the coast of Lebanon in support of the multinational peacekeeping force in Beirut. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

The Royal Navy during the Second World War A Hawker Sea Hurricane of 885 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm flying over the flight deck of HMS VICTORIOUS prior to landing after flying exercises.

DN-SN-86-03931. Base: USS Coral Sea (CV 43) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

***** Relief Came To Storm-Bound ***** After all attempts had ***** relieve by ship the three ***** February 7, 1948.

A view of damage caused to the tail section of an F-4 Phantom II aircraft when the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV 41) collided with the Panamanian freighter CACTUS. Base: Naval Station, Subic Bay State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

The first F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft is towed to its parking space shortly after its arrival. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: South Korea

An F-14 Tomcat aircraft takes off from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62) during operations off the coast of Beirut, Lebanon. Base: USS Independence (CV 62) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

Left front view of a Marine A-6E Intruder aircraft sitting on the flight line of Marine All-Weather Medium Attack Squadron 533. Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Two Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75) A-6E Intruder aircraft are secured on an elevator of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). Country: Adriatic Sea

Maintenance crew members service a Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32) F-14A Tomcat aircraft aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67) during FLEET EX 1-90. Subject Operation/Series: FLEET EX 1-90 Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Flight deck crewmen are seen checking out an F-14A Tomcat aircraft of Fighter Squadron 213 (VF-213) on board the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Country: Western Pacific

Plane directors signal instructions to the pilot of an A-7E Corsair II aircraft during launch and recovery operations aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

A Strike Fighter Squadron 131 (VFA-131) F/A-18A Hornet aircraft taxis on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69) during exercise Solid Shield '89. Subject Operation/Series: SOLID SHIELD '89 Country: Unknown

An F-14 Tomcat aircraft, with arresting hook lowered, approaches for a landing on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Unknown

The Royal Navy during the Second World War- Madagascar, April - May 1942 A Grumman Martlet of 888 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm being catapulted from HMS FORMIDABLE, while squadron crew prepare the next aircraft during operations round Madagascar. The force left Colombo on 24 April and put into the Seychelles on 1 May. The Fleet Air Arm carried out extensive searches and patrols over a wide area during the operation. The covering force then put into Mombasa on 10 May after the operation was concluded.

Aviation ordnancemen deliver two skids of Mark 20 Rockeye II cluster bombs, left and center, and a skid of general-purpose bombs to the area in front of three Attack Squadron 35 (VA-35) A-6E Intruder aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) during Operation Desert Storm. An EA-6B Prowler aircraft is at right. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Red Sea

DF-SD-07-26042. Base: Fargo State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SN-87-02717. Country: Unknown

A drone is launched from the deck of the frigate USS JESSE L. BROWN (FF-1089) during exercise Unitas XX. Subject Operation/Series: UNITAS XX Base: Valparaiso Country: Chile (CHL)

DN-SN-85-06099. Base: Naval Air Station, San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A ground crew in chemical warfare gear connects a tug to an F-4 Phantom II fighter aircraft before flight. Base: Hahn Air Base Country: Federal Republic Of Germany (FRG)

(L to R) Aviation Ordnance Second Class (AO2) Claude Tedrow, Aviation Ordnance Second Class AIRMAN (AOAN) Mike Collier, and Aviation Ordnance Third Class (AO3) John Dunbar perform preventative maintenance on an M-61 20mm cannon off of an F/A 18C Hornet aircraft on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70) underway during a WESTPAC deployment. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SN-86-04077. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-ST-85-04025. Subject Operation/Series: INTENSE LOOK Base: USS Shreveport (LPD 12) Country: Gulf Of Suez

DN-SN-89-06031. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-ST-85-04001. Subject Operation/Series: INTENSE LOOK Base: USS Shreveport (LPD 12) Country: Gulf Of Suez

DN-SN-87-03845. Base: USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A crew chief kneels in the doorway of a SH-3 Sea King helicopter aboard the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV 41). Base: USS Midway (CV 41) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Lieutenant General Charles L. Donnelly Jr. prepares to exit the cockpit of an F-16B Fighting Falcon aircraft after a flight. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

DN-SN-88-03257. Base: USS Okinawa (LPH 3)

An air-to-air front view of an RH-53D Sea Stallion towing a mine countermeasures hydrofoil sled during a demonstration of minesweeping techniques. The helicopter is assigned to Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14 (HM-14). Country: Chesapeake Bay

DM-SN-85-02952. Base: Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-02311. Subject Operation/Series: OCEAN VENTURE '84 Country: Caribbean Sea

A right front view of a Soviet Mi-6 Hook heavy transport helicopter on the ground. Country: Unknown

The War in the Far East, 1944 Indian women labourers, engaged in airfield construction work, pass mechanics working on a Royal Air Force Consolidated Liberator bomber at a base in Bengal.

DN-SN-87-04612. Base: USS Constellation (CV 64) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Members of the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Landing Team, participate in physical exercise during their stay aboard the amphibious assault ship USS NEW ORLEANS (LPH-11). A UH-1N Iroquois helicopter is parked on the flight deck next to the Marines. Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

Z.K.H. Prince Bernhard is greeted by a captain during one of his working visits. The helicopter is a hiller OH-23B Raven.

Crew members make final checks on MQM-74C target drones set up for launch during a missile firing exercise aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

One-half right rear view of a Lockheed F-80C Shooting Star (s/n 49-680) bearing the markings of the 36th Fighter Bomber Squadron (FBS), somewhere in Korea. The right wing is fitted with a napalm canister and a ground crewman sits underneath the wing attaching a rocket. Another crewman stands in front of the wing, at the right of the image. A North American F-86 Sabre of the 4th Fighter Interceptor Wing (FIW) is parked directly in front of the F-80.

DN-ST-88-00519. Subject Operation/Series: DISPLAY DETERMINATION '86 Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-SN-90-01095. Base: USS Independence (CV 62) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-ST-88-04095. Base: Naval Operating Base, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV 41) takes white water ove its bow while underway in rough seas. Country: Indian Ocean(IOC)

Flight deck crew members position themselves beside an Attack Squadron 46 (VA-46) A-7E Corsair II aircraft as they signal for the launch of the aircraft from the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67) during FLEET EX 1-90. Subject Operation/Series: FLEET EX 1-90 Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

An F/A-18C Hornet aircraft of Strike Fighter Squadron 82 (VFA-82) lands, while an F-14A Tomcat of Fighter Squadron 102 (VF-102) prepares for takeoff during Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW-1) strike training. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-89-10785. Base: Charleston State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SN-87-04608. Base: USS Constellation (CV 64) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Fleet Air Arm Trials, Aboard HMS Victorious. 23-25 September 1942. A Seafire making its run along the accelerator during launching.

A UH-46 Sea Knight helicopter lifts a load of supplies from the ammunition ship USS NITRO (AE 23). The helicopter is providing replenishment service to ships positioned off the coast of Lebanon in support of US Marines assigned to the multinational peacekeeping force in Beirut. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

Three hose teams converge on a Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32) F-14A Tomcat aircraft as part of a flight deck firefighting drill aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) during Fleet Ex 1-90. Subject Operation/Series: FLEET EX 1-90 Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Flight deck crewmen hose down the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69) following the completion of carrier qualifications off the Virginia Capes. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

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