Helicopters and Naval Operations

Aerial views of military helicopters and ships in maritime environments, showcasing operations and coordinated movements across open waters.

Camouflaged USS Roper (DD-147) on Convoy Duty Photo by FAPSA, Norfolk, Va..

111111-N-WA347-193 CELEBES SEA (Nov. 11, 2011) Two CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 265 approach the forward deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex is part of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group and is conducting operations in the western Pacific Ocean.

An air-to-air view of four RH-53D Sea Stallion helicopters as seen from the cockpit of an SH-3 Sea King helicopter during search and rescue (SAR) operations. Country: Chesapeake Bay

Camouflaged USS Roper (DD-147) on Convoy Duty Photo by FAPSA, Norfolk, Va..

060514-N-4776G-222. Base: USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76)

GULF OF ADEN (Dec. 6, 2016) A landing craft air cushion with the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (MKI ARG) moves through the Gulf of Aden during the initial landing phases of Exercise Alligator Dagger. The MKI ARG and 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit will conduct amphibious operation rehearsals to maintain a high level of readiness in the event there is a need for an immediate response to a crisis. The exercise will focus on: amphibious assaults; helo-borne raids; visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) operations; air strikes; defense of the amphibious task force; mechanized movements with tanks and light armored vehicles; tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel; ground reconnaissance; and quick reaction force and casualty evacuation rehearsals.

220427-N-TT059-2063 ARABIAN SEA (Apr. 27, 2022) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92) conducts a bilateral training exercise with the Indian Navy's guided-missile frigate INS Trishul (F 43). USS Momsen is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy's largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet's principal surface force, and is underway supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific.

SULU SEA, Philippines (Jan. 22, 2013) The mine countermeasures ship USS Guardian (MCM 5) sits aground on the Tubbataha Reef while the oceanographic survey ship USNS Bowditch (T-AGS 62) and the Philippine Coast Guard navigational aid tender, BRP Corregidor (AE-891) cooperate in salvage efforts while minimizing environmental effects to the reef.

A port bows view of the guided missile destroyer USS WILLIAM V. PRATT (DDG-44) underway during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: USS William V. Pratt (DDG 44) Country: Red Sea

DN-ST-85-08365. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A Mark 15 Phalanx 20mm close-in weapon system (CIWS) is fired aboard the guided missile destroyer USS KIDD (DDG-993) near the coast of Puerto Rico. Country: Caribbean Sea

0701025-N-3729H-045. Base: USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

220621-A-EQ028-1164 ARABIAN GULF (June 21, 2022) United Arab Emirates and U.S. ships sail in formation for a photo exercise during Iron Defender 2022 in the Arabian Gulf, June 21. Iron Defender is an annual bilateral training event between U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and forces from the United Arab Emirates. The exercise focuses on maritime security operations, mine countermeasures, and harbor defense.

TIMOR SEA (May 13, 2022) Landing Craft Mechanized (LCM) 8, assigned to 36 Water Transport Troop, 10 Force Support Battalion, Australian Army, conducts amphibious operations with the forward-deployed amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) in support of Operation Croc Response. Ashland, part of the America Expeditionary Strike Group is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, serving as a ready-response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

TAIWAN STRAIT (Aug. 28, 2022) Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) and USS Antietam (CG 54) transit the Taiwan Strait during a routine transit near PLA(N) ships. Chancellorsville is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

DN-ST-88-01898. Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD '85 Country: South China Sea

Aerial recording of ships belonging to NATO StanavForchan (Standing Naval Force in The Channel), including Dutch mines / hunters in May 1989. v.L.n.R. The Belgian tripartite mine hunter BNS Fuchsia (M 919, 1988), the German Lindau class mine hunter FGS Koblenz (M 1071, 1958), the Norwegian Mijnenveger KNM Alta (M 314, 1954), the British "ton" class mine hunter HMS Iveston (M 1151, 1955), the Danish lindorming class MijnElegger KDM unloading (N 44, 1978), behind the mine hunter Hr.Ms. Alkmaar (M 850, 1983-2000) and for the British "Hunt" class mine hunter / sweeper HMS Dulverton (M 35, 1983).

DN-ST-87-02686. Base: New London State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. and Chilean vessels proceed along the Strait of Magellan during Unitas XXXII, a combined exercise involving the naval forces of the United States and nine South American nations. Subject Operation/Series: UNITAS XXXII Country: Chile(CHL)

The fleet oiler USS MERRIMACK (A0-179) refuels a ship during an underway replenishment in heavy seas. Country: Unknown

MH-60S Sea Hawks attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 fly over Pyramid Cove during a mine countermeasure (MCM) live fire training exercise off the coast of San Clemente Island, Aug. 26, 2022. The MCM live fire is realistic, relevant training that enables our joint, multi-domain forces to integrate and rehearse a critical capability and complex skillset.

DN-ST-87-00996. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WEDDING 86 Base: North Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-ST-87-03040. Country: Unknown

110504-N-ZI300-334 ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 4, 2011) Ten ships from the U.S., Brazil, Mexico and Argentina transit together in formation for a photo exercise during the Atlantic phase of UNITAS 52. UNITAS Atlantic is a multinational exercise as part of Southern Seas 2011.

NASA's Orion spacecraft floats in the Pacific Ocean after splashdown from its first flight test in Earth orbit. An H60-S Seahawk helicopter hovers above to communicate the spacecraft's location back to the USS Anchorage, in the distance. NASA, the U.S. Navy and Lockheed Martin are coordinating efforts to recover Orion and secure the spacecraft in the well deck of the USS Anchorage. Orion completed a two-orbit, four-and-a-half hour mission, to test systems critical to crew safety, including the launch abort system, the heat shield and the parachute system. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is leading the recovery efforts.

Battle Damage to the USS Nashville (CL-43) "Battle damage to the USS Nashville (CL-43) resulting from Jap plane crash on port side of quarterdeck.".

060322-N-4772B-080. State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

970624-N-4724B-006. Subject Operation/Series: KERNEL BLITZ '97 Base: Uss Tarawa (LHA 1) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC) Scene Major Command Shown: USS TARAWA (LHA 1)

DN-SC-87-05325. Base: Taranto Country: Italy (ITA)

060323-N-6074Y-123. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

BALTIC SEA (Aug 11, 2022) U.S. Navy Sailors assigned to the Beach Master Unit 2, fire M9 pistols during a live-fire gun shoot aboard the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), Aug. 11, 2022. Gunston Hall is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, 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.

DN-ST-87-03320. Base: USS Iowa (BB 61) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Battle Damage to the USS Nashville (CL-43) "Battle damage to the USS Nashville (CL-43) resulting from Jap plane crash on port side of quarterdeck.".

A Fighter Squadron 114 (VF-114) F-14A Tomcat aircraft gains altitude after being launched from the No. 1 catapult aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Country: Caribbean Sea

221205-N-YV347-1103 PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 5, 2022) The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) transits through the Pacific Ocean during a training exercise with an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the "Battle Cats" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73. Bunker Hill, part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, is currently underway conducting routine operations.

A view of the Mark 7 16-inch 50-caliber guns of turrets No. 1 and 2 aboard the battleship USS MISSOURI (BB-63) as waves break over the vessel's bow in rough seas. Country: Pacific Ocean(POC)

US Navy Fire Control Technician 3rd Class Mendleson fires a M-2 .50 caliber machine gun aboard Oliver Hazard Perry Class Guided Missile Frigate, USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS (FFG 58). The ROBERTS is patrolling the Persian Gulf in support of the Southwest Asia build-up. Base: USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58)

A view looking aft from the fairweather sail of the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine USS PENNSYLVANIA (SSBN-735) as the ship operates off the coast of Georgia. The American flag is shown flying from the bridge staff. Country: Unknown

220712-O-LR179-1009-CA PACIFIC OCEAN (July 12, 2022) Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Winnipeg (FFH 338) fires two harpoon missiles as part of a sinking exercise (SINKEX) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. RIMPAC 2022 military forces from Australia, Canada, Malaysia and the U.S., fired upon and sunk the decommissioned ex-USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60), July 12, during a SINKEX to gain proficiency in tactics, targeting and live firing against a surface target at sea. SINKEX vessels are put through a certified cleaning process, including removing all environmentally harmful material including trash, floatable material, mercury, fluorocarbon and petroleum. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29-Aug 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooper

U.S. Navy Landing Craft, Utility 1681, attached to Assault Craft Unit 1, prepares to embark the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) in the Pacific Ocean, Jan. 5, 2023. The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit is currently embarked aboard the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group conducting integrated training and routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

A port bow view of the USS ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG-51) underway in rough seas. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A Green Beret with 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), climbs a ladder fixed to a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter hovering above the Gulf of Mexico near Key West, Florida, May 3, 2022. Helocasting, or free-drop from a helicopter, was conducted to familiarize Special Operations Forces personnel with insertion and extraction techniques in a waterborne environment often used in semi- or non-permissive areas to remain clandestine. (DoD photo)

U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Matteo Ventrella, an electronics technician aboard USCGC Bear (WMEC 901), reports contacts as well as their bearings and distance from the bridge, Boston, Massachusetts, Sep. 8, 2022. Ventrella was the port side lookout for the Bears inbound transit.

CAPT. Douglas C. Bauer, right, a U.S. Navy historian, takes a photograph of the fleet oiler USNS JOSHUA HUMPHREYS (T-AO-188) as he passes by in a helicopter. The JOSHUA HUMPHREYS is operating with the Maritime Interdiction Force (MIF), which was formed during Operation Desert Shield to enforce U.S. sanctions against Iraq.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Red Sea

The commercial harbor tugs Mister Randy and Mister Don maneuver the aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CV-64) as the ship departs from port during PACEX '89. The aircraft carrier USS Ranger (CV-61) is moored in the background. Subject Operation/Series: PACEX '89 Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

EAST CHINA SEA (April 9, 2022) Sailors, assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), transfer Sailors to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) in a rigid-hull inflatable boat. Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

A US Marine Corps (USMC) Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV7A1) moves through the water during Exercise TURBO PATRIOT, a Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) Exercise, at Camp Pendleton, California (CA). Subject Operation/Series: TRUBO PATRIOT Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 5, 2012) A closed-in weapons system fires from the fantail during a live-fire exercise aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is returning to the U.S. 7th and 5th Fleet areas of responsibility four months ahead of schedule in order to maintain combatant commander requirements for the presence in the region.

220606-N-AO868-1133 ADRIATIC SEA (June 6, 2022) The Nimitz class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) transits the Adriatic Sea June 6, 2022. Truman 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.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (May 1, 2022) - The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyerUSS Lassen (DDG 82) arrives in Fort Lauderdale for Fleet Week Port Everglades, May. 1, 2022. Fleet Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase the awareness of the Navys role and purpose in our national defense.

An overhead view of the tank landing ship USS SCHENECTADY (LST-1185) underway off the coast of San Diego. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

220909-N-NV699-1057 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sep. 9, 2022) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), transits the Atlantic Ocean, Sep. 9, 2022. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group 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.

220909-N-NV699-1057 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sep. 9, 2022) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), transits the Atlantic Ocean, Sep. 9, 2022. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group 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.

Sheets of water fall from the hull and sail of the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS ALEXANDRIA (SSN-757) as the submarine surfaces during post-commissioning trials off Andros Island, Bahamas. The ALEXANDRIA was commissioned on June 29, 1991.. Country: Atlantic Ocean(AOC)

Photographer's Mate 1ST Class Howard Grady Jones, Naval Imaging Command, videotapes the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS PITTSBURH (SSN 720) shortly after it surfaced off the coast of Andros, Bahamas during an emergency surface drill.. Country: Atlantic Ocean(AOC)

A catapult crewman checks to ensure that an Air Anti-submarine Squadron 31 (VS-31) S-3A Viking aircraft is properly hooked up to the catapult before it is cleared for launch on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) during FLEET EX '90. Subject Operation/Series: FLEET EX '90 Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

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