Naval Aircraft Launch Procedures

Dynamic shots of aircraft launching from aircraft carriers, showcasing naval operations during Desert Shield, emphasizing coordination and readiness.

U.S. Navy McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk Jet Fighter

A catapult officer gives the signal to launch a Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 139 (VAQ-139) EA-6B Prowler aircraft during flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62). The INDEPENDENCE is one of the U.S. Navy ships sent to the Persian Gulf in response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD/STORM Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

A member of the holdback/hookup crew signals to the catapult officer as the catapult crew prepares to launch an Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75) A-6E Intruder aircraft from the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). Country: Adriatic Sea

DN-ST-86-04386. Country: Sea Of Japan

DN-ST-89-06005. Base: USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Flight deck crewmen aboard the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62) stand near a Fighter Squadron 21 (VF-21) F-14A Tomcat aircraft to watch the approach of an S-3A Viking aircraft during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Gulf Of Oman

U.S. Navy McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk Jet Fighter

A pilot climbs into an F/A-18C Hornet attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron Two Five One (VMFA-251) aboard the aircraft carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73). GEORGE WASHINGTON and VMFA 251 are deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS George Washington (CVN 73) Country: At Sea

220614-N-LY962-1285 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 14, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, from the Kestrels” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137, makes an arrested gear landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operation.

DN-ST-88-00478. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

An A-6E Intruder aircraft, with its arresting hook down, prepares to engage the arresting cable during a landing aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). The A-6E is assigned to Medium Attack Squadron 65 (VA-65). Fifth view in a series of eight. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

An US Navy VA-75 (Attack Squadron Seven Five, the "Sunday Punchers") A-6E Intruder prepares to catch the hook as it lands onboard the USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65). The USS ENTERPRISE is attached to the Sixth Fleet and conducting flight operations in the Adriatic Sea in support of Operation Joint Endeavor. Operation Joint Endeavor is a peacekeeping effort by a multinational Implementation Force (IFOR), comprised of NATO and non-NATO military forces, deployed to Bosnia in support of the Dayton Peace Accords. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVOR Country: Adriatic Sea

A flight deck crewman attaches an S-3A Viking aircraft to a catapult aboard the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63). Country: Unknown

DN-ST-86-04389. Country: Sea Of Japan

An A-6E Intruder aircraft is brought to a halt by the arresting cable during a landing on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). The A-6E is assigned to Medium Attack Squadron 65 (VA-65). Seventh view in a series of eight. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

US Navy aircraft maintenance personnel perform a 56 day preventive maintenance inspection on a US Navy EA-6B Prowler on the flightline. The aircraft is from Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 141 deployed on board the aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71). The ROOSEVELT is operating in the Adriatic Sea in support of the operation. Subject Operation/Series: DELIBERATE FORCE Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

DN-ST-87-10494. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A right side view of an F/A-18 Hornet aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63). The aircraft is assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 125 (VFA-125). Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)

An Attack Squadron 165 (VA-165) KA-6D Intruder aircraft clears the flight deck after being launched from the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63). Country: Unknown

A Fighter Squadron 74 (VF-74) F-4J Phantom II aircraft lands aboard the attack aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CVA-66). Country: Unknown

Flight deck crewmen conduct flight operations with an F-14 Tomcat aircraft aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN-68). The F-14 is in position to be catapulted from the carrier. Base: USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A US Navy F/A-18C Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron One Four Seven (VFA-147) catches the arresting gear wire, while landing on board the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN 68). VFA-147 is part of Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW-9) embarked on NIMITZ. The NIMITZ and her air wing are currently on a scheduled deployment in support of UN sanctions, enforcing the southern No-Fly Zone over Iraq. Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, Persian Gulf, 6 November 1997. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Nimitz (CVN 68)

A flight deck crew member signals to the pilot of an F-14A Tomcat aircraft taxiing on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) as the vessel is underway during WesPac '93. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DN-ST-87-03361. Subject Operation/Series: DISPLAY DETERMINATION '86 Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

980202-N-2302H-003. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS George Washington (CVN 73)

A Fighter Squadron 213 (VF-213) F-14A Tomcat aircraft taxis into position on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Country: Caribbean Sea

Squadron personnel check over a Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 133 (VAQ 133) EA-6B Prowler aircraft on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72). The aircraft has one ALQ-99 electronic countermeasures pod mounted beneath its fuselage and another on its outboard wing pylon. The LINCOLN is underway on a dependents day cruise. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A Strike Squadron 151 (VFA-151) F/A-18A Hornet aircraft flown by CAPT Patrick D. Moneymaker, the commander of Carrier Air Wing 14 (CVW-14), makes an arrested landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV-41). Moneymaker's landing is the last one that will be made aboard the MIDWAY, which is to be decommissioned in the spring of 1992. Country: Pacific Ocean(POC)

A plane director signals to the pilot of an AV-8B Harrier aircraft taxiing on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS SAIPAN (LHA-2) during a rehearsal for Operation Sharp Edge. The SAIPAN is on station off the coast of Liberia. Subject Operation/Series: SHARP EDGE Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Flight deck personnel prepare to guide an Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126 (VAW-126) E-2C Hawkeye aircraft toward a catapult on the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). Country: Adriatic Sea

An overhead right side view of an F-4 Phantom II aircraft from Fighter Squadron 21 (VF-21) and an A-7 Corsair II aircraft from Attack Squadron 97 (VA-97) during preflight preparations on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS CORAL SEA (CV-43). Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DN-ST-89-02493. Country: Unknown

A left side view of a Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 209 (VAQ-209) EA-6B Prowler aircraft parked on the flight line. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

High angle view down at an OV-10D Bronco Observation Aircraft as it taxis clear of the landing zone onboard the Forrestal Class, Aircraft Carrier USS SARATOGA (CV 60). The aircraft is testing flight qualifications off the coast of North Carolina. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A view of a line of F/A-18C Hornet aircraft of Strike Fighter Squadrons 37 and 105 (VFA-37 and VFA-105) parked on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). Country: Adriatic Sea

An AV-88 Harrier aircraft attached to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 261 (HMM-261) comes in for a landing on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS SAIPAN (LHA-2) during a rehearsal for OPERATION SHARP EDGE. The SAIPAN is on station off the coast of Liberia. Subject Operation/Series: SHARP EDGE Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A Strike-Fighter Squadron 111 (VFA-111) A-6E Intruder aircraft taxis on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-SN-87-06499. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A right side view of an Attack Squadron 46 (VA-46) A-7E Corsair II aircraft, armed with an AGM-45 Shrike, parked on the flight line. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-87-10401. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A Fighter Squadron 84 (VF-84) F-14A Tomcat aircraft takes to the air as it is launched from the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71). The ROOSEVELT is on station in the northeastern Mediterranean to support Operation Provide Comfort, a multinational effort to aid Kurdish refugees in southern Turkey and northern Iraq. Subject Operation/Series: PROVIDE COMFORT Country: Mediterranean Sea(MED)

Flight deck crew members stand on the deck edge catwalk of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71). The aircraft at the right is an S-3A Viking of Air Anti-submarine Squadron 32 (VS-32), which is qualifying aboard CVN-71. Country: Unknown

DN-ST-88-00680. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-ST-87-10427. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A ground crewman uses a Release Control Check Box to check the release mechanism on the bomb and rocket rail of an F-14 Tomcat aircraft during Exercise Gallant Eagle '82. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE '82 Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-87-06163. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

The Argentine destroyer ARA SARANDI (D-13) sails alongside the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

The pilot of a Marine Attack Squadron 223 (VMA 223) AV-8B Harrier aircraft makes a note prior to takeoff during flight operations aboard the amphibious assault ship USS WASP (LHD 1) off the coast of North Carolina. Country: Onslow Bay

First lieutenant kite J.P. Soolsma, classified by 313 Squadron, with 'student-flyer' first lieutenant c.a.j.m. Frijters. Photo belongs to the photo report, which is created for the benefit of the 'operational, the Royal Netherlands Air Force in operation' by Wim Cock from 1983.

US Navy Aircraft handling officer Patrick Halinski stands in the fore ground as he directs an F/A-18 "Hornet" aircraft into launch position, during flight operations on board the US Navy aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63). Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Catapult crewmen make a final check of an Attack Squadron 65 (VA-65) A-6E Intruder aircraft before its launch from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71). The ROOSEVELT is on station in the eastern Mediterranean to support Operation Provide Comfort, a southern Turkey and northern Iraq.. Subject Operation/Series: PROVIDE COMFORT Country: Mediterranean Sea(MED)

Female ground crew members service an EA-6A Intruder aircraft on the flight line. Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-88-00522. Subject Operation/Series: DISPLAY DETERMINATION '86 Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

AIRMAN Armstrong washes an F/A-18 Hornet aircraft from Strike-Fighter Squadron 113 (VFA-113) aboard the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV-64). Country: Unknown

DN-SN-90-01082. Base: USS Independence (CV 62) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Military Jets Grumman Fixed Wing Aviat Airplanes EA-6B Prowler grey folded wings flight crew aircraft carrier

An F/A-18 Hornet aircraft from Strike-Fighter Squadron 25 (VFA-25) is checked prior to takeoff aboard the aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CV-64). Country: Unknown

An Attack Squadron 35 (VA-35) A-6E Intruder aircraft receives a final check before launch on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Red Sea

AMN Gordon Goble, 37th Aircraft Generation Squadron, checks a pilot tube of an F-4 Phantom II aircraft for an obstruction during exercise Team Spirit (Coronet Spray). Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRITCORONET SPRAY Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SN-88-04013. Country: Unknown

Crewmen position aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). Country: Caribbean Sea

Catapult crew members make a last minute check of a Training Squadron 19 (VT-19) T-2C Buckeye aircraft as it is readied for launch from the aircraft carrier USS FORRESTAL (CV-59) while the vessel is underway during carrier qualifications. Country: Gulf Of Mexico

DF-ST-88-08095. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A right front view of an F-15B Eagle aircraft as it prepares for take-off. The aircraft is assigned to the 36th Tactical Fighter Wing. Base: Bitburg Air Base Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Crewmen aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72) begin removing the nylon crash barricade from an Air Anti-submarine Squadron 29 (VS-29) S-3A Viking aircraft. Damaged landing gear forced the aircraft to make an emergency landing. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A crew chief assists the pilot of an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft of the Dutch air force prior to a mission in support of Operation Deny Flight, the enforcement of the United Nations-sanctioned no-fly zone over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Subject Operation/Series: OPERATION DENY FLIGHT Base: Villafranca Air Base Country: Italy (ITA)

A catapult officer signals for the launch of a Training Squadron 7 (VT-7) TA-4J Skyhawk aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS FORRESTAL (CV 59). The FORRESTAL will assume the role of the Navy's training carrier in early 1992, taking over for the auxiliary aircraft landing training ship USS LEXINGTON (AVT 16). Country: Gulf Of Mexico

Flight deck crewmen prepare two Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75) A-6E Intruder aircraft for an elevator ride to the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). Country: Adriatic Sea

DF-ST-86-09686. Subject Operation/Series: SOLID SHIELD '85 Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

AV-8B Harrier aircraft line the flight deck of a U.S. Navy ship during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Unknown

A U. S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier hovers above the flight deck of Tarawa Class Amphibious Assault Ship, USS TARAWA (LHA-1), during operations in the Persian Gulf in support of the Southwest Asia build-up. Base: USS Tarawa (LHA 1)

DN-SC-86-03166. Base: Naval Air Station, Alameda State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Navy WAVE aviation machinist's mates, working on an North American Aviation SNJ training plane. Jacksonville Naval Air Station, 1944. World War 2. (BSLOC_2014_10_208)

DF-ST-88-03476. Base: Dyess Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An A-6 Intruder aircraft prepares for launch aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

DN-ST-89-08744. Base: Hercules

DF-ST-87-10558. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH Base: Nyutabaru Air Base State: Kyashu Country: Japan (JPN)

A plane captain inspects the tailhook of an F-14A Tomcat aircraft of Fighter Squadron 143 (VF-143) 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 Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-ST-87-03265. Base: USS America (CV 66) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A Strike Fighter Squadron 105 (VFA-105) F/A-18C Hornet aircraft accelerates toward the end of the deck while being launched from the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). Country: Adriatic Sea

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 an arrested landing during FLEET EX 1-90. Subject Operation/Series: FLEET EX 1-90 Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

An Air Anti-submarine Squadron 29 (VS-29) S-3A Viking aircraft approaches the crash barricade while making an emergency landing aboard 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. Second view in a series of ten. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A Strike Fighter Squadron 127 (VFA-127) F-5E Tiger II aircraft, painted in a camouflage paint scheme and exhibiting the Libyan national insignia, undergoes a preflight check prior to an air combat maneuvers training session with air crews of Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17). Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A C-141 aircraft flight engineer from the 14th Airlift Squadron (ALS), Charleston AFB, S. C., stands under the tail section of his aircraft as he performs a pre-flight check at the Moi International Airport. U.S. military cargo aircraft fly daily relief missions to Goma, Zaire to help the Rwandan refugees. Subject Operation/Series: SUPPORT HOPE Base: Mombasa Country: Kenya (KEN)

Two AIM -9P Sidewinder missiles mounted on the wing pylon of an F-4C Phantom II aircraft of the 154th Composite Group, Hawaii Air National Guard. Base: Hickam Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Crew members give the emergency stop signal by crossing both arms over their heads while preparing to launch a Strike-Fighter Squadron 111 (VFA-111) A-6E Intruder aircraft from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). A flight deck crewman has fallen on the flight deck. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Crew members use MD-3A tow tractors to test the tension level of aircraft arresting wires on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) prior to the ship's departure from port. Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Attack Squadron 65 (VA-65) A-6E Intruder aircraft makes an arrested landing on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Crew members aboard the amphibious assault ship USS WASP (LHD 1) move an AV-8B "Harrier" to the flight deck during Joint Task Force Exercise 98-1 (JTFX 98-1). Subject Operation/Series: JTFX 98-1 Base: USS Wasp (LHD 1)

DN-SC-88-06704. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A view of damage caused to three F-4 Phantom II aircraft and the optical landing system platform of the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV 41) in a collision with the Panamanian freighter CACTUS. Base: Naval Station, Subic Bay State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

Air Force personnel inspect an Egyptian MiG-17 aircraft (Soviet designed) on display during the joint exercise Bright Star '83. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHT STAR '83 Base: Cairo Country: Egypt (EGY)

DN-ST-88-07019. Base: Naval Air Station, Dallas State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A right front view of an AV-8B Harrier aircraft from the Marine Light Attack Training Squadron 202 (VMAT-202). Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An A-10A Thunderbolt II attack aircraft from the 23rd Tactical Fighter Wing of England Air Force Base, La., armed with bombs and missiles, is prepared for a mission during Operation Desert Storm.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

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