Naval Aircraft Operations

Photos of various naval aircraft on aircraft carriers, illustrating military operations, takeoffs, and equipment handling in Mediterranean and Atlantic waters.

DN-ST-88-02094. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-ST-86-10278. Base: USS America (CV 66) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-SC-87-05547. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

DN-ST-86-06160. Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

DN-ST-87-03384. Subject Operation/Series: DISPLAY DETERMINATION '86 Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-ST-88-02094. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Flight deck personnel prepare an F-14A Tomcat aircraft of Fighter Squadron 124 (VF-124) for a catapult launch from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN-68). Country: Pacific Ocean(POC)

DN-ST-88-05481. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

DN-ST-86-03985. Base: USS Coral Sea (CV 43) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-ST-88-00485. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-ST-87-10483. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

US Navy flight deck crewmen watch as a wheeled crane (also known as Karry Crane or Tilly the Toiler) hoist an F-14 "Tomcat" aircraft from the flight deck of the US Navy aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63). US Navy flight deck crewmen watch as a wheeled crane (also known as Karry Crane or Tilly the Toiler) hoist an F-14 "Tomcat" aircraft from the flight deck of the US Navy aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63).

An MD-3A tow tractor is used as an A-6E Intruder aircraft is serviced prior to takeoff aboard the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV 41). Base: USS Midway (CV 41) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DN-ST-87-10437. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-ST-85-05520. Base: USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)

A Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 (VRC-30) C-2 Greyhound aircraft stands on the No. 3 catapult as wind causes vapor from the catapult to form an arch following the launch of an aircraft from the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Flight deck crewmen aboard the amphibious assault ship USS NASSAU (LHA-4) prepare an AV-8 Harrier aircraft for flight. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

230126-N-IP029-1008 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 26, 2023) A C-2A Greyhound, attached to the "Rawhides" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40, prepares to land on the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). IKE is underway conducting ammunition onload, flight deck certification and air wing qualification as part of its tailored basic phase prior to deployment.

An F-14 Tomcat aircraft prepares to touch down on the flight deck during an arrested landing aboard 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)

DN-ST-86-02337. Subject Operation/Series: OCEAN VENTURE '84 Country: Caribbean Sea

Aviation ordnancemen conduct a final pre-launch check on the ordnance mounted on a Fighter Squadron 154 (VF-154) F-14A Tomcat aircraft 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: Unknown

DN-SC-86-03628. Base: USS Saratoga (CV 60) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

An F-14A Tomcat aircraft of Fighter Squadron Fourteen (VF-14), its afterburners aglow, starts its roll down the number one catapult on board the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69) during carrier qualifications off the Virginia Capes. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Flight deck personnel watch as passengers board a Fleet Logistic Support Squadron 40 (VRC-40) C-2A greyhound aircraft on the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). Country: Adriatic Sea

A Fighter Squadron 106 (VF-106) F/A-18 Hornet aircraft lands aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

An F-4 Phantom II aircraft lifts off from the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV 41) during flight deck operations. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

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), comes in for an arrested landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV-41). Moneymaker's landing will be the last one made aboard the MIDWAY before its decommissioning in the spring of 1992. Country: Pacific Ocean(POC)

DN-ST-86-10022. Base: USS America (CV 66) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

060228-N-7241L-001. Base: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)

F/A-18A Hornets USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) US Navy

Crewman use a crane to pull an F-4 Phantom aircraft away from the edge of the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA's (CV 66) flight deck. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Arabian Sea, September 4, 2012 - An EA-6B Prowler takes off from the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise.

DN-SC-87-05750. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

DN-SC-87-05751. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

DN-ST-87-03376. Subject Operation/Series: DISPLAY DETERMINATION '86 Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A C-2 Greyhound aircraft lands beside a row of F-14A Tomcat aircraft on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 135 (VAQ-135) EA-6B Prowler aircraft prepares to catch the arresting cable as it lands on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) while the vessel is underway off the coast of Chile during its circumnavigation of South America. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DN-ST-88-00626. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

An Attack Squadron 34 (VA-34) A-6E Intruder aircraft flight crewman is videotaped as he walks over to his aircraft on flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69) during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Unknown

DN-SC-87-05754. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

A Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464 (HMH-464) CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter idles on the flight deck of the amphibious transport dock USS RALEIGH (LPD 1) as other ships of the amphibious task force steam in formation behind. The ships and their embarked Marines are at sea in support of Operation DESERT SHIELD. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Northern Arabian Sea

DN-SC-87-06293. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

A C-1A Trader aircraft warms up on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV 41). An SH-3 Sea King helicopter, right, stands by. Several A-6 Intruder, left, and F-4 Phantom II aircraft, right, are parked in the background. Base: USS Midway (CV 41) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

The flight crew of a Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 138 (VAQ-138) EA-6B Prowler aircraft perform a preflight check prior to the launch of their plane from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) during flight operations. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-ST-87-11866. Base: USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3)

A Fighter Squadron 84 (VF-84) F-14A Tomcat aircraft takes to the air after being launched from a catapult aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) during the ship's shakedown cruise. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Two Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier aircraft prepare for takeoff on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS INCHON (LPH-12) off the coast of North Carolina during the joint services exercise Solid Shield '89. Subject Operation/Series: SOLID SHIELD '89 Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A photographer's mate stands on the No. 3 Mark 7 16-inch gun turret on the stern of the battleship USS MISSOURI (BB-63) as he prepares to photograph the battleship USS WISCONSIN (BB-64), background, and other vessels on patrol as part of a multinational force stationed in the region to safeguard shipping during the war between Iran and Iraq. Country: Gulf Of Oman

A Fighter Squadron 14 (VF-14) F-14A Tomcat aircraft is prepared for launch on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV67) as a Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 7 (HS-7) SH-3H Sea King helicopter lifts off from the ship's port side. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 (VRC-30) C-2A Greyhound aircraft lands after catching the arresting wire aboard the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) during flight operations aboard the vessel. Country: Unknown

DN-SC-87-06296. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

Sailors stand in formation with their respective divisions as quarters is held on the crowded flight deck of the amphibious transport dock USS RALEIGH (LPD-1). The two CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters are from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464 (HMH-464). The RALEIGH and its embarked Marines are at sea in support of Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Northern Arabian Sea

DN-SP-04-08650. Base: USS Constellation (CV 64)

An AV-8B+ Harrier II jet aboard the Italian Navy Cavour aircraft carrier.

An aerial view of the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) as flight operations are conducted in 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)

Vintage Photograph. Jets poised for action on an aircraft carrier deck under a vast ocean sky.

Mediterranean Sea, August 11, 2013 - An E-2C Hawkeye launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman.

A T-2C Buckeye aircraft approaches to land aboard the training aircraft carrier USS LEXINGTON (AVT-16). Two other T-2 aircraft are visible on the flight deck. Country: Unknown

US Marines from Battalion Landing Team (BLT) load into the rear of a US Marine CH-46 (Sea Knight) helicopter to go ashore for their mission during FOAL EAGLE 2000 exercise in Pohang, Korea. US Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), spent two months participating in various training operations on and off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, Sasebo, Japan, Pohang, Korea, and Hong Kong, China. Subject Operation/Series: FOAL EAGLE 2000 Base: USS Essex (LHD 2) State: Pohang Country: Republic Of Korea (ROK)

A Marine Attack Squadron 223 (VMA-223) AV-8B Harrier aircraft takes off from the bow of the amphibious assault USS WASP (LHD 1) during flight operations off the coast of North Carolina. Base: Onslow Bay State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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. Base: USS Independence (CV 62) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A Fighter Squadron 2 (VF-2) F-14A Tomcat aircraft passes over the aircraft carrier USS RANGER (CV-61) and an Iowa-class battleship. VF-2 is deployed aboard the RANGER. Country: Northern Arabian Sea

An A-6E Intruder aircraft of Attack Squadron Seventy-Five (VA-75) comes to rest after a landing on board the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69) during carrier qualifications off the Virginia Capes. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A right front view of an F-14 Tomcat aircraft, with the canopy open, as the flight crew prepares for a catapult-assisted takeoff from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Three blast deflector panels are raised at the rear of the aircraft. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

DN-ST-87-02597. Base: USS Missouri (BB 63) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-SC-87-00507. Base: USS Saratoga (CV 60) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-ST-87-11415. Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)

DN-SC-89-07969. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-SC-89-00010. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-ST-89-08974. Base: USS Lexington (AVT 16)

DN-SC-87-06289. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

DN-SC-87-06345. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 19, 2016) An AV-8B Harrier from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU) launches off the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1). Wasp is deployed as part of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, which is offloading the 22nd MEU after completing a six-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations.

011108-N-9849W-003. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Uss Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Scene Major Command Shown: USS Kitty Hawk

An arresting gear operator watches as an F-4S Phantom II aircraft comes in for a landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV 41). Right front view of the Phantom. Country: Unknown

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. Seventh view in a series of ten. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DN-SC-87-10652. Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)

DN-SC-90-02463. Base: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)

DN-ST-86-03976. Base: USS Coral Sea (CV 43) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DF-ST-85-09832. Subject Operation/Series: OCEAN VENTURE '84 Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

220518-N-ZE328-1364 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (May 18, 2022) An E-2D Hawkeye, attached to the "Seahawks" of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 126, lands on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in support of NATO-led activity Neptune Shield 22, May 18, 2022. Neptune Shield 22 is the natural evolution of NATO's ability to integrate the high-end maritime warfare capabilities of an Aircraft Carrier Strike Group, an Amphibious Ready Group and a Marine Expeditionary Unit to support the defense of the alliance.

A Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 135 (VAQ-135) EA-6B Prowler aircraft lands on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Crewmen use SD-1D spotting dollies to move F-14A Tomcat aircraft from the No. 4 elevator to the hangar bay 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-SC-88-06067. Base: Boston State: Massachusetts (MA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The Westland Wasp Mk.1, Series 2 & 2A (AH-12A) Submarine control helicopter 242 (1967-1981) in 'Folded' condition on the flight deck of a frigate.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 22, 2013) An E-2C Hawkeye assigned to the Bluetails of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121 prepares for take off aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Dwight D. Eisenhower departed Naval Station Norfolk on a scheduled deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.

Maintenance crewman of Strike Fighter Squadron 82 (VFA-82) perform maintenance on an F/A-18 Hornet aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV-66) during participation in Operation Deny Flight. Subject Operation/Series: DENY FLIGHT Country: Adriatic Sea

Low angle view of a fighter plane, F/A-18 Hornet, USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), US Navy

A sailor driving an MD-3A tow tractor respots an F-14A Tomcat aircraft on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71). Country: Unknown

A Fighter Squadron 84 (VF-84) F-14A Tomcat aircraft makes an arrested landing on 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 member of the crash, salvage and rescue team watches from a P-16 shipboard firefighting and rescue truck as the catapult crew prepares to launch an Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126 (VAW-126) E-2C Hawkeye aircraft from the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). Country: Adriatic Sea

An SD-1D spotting dolly and a Fighter Squadron 14 (VF-14) F-14A Tomcat aircraft ride to the hangar deck level on an elevator 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)

DN-SN-90-01098. Base: USS Independence (CV 62) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A Super Etendard aircraft of the Argentine Navy passes the landing signal officers station as it prepares to briefly touch down on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). The plane is taking part in touch-and-go landings aboard the LINCOLN during the vessel's circumnavigation of South America. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Crash and rescue personnel check over an Air Anti-submarine Squadron 29 (VS-29) S-3A Viking aircraft that made a barricade landing 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)

A Strike Fighter Squadron 136 (VFA-136) F/A-18C Hornet aircraft flies low above the water, directly over a surfaced Ohio-class nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine. VFA-136 is assigned to the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73). Country: Unknown

An F-14 Tomcat aircraft, with its wings swept back, makes a low altitude turn above two Virginia Class nuclear-powered guided missile cruisers that are underway. Country: Unknown

Photographers Mate First Class (PH1) David M. Miller photographs an F/A-18 Hornet aircraft of fighter attack squadron 22 (VFA-22) being launched from catapult four on the angle deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) during operations in the northern Arabian gulf. Country: Unknown

DN-SC-85-01947. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

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