Naval Aircraft Operations

Images showcase various military aircraft, including A-6E Intruders and F-14 Tomcats, on flight decks and airstrips, highlighting vibrant colors and operational readiness.

DN-SC-87-05574. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

The operator of an MD-3A tow tractor provides compressed air to start the engine of an A-6E Intruder aircraft on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69) during Fleet Ex '90. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DM-SC-88-06368. Base: Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A left side view of a Strike Fighter Squadron 151 (VFA-151) F/A-18A Hornet aircraft parked on the flight line. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-4 Phantom II aircraft moments before it is launched from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV 41) during CINCPAC Exercise FLEETEX '83. The US Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and the Canadian navy are participating in the exercise near the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. Subject Operation/Series: FLEETEX '83 Base: USS Midway (CV 41) Country: Northern Pacific Ocean

A Fighter Squadron 143 (VF-143) F-14A Tomcat aircraft is readied for launch from the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69). Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A left side view of a Super Entendard aircraft being serviced on the flight deck of the French aircraft carrier FOCH (R-99). The FOCH is deployed off the coast of Lebanon. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DF-ST-85-13426. Base: Seymour Johnson Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air-to-air left side view of two Attack Squadron 65 (VA-65) A-6E Intruder aircraft. Country: Unknown

DN-SC-87-05574. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

Right side view of a North American F-86 Sabre. Pilot is in cockpit talking to a technician on the other side of the aircraft, while another technician examines the ammunition bay.. Right side view of a North American F-86 Sabre. Pilot is in cockpit talking to a technician on the other side of the aircraft, while another technician examines the ammunition bay..

A Marine Fighter-Attack Squadron 121 (VMFA(AW)-121) F/A-18D Hornet aircraft is de-iced on the flight line prior to a preflight check. Base: Naval Air Facility, Andrews Afb State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of a Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 135 (VAQ-135) EA-6B Prowler flight crew wait for flight deck crewmen to complete a preflight check aboard the USS CORAL SEA (CV-43) during operations near Libya. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A crew chief observes as LT. Shaffer of the 53rd Fighter Squadron prepares to start the engines of his F-15C Eagle aircraft prior to a sortie in support of Operation Deny Flight, the enforcement of the United Nations-sanctioned no-fly zone over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Subject Operation/Series: DENY FLIGHT Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

A Fighter Squadron 211 (VF-211) F-14A Tomcat is launched from the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63) as crash crew members in damage control vehicles stand by. Country: Unknown

Squadron maintenance personnel work on a pair of F-14A Tomcat aircraft aboard the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Red Sea

A right front view of a Strike-Fighter Squadron 125 (VFA-125) F/A-18D Hornet aircraft parked on the flight line. Base: Naval Air Facility, Andrews Afb State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-87-05763. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

An air-to-air left side view of an A-7E Corsair II aircraft from Light Attack Squadron 82 (VA-82). The squadron is assigned to the aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN 68). Country: Unknown

The pilot and radar intercept officer (RIO) of a Fighter Squadron 14 (VF-14) F-14A Tomcat aircraft conduct a preflight inspection of their 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)

DN-SC-87-06088. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

U.S. Navy F9F-8 aircraft with Sidewinder guided missiles. 1960.

Fighter plane taking off from the military ship, AV-8B Harrier, USS Kearsarge (LHD-3), US Navy

AIRMAN First Class (A1C) Steve Genord and A1C Dan Alverson, 60th Tactical Fighter Wing, check engine exhaust of an F-15 Eagle during exercise BOLD EAGLE '82. Subject Operation/Series: BOLD EAGLE '82 Base: Eglin Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Flight deck crewman walk beside an A-7E Corsair II aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV 41). In the background is an SH-3 Sea King helicopter. Country: Unknown

An air-to-air right side view of an Air Anti-submarine Squadron (VS-31) S-3A Viking aircraft with an ASQ-81 Magnetic Anomaly Detection (MAD) probe extending from the tail section. The aircraft is assigned to the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-ST-87-03367. Subject Operation/Series: DISPLAY DETERMINATION '86 Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DF-SN-86-12589. Country: France (FRA)

Two kites of the Royal Air Force in the cockpits of a green-gray camouflaged NF-5B on the Twente airbase.

A pilot climbs down from a Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 (VMFA-115) F/A-18A Hornet aircraft after conferring with its pilot during the combined Thai/U.S. exercise Thalay Thai '89. Country: Thailand (THA)

A left front ground view of an A-10A Thunderbolt II aircraft on the flight line at Armitage Field. Base: Nav Weapons Center, China Lake State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SN-87-00481. Base: USS Coral Sea (CV 43) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-ST-89-05707. Base: Unknown

Photo reportage of a demonstration flight with a General Dynamics F-16A with Captain Flyer G. Booij for a VARA-TelVisieploeg. The Crewchief ter Mors is ready for assistance.

As his wing man holds position ahead, a Fighter Squadron 14 (VF-14) F-14A Tomcat aircraft moves in to receive fuel from an Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75) KA-6D Intruder aircraft. The aircraft are flanked by two Figher Squadron 32 (VF-32) Tomcat aircraft, upper left and lower right. All five aircraft are assigned the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67) which can be seen just to the left of the Intruder aircraft. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

With refueling arm extended at left, a Marine Attack Squadron 311 (VMA-311) AV-8B Harrier II aircraft taxis at Auxiliary Airfield 2. Base: Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-86-05152. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER '84-7 Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

DF-ST-85-01377. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER '84 Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

DN-ST-88-00732. Base: USS America (CV 66)

A left rear view of an F-14B Tomcat aircraft of Fighter Squadron 74 (VF-74) parked on the tarmac. The aircraft is painted in the aggressor camouflage color scheme simulating a Russian MIG-29 Fulcrum. This scheme was designed for deployment to the Red Flag exercises with the USAF at Nellis AFB. Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-89-03624. Base: Holloman Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A left front view of four F-5E Tiger II adversary aircraft parked in a row on the flight line. The aircraft are used by the Navy Fighter Weapons School, known as "Top Gun," to provide air combat maneuvering (ACM) training for Navy and Marine Corps pilots. The aircraft are painted to simulate Soviet-bloc air force camouflage patterns. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A front view of an AV-8A Harrier aircraft during preflight maintenance aboard the amphibious assault ship USS NASSAU (LHA-4). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-SN-88-01956. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air-to-air overhead view of a fighter Squadron 1 (VF-1) F-14A Tomcat aircraft. Country: Unknown

DF-ST-85-09807. Subject Operation/Series: OCEAN VENTURE '84 Base: Nas, Roosevelt Roads State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Top view of an F-4 Phantom II aircraft as it is refueled by a KC-10A Extender aircraft in flight. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-88-05264. Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

A Navy F-4J Phantom aircraft is prepared for launching from the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV 41), off the coast of Korea during the joint ROK/US training exercise TEAM SPIRIT '79. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '79 Base: USS Midway (CV 41) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DN-ST-87-03392. Subject Operation/Series: DISPLAY DETERMINATION '86 Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A Fighter Squadron 302 (VF-302) F-14A Tomcat aircraft taxis to the catapult on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) during Reserve Carrier Air Wing 30 annual training operations off the coast of Southern California. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DF-SN-86-11324. Subject Operation/Series: GUNPOWDER 85 Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Strike Fighter Squadron 87 (VFA-87) F/A-18A Hornet aircraft is hooked up to one of the bow catapults 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)

DN-SC-87-06168. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

DN-SC-90-04356. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DF-SN-86-11721. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The catapult crew prepares to launch a Strike Fighter Squadron 81 (VFA-81) F/A-18C Hornet aircraft from the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) while a Hornet of VFA-81 and one from VFA-83 wait behind the jet blast deflectors. The SARATOGA is in the Red Sea in support of Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Red Sea

DN-SN-87-00475. Base: USS Coral Sea (CV 43) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

Pilot Earle Boyer and researcher Henry Brandhorst prepare for a solar cell calibration flight in a Martin B-57B Canberra at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

An air-to-air left side view of a B-52G Stratofortress aircraft of the 60th Bomber Squadron during Exercise Harvest Coconut. Subject Operation/Series: HARVEST COCONUT Country: Unknown

DN-ST-90-02419. Base: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A Fighter Squadron 41 (VF-41) F-14A Tomcat aircraft is moved along Pier 12 in preparation for loading aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier ABRAHAM LINCON (CVN-72). The aircraft will be part of a flight deck display at the ship's commissioning ceremony on November 11. Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air-to-air front view of three A-6E Intruder aircraft from Attack Squadron 34 (VA-34) during their deployment aboard the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DF-ST-88-05525. Subject Operation/Series: FUERZAS UNIDAS PERU Base: Pisco Air Base Country: Peru (PER)

DN-SN-89-04834. Base: USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3)

An AV-8B Harrier aircraft is launched from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS NASSAU (LHA-4) in support of Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Gulf Of Oman

Several F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft of the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing stand ready to taxi onto the runway. The aircraft will fly to Saudi Arabia to take part in Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Base: Hill Air Force Base State: Utah (UT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A US Navy F-14 Tomcat from the Fighter Squadron 111 (VF-111), Sundowners, launches an AIM-54C Phoenix long-range air to air missile. Exact date shot unknown. Country: Unknown

DA-ST-85-01498. Subject Operation/Series: PHOTO FINISH '81 Base: Gulfport Air National Guard Base State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A KA-6D Intruder aircraft approaches for a landing 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)

A Marine Fighter-Attack Squadron 121 (VMFA(AW)-121) F/A-18D Hornet aircraft is de-iced on the flight line prior to a preflight check. Base: Naval Air Facility, Andrews Afb State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A flight deck crew member signals to the pilot of a Fighter Squadron 14 (VF-14) F-14A Tomcat aircraft readied for launch 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-18A Hornet aircraft from Strike Fighter Squadron 25 taxis on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) during Fleet Exercise 85. An S-3A Viking aircraft is being serviced in the background and an F-14A Tomcat is taxiing in the foreground. Base: USS Constellation (CV 64) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

An air-to-air right side view of an Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75) A-6E Intruder aircraft, with tail hook down, preparing to land aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). Country: Unknown

Ground crewmen perform maintenance on a snow covered F/A-18 Hornet aircraft from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 125 (VMFA-125). Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 132 (VAQ-132) EA-6B Prowler aircraft sits on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60). Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A right front view of the "Spirit of Goldsboro," the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing's (4th TFW's) first F-15E Eagle aircraft. Seventy-two of the aircraft will be assigned to the wing over the next three years, replacing its current inventory of F-4E Phantom II aircraft. The 4th TFW is the first operational Air Force unit to receive the F-15E. Base: Seymour Johnson Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (July 18, 2022) File photo from Mar. 09, 2005 captioned, F/A-18D Hornets assigned to Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 242 prepare for departure following a transit stop”. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., Allied, and Partner nation forces to be where they are needed when they are needed to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

During a flight near the east coast of Florida, an S-3B Viking aircraft delivers fuel to one of the two Strike Fighter Squadron 137 (VFA-137) F/A-18A Hornet aircraft that are following closely behind it. In the foreground and at right are F/A-18C Hornet aircraft from Strike Figher Squadron 106 (VFA-106). At left is a F/A-18B Hornet aircraft from VFA-106. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 130 (VAQ-130) EA-6B Prowler aircraft is positioned 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 Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DF-ST-85-11565. Subject Operation/Series: KINDLE LIBERTY 83 Base: Howard Air Force Base Country: Panama (PAN)

DN-SN-86-04074. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-SN-90-01079. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-ST-85-07144. Base: USS Midway (CV 41) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A Fighter Squadron 74 (VF-74) F-14A Tomcat aircraft taxis past a Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 125 (VAW-125) E-2C Hawkey aircraft, left, a Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 3 (HC-3) SH-3H Sea King helicopter, center, and another VF-74 Tomcat on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Red Sea

An air-to-air left side view, from top to bottom, of: an E-2C Hawkeye aircraft from Airborne Early Warning Squadron 113 (VAW-113); an F-14 Tomcat aircraft from Fighter Squadron 124 (VF-124); and an F-5E Tiger II and TA-4 Skyhawk aircraft, both from Fighter Squadron 126 (VF-126). State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-89-00780. Subject Operation/Series: SHADOW HAWK Base: Azarq Air Base Country: Jordan (JOR)

A right side view of a Fighter Squadron 126 (VF-126) A-4F Skyhawk aircraft, displaying a camouflage paint scheme, parked on the flight line. The aircraft, assigned to the Commander, Fighter Wing Pacific, provides adversary training for Pacific Fleet-based squadrons. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-85-01956. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

Two maintenance crewmen polish the canopy of a Strike Fighter Squadron 303 (VFA-303) F/A-18A Hornet aircraft prior to a flight. Base: Naval Air Station, Lemoore State: California(CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

000701-N-0252D-003. Base: Naval Air Facility Atsugi State: Kanagawa Country: Japan (JPN)

DN-SN-87-06518. Country: Unknown

DN-ST-85-00684. Base: USS Nassau (LHA 4) Country: North Sea

A left front view of an A-4K Skyhawk aircraft from the Royal New Zealand Air Force 75th Squadron, on the flight line during the air combat training exercise COPE THUNDER '83-1. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER '83-1 Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

A ground crew member signals the pilot of a Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40 (VRC-40) C-2A Greyhound Carrier On-board Delivery (COD) aircraft as the plane prepares to take off with a load of passengers and mail bound for the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Photo reportage of a demonstration flight with a General Dynamics F-16A with Captain Flyer G. Booij for a Vara television crew.

A left side view of an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft landing during exercise Commando Vulcan. The A-10 will be assigned to the 25th Tactical Fighter Squadron (25th TFS), Suwon Air Base, South Korea. Subject Operation/Series: COMMANDO VULCAN Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

Artwork: "Georgia Eagle". Artist: Sam Lyons Jr. U.S. Air Force Art Collection. Country: Unknown

DF-ST-85-11273. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST '85 Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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