Naval Aviation Launches

Images of aircraft launching from naval carriers, including helicopters and fighter jets, depicted in various maritime operations.

DN-SC-86-10148. Base: USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)

DN-ST-89-11012. Base: Ionian Sea

DN-SC-04-15227. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DN-SC-86-10148. Base: USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)

DN-ST-86-06053. Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

The pilot of a Fighter Squadron 21 (VF-21) F-14 Tomcat aircraft prepares to take off after missing the last arresting cable on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62). The INDEPENDENCE is participating in OPERATION SOUTHERN WATCH, a multinational effort establishing a no-fly zone for Iraqi aircraft south of the 32nd parallel in Iraq. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Country: Unknown

An AH-1W Sea Cobra helicopter armed with an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile, foreground, and several CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters sit on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS TARAWA (LHA-1) during the combined Thai/U.S. joint exercise Thalay Thai '89. The helicopters are assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (HMM-163), the reinforced aviation combat element of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU). Subject Operation/Series: THALAY THAI '89 Country: Gulf Of Thailand

DN-ST-88-05479. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

The pilot of a Strike Fighter Squadron 81 (VFA-81) F/A-18C Hornet aircraft waits for the launch signal from the catapult officer on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60). Base: USS Saratoga (CV 60) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-ST-85-05529. Base: USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)

DN-ST-88-02066. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Flight deck crewman of the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV-66) paint the landing area stripes as the ship prepares for a renewed flight operations as a part in Operation Deny Flight. Subject Operation/Series: DENY FLIGHT Country: Adriatic Sea

DN-ST-86-04444. Base: USS Midway (CV 41)

DN-SC-87-00051. Base: USS Coral Sea (CV 43) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-ST-86-04378. Country: Sea Of Japan

An F/A-18A Hornet aircraft from Strike Fighter Squadron 25 is launched from the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64). The aircraft is armed with an AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missile on the right wing tip. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DN-SC-90-04021. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

961121-N-0987H-001. Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)

DN-ST-88-00397. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

The Westland Wasp Mk.1, Series 2 & 2A (AH-12A) with registration number 246 (1967-1981), Hr.Msbijkehelikopter of Hr.Ms. Tromp, on the flight deck of Hr.Ms. Poolster (1964-1994) while loading torpedoes.

DN-ST-85-05519. Base: USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)

000708-N-7412M-003. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 2000 Base: Uss Hopper (DDG 70)

DN-ST-86-06055. Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

An F-14A Tomcat aircraft of Fighter Squadron Fourteen (VF-14) revs up its engines in front of a Mark Seven blast shield of 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)

DN-SC-87-05566. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

An elevated left side view of an F-14 Tomcat aircraft being prepared for a catapult-assisted takeoff from 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). Three blast deflector panels are raised at the rear of the aircraft. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

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

Ordnance loading operations take place on an AV-8B Harrier aircraft from Marine Light Attack Squadron 513 (VMA-513) during Operation Comfort. Subject Operation/Series: COMFORT Base: Twentynine Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-04405. Base: USS Midway (CV 41)

A Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 6 (HS-6) SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopter stands on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Country: Pacific Ocean(POC)

Various aircraft parked on a section of the flight deck on the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) include, from foreground: a Strike Fighter Squadron 305 (VFA-305) Naval Air Reserve F/A-18 Hornet aircraft, two Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 135 (VAQ-135) EA-6B Prowler aircraft, an Attack Squadron 95 (VA-95) A-6E Intruder aircraft, an Attack Squadron 95 (VA-95) KA-6D Intruder aircraft and another Strike Fighter Squadron 305 (VFA-305) F/A-18 Hornet aircraft. Country: Caribbean Sea

DN-ST-87-03603. Base: USS Constellation (CV 64)

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

DN-ST-87-10428. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-ST-86-11443. Base: USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

Maintenance personnel in Detachment 1, 18th Operations Group, push an F-15 Eagle aircraft into its shelter after the plane took part in the final exercise before the deactivation of the unit. The units is headquartered at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

DN-SC-05-10438. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A Marine CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter prepares to land on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS BELLEAU WOOD (LHA-3) during its deployment in the Western Pacific area. Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

An A-6E Intruder 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 A-6E is assigned to Medium Attack Squadron 65 (VA-65). Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

Flight deck crew members stand by as an Attack Squadron 95 (VA-95) KA-6D Intruder aircraft is readied for launch from the No. 2 catapult on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Two Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 135 (VAQ-135) EA-6B Prowler aircraft are standing by for launch. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A view of F-14 Tomcat aircarft and E-2C Hawkeye AEW (airborne early warning) aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV 66) during air operations. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-ST-85-05418. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Landing signal officers (LSOs) watch as a Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 125 (VAW-125) E-2C Hawkeye aircraft comes in for a landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Red Sea

DF-ST-88-01542. Base: USS Constellation (CV 64)

A Pioneer I remotely-piloted vehicle (RPV) is launched during a rocket-booster assisted takeoff from the stern of the battleship USS IOWA (BB-61). The RPV, which carries a stabilized television camera and a laser designator, is being tested aboard the IOWA as a basic gunfire support system with over-the-horizon targeting and reconnaissance capabilities. The system may be operated out to a range of 110 miles from the battleship surface group and has an endurance of eight hours. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-SC-85-11119. Base: USS Coral Sea (CV 43) Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

Crewmembers from the Air Department prepare to launch an E-2C "Hawkeye" attached to VAW-126. The "Bear Aces" primary responsibility in the air is early warning of enemy aircraft (not shown) crossing into the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) operating area. Department of Defense officials have stated that the THEODORE ROOSEVELT is in position for air strikes in support of NATO Operation Allied Force. Subject Operation/Series: ALLIED FORCE Country: Unknown

A Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40 (VRC-40) C-2 Greyhound aircraft moves into launch position on the No. 2 catapult on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

Flight deck crew members remove arresting wires prior to touch-and-go landings aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) during the vessel's circumnavigation of South America. The wires are being removed to prevent Argentine aircraft, which are taking part in the maneuvers, from landing aboard the carrier. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter prepares to land on the helicopter pad during flight operations aboard the battleship USS IOWA (BB 61). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

000719-N-4184P-003. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 2000 Base: Uss Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

Two maintenance crewmen work on a Fighter Squadron 213 (VF-213) F-14A Tomcat aircraft as the pilot and radar intercept officer wait for flight operations to commence aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Country: Caribbean Sea

An Air Anti-submarine Squadron 32 (VS-32) S-3A Viking aircraft practices touch and go landings as it passes over the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV 66). Base: USS America(CV 66) Country: Mediterranean Sea(MED)

DN-SN-87-06496. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

As seen from the cockpit of an Attack Squadron 176 (VA-176) KA-6D Intruder aircraft, a plane director guides the pilot to the No. 2 catapult on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS FORRESTAL (CV 59). Base: USS Forrestal (CV 59) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-ST-89-08970. Base: USS Lexington (AVT 16)

A Fighter Squadron 31 (VF-31) F-14A Tomcat aircraft climbs skyward after being launched from a waist catapult on the aircraft carrier USS FORRESTAL (CV-59) while a bow catapult crew prepares to launch an A-7E Corsair aircraft. Country: Unknown

An SH-3 Sea King helicopter transports supplies from the oiler USS PASSUMPSIC (T-AO 107) to the deck of the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV 41) during vertical replenishment operations. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A Fighter Squadron 14 (VF-14) F-14A Tomcat aircraft stands on the edge of the flight deck as two Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32) F-14A Tomcat aircraft are lowered by elevator to the hangar deck during flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). Country: Adriatic Sea

DN-SN-88-00789. Base: USS Nassau (LHA 4)

DN-ST-89-08742. Base: Hercules

Marine Corps CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter from HMM (C) Squadron-265, makes an external airlift of supplies from the amphibious assault ship, USS TARAWA (LHA-1), to one of the Marine units ashore. Marines from 1ST Bn., 3rd Marines, 3rd Mar. Div., Fleet Marine Force, (BLT 1/3), and the 31st Marine Amphibious Unit (31st MAU) are participating in operation Valiant Usher 1-81-A. Subject Operation/Series: VALIANT USHER 1-81-A Country: Western Australia

DN-SN-87-06497. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

An A-6 Intruder aircraft is hooked to the catapult on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71). Country: Unknown

The pilot and bombardier/navigator of an Attack Squadron 95 (VA-95) A-6E Intruder aircraft confer with a maintenance crewman while conducting a preflight check of the aircraft on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) during FLEET EX '88. The ENTERPRISE is operating near Adak, Alaska. Subject Operation/Series: FLEET EX '88 Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DN-SC-86-03634. Base: USS Saratoga (CV 60) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-SC-90-04290. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

An air-to-air right side view of an AH-1 Cobra helicopter firing its 20mm cannon during a mission in support of Operation Urgent Fury. Subject Operation/Series: URGENT FURY Country: Grenada (GRD)

Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62) load mail on a CH-53 Sea Stallion. Independence is deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Independence (CV 62)

Maintenance is performed on A-7 Corsair II aircraft aboard the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV 41). Base: USS Midway (CV 41) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

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

A Fighter Squadron 33 (VF-33) F-14A Tomcat aircraft is launched from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV-64).. Country: Unknown

A plane director gives a helicopter pilot the "start engines" signal aboard the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69). A Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 5 (HS-5) SH-3H Sea King helicopter is parked in the background. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 11 (HC-11) CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter lowers ordnance containers to the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) during an ammunition replenishment between the NIMITZ and the ammunition ship USS SHASTA (AE-33) taking place off the coast of southern California. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DN-SN-90-01092. Base: USS Independence (CV 62) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A view of damage caused to the port side aircraft elevator of the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV 41) when it collided with the Panamanian freighter CACTUS. Base: Naval Station, Subic Bay State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

A Fighter Squadron 213 (VF-213) F-14A Tomcat aircraft is launched from the No. 3 catapult on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A view of the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67) as seen from the cockpit of an A-7E Corsair II aircraft. Country: Unknown

The photographer looks back at the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS RANGER (CV-61) following the launch of his F-14A Tomcat aircraft.Exact Date Shot Unknown. The photographer looks back at the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS RANGER (CV-61) following the launch of his F-14A Tomcat aircraft.Exact Date Shot Unknown

Right front view of an S-3A Viking aircraft from Air Anti-submarine Squadron 22 (VS-22) 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)

US Marines from Marine Attack Squadron 513 (VMA-513) and Marine Wing Support Squadron 371 (MWSS-371) prepare to fuel an AV-8B Harrier at Auxiliary Airfield 2. Base: Auxilary Air Field 2, Mcas, Yuma State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

North African Operations, November 1942 A Grumman Wildcat fighter aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier HMS FORMIDABLE.

An A-6E Intruder aircraft of Attack Squadron 165 (VA-165) taxis on the flight deck, foreground, as an EA-6B Prowler aircraft, background, of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 138 (VAQ-138) is prepared for launch during flight operations aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN-68). Country: Unknown

GUNNER's Mate D. Schuchard inspects the Mark 33 3-inch/50-caliber guns aboard the amphibious transport dock USS DUBUQUE (LPD-8) as the vessel deploys to the Middle East to take part in Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A view of the damaged tail section of an F-4J Phantom II aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV 41). The damage resulted from a collision between the MIDWAY and the Panamanian freighter CACTUS. Base: USS Midway (CV 41) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

An F-14A Tomcat aircraft from Fighter Squadron 154, armed with an AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missile, is prepared for lunch from the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) during Fleet Exercise 85. Catapult crewmen secure an A-6E Intruder to a catapult in the background. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A view of F-14 Tomcat aircarft and E-2C Hawkeye AEW (airborne early warning) aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV 66) during air operations. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-ST-88-00667. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A Waist safety observer becomes visible in the clearing steam after a successful launch on board USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75). Truman is on station in the Persian Gulf to support Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

A Training Squadron 9 ( (VT-9) T-2C Buckeye aircraft takes to the air after performing a touch-and-go landing 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

A vertical view of the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63). Visible on the flight deck are the following aircraft: an H-46 Sea Knight helicopter, foreground, two A-7 Corsair IIs, and S-3 Viking, two E-2 Hawkeye Airborne Early Warning (AEW), center, aircraft, an "F-14 Tomcat" and "S-3" Viking and five EA-6B Prowler aircraft, background. Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)

Aerial view of an Apollo 9 crewman in a new rescue net (a Billy Pugh net) being hoisted aboard a Navy helicopter after splashdown in the Atlantic recovery area and a successful ten-day, earth-orbital space mission. Navy divers have already attached a flotation collar to the command module and are assisting with recovery operations.

A member of the crash, salvage and rescue team mans a P-16 shipboard firefighting and rescue truck during flight operations on the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) while the catapult crew prepares to launch an Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126 (VAW-126) E-2C Hawkeye aircraft. Country: Adriatic Sea

Close-up view of a test missile in the launcher aboard the guided missile frigate USS NICHOLAS (FFG-47). The missile, which is loaded with electronics, provides data to fire control systems technicians by reporting on the missile launching system. The ship is taking part in Earnest Will, a convoy mission in which reflagged Kuwaiti tankers are escorted through waters of the Gulf by U.S. naval ships. Subject Operation/Series: EARNEST WILL Country: Unknown

DN-SN-89-06029. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

An A-37B Dragonfly aircraft of the Chilean air force takes part in a simulated attack on the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) during a joint exercise involving U.S. and Chilean forces. The LINCOLN is underway during its circumnavigation of South America. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

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