Naval Aviation Operations

Dynamic images of naval aviation activities on aircraft carriers, including aircraft takeoffs and landings amid oceanic backgrounds.

U.S. Navy F-14 Tomcat USS John F. Kennedy CV-67 Air Craft Carrier

Crew members man a P-16 firefighting and rescue truck as an F/A-18 Hornet aircraft is readied for launch and another Hornet stands by on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV-41). The ship is underway in rough seas. Country: Philippine Sea

An AV-8B Harrier aircraft attached to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 162 (HMM-162) lands on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS WASP (LHD-1). The squadron is embarked aboard the WASP during the ship's first deployment. Country: Mediterranean Sea(MED)

A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter (foreground) and a CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS GUAM (LPH-9) during operations off the coast of Beirut, Lebanon. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A Light Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 33 (HSL-33) SH-2F Sea Sprite helicopter lands on the flight deck of the frigate USS FANNING (FF-1076) during Exercise Eager Sentry 92-4. The destroyer USS KINDAID (DD-965) and the frigate USS KIRK (FF-1087) are in the background. Subject Operation/Series: EAGER SENTRY 92-4 Base: USS Fanning (FF 1076)

U.S. Navy F-14 Tomcat USS John F. Kennedy CV-67 Air Craft Carrier

Members of the catapult crew take cover as a Fighter Squadron 14 (VF-14) F-14A Tomcat aircraft is launched from the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). Country: Adriatic Sea

DN-SC-04-08802. Country: Unknown

A U.S. Marine Corps RH-53D Sea Stallion helicopter lands on the deck of the amphibious assault ship USS GUADALCANAL (LPH-7). Country: Unknown

USS Saratoga and the USS John F. Kennedy sailing together

US Navy Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk anti submarine warfare helicopter on the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln

A Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464 (HMH-464) CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter lands 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

An AH-1W Sea Cobra helicopter armed with two AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, 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

LT Damien Christopher and Plane Captain Oscar Davila conduct preflight checks on an F/A-18C Hornet attached to Strike Fighter Squadron 86 (VFA-86). USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) and VFA-86 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

A Strike-Fighter Squadron 83 (VFA-83) F/A-18C Hornet aircraft stands on the flight deck of the aircraft USS SARATOGA (CV-60) during Operation Desert Shield.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Base: USS Saratoga(CV 60)

An SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopter lowers a sack of mail onto the deck of the ammunition ship USS SANTA BARBARA (AE-28) while conducting vertical replenishment operations during Operation Desert Storm.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Red Sea

A Soviet Krivak-class frigate underway near the battleship USS IOWA (BB 61) during BALTOPS '85. An SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopter is flying overhead. Subject Operation/Series: BALTOPS '85 Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-ST-87-10484. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-SC-87-10653. Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)

An Argentine navy Super Etendard aircraft approaches the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). The aircraft is taking part in touch-and-go operations aboard the LINCOLN during the ship's circumnavigation of South America. A Fighter Squadron 114 (VF-114) F-14 A aircraft is in the foreground. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A Mark 29 box launcher aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70) is elevated to a firing position prior to launching a RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missile. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) Landing Signal Officers (LSO) evaluate an ES-3A Shadow landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73). GEORGE WASHINGTON and CVW-1 are conducting operations in the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS George Washington (CVN 73)

Marine Corps infantrymen from 1ST Bn., 3rd Marines, 3rd Mar. Div., Fleet Marine Force, (BLT 1/3) embark a Marine Corps CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter, that will take them from the amphibious assault ship, USS TARAWA (LHA-1) to a point inland during Operation Valiant Usher 1-81-A. Subject Operation/Series: VALIANT USHER 1-81-A Country: Western Australia

DN-ST-88-03645. Base: Caribbean Sea

Maintenance crewmen aboard the amphibious assault ship USS SAIPAN (LHA-2) work on an AH-1J Sea Cobra helicopter attached to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 261 (HMM-261) during Operation Sharp Edge. Marines embarked aboard the SAIPAN have been sent to the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia, Liberia, to augment security and evacuate U.S. and foreign nationals from the fighting between government and rebel forces. Subject Operation/Series: SHARP EDGE Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Flight deck personnel work to remove an A-7E Corsair II aircraft of Attack Squadron 72 (VA-72) from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) after an emergency barricade landing. The pilot had detected a problem with the nose gear while returning from a mission over Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Red Sea

DN-ST-85-00741. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-ST-87-06328. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

An F-14 Tomcat aircraft, with arresting hook lowered, approaches for a landing on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Unknown

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)

Crewmen prepare to move just delivered mail below as a sudden rain shower passes over the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) during WestPac '93. Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

DN-SC-89-02677. Subject Operation/Series: WEST WIND 88 Base: USS Forrestal (CV 59) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A Training Squadron 19 (VT-19) T-2C Buckeye aircraft is launched from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS FORRESTAL (CV-59) as the vessel is underway during carrier qualifications. Country: Gulf Of Mexico

DN-SC-04-14297. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Aviation ordnancemen position AGM-88A HARM high-speed anti-radiation missiles on an elevator aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). The missiles are being loaded on aircraft aboard the KENNEDY for strikes on Iraqi targets at the onset of Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Red Sea

DN-ST-89-11010. Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 5 (HC-5) HH-46A Sea Knight helicopter lowers its external cargo to the flight deck of the amphibious command ship USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC-19) during a vertical replenishment. The BLUE RIDGE is in the gulf to support Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

Aircraft handlers prepare to move an S-3A Viking aircraft from an elevator into a hangar bay aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71). The aircraft belongs to Air Anti-submarine Squadron 32 (VS-32), part of Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW-1), which is assigned to the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV 66). Base: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)

DN-ST-88-00682. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Two CH-53E Super Stallion 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

LTJG Brye Roberts stands the gear officer watch on the flight deck of USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) as an F/A-18C Hornet approaches the ship for landing. George Washington is conducting operations in the Persian Gulf in support of operation Southern Watch. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS George Washington (CVN 73) Country: At Sea

A Fighter Squadron 74 (VF-74) F-14B Tomcat aircraft is parked on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) as two other Tomcats conduct a flyover during the joint U.S./French naval exercise DASIX LAFAYETTE. Subject Operation/Series: DASIX LAFAYETTE Country: Mediterranean Sea(MED)

An S-3A Viking aircraft of Fleet Logistic Support Squadron 30, the Trunkin' Traders, about to touch down on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) with a carrier-onboard-delivery (COD) of mail. Country: Western Pacific

The pilot and bombardier-navigator of an Attack Squadron 65 (VA-65) A-6E Intruder aircraft conduct a preflight check of their aircraft on 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)

Bomb skids loaded with CBU-59 cluster bombs are staged on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS CORAL SEA (CV-43) prior to being loaded aboard A-6E Intruder aircraft for an air strike on targets in Libya. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

An F/A-18A Hornet aircraft of Strike Fighter Squadron 305 (VFA-305) is towed past an Attack Squadron 95 (VA-95) KA-6D Intruder aircraft on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Sailors from Forrestal Class, USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62) ordnance department load a Pheonix missile on the wings of an F-14 fighter before it departs the carrier in the Arabian Sea for the Southwest Asia (SWA) build-up. Country: Unknown

DN-ST-86-04388. Country: Sea Of Japan

An AV-8A Harrier aircraft takes off from the amphibious assault ship USS NASSAU (LHA-4). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A plane director signals to the pilot of an Attack Squadron 176 (VA-176) A-6E Intruder aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS FORRESTAL (CV-59) during the allied forces exercise Team Work '88. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM WORK '88 Country: North Atlantic Ocean

DN-ST-85-07155. Base: USS Midway (CV 41) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

An aerial port view of the battleship USS IOWA (BB-61) underway during its shakedown cruise. A UH-1 Iroquois helicopter flies overhead. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Field generators are secured on the deck of the aviation logistic ship USNS WRIGHT (T-AVB-3) during exercise Ocean Venture '88. Subject Operation/Series: OCEAN VENTURE '88 Base: Nas, Roosevelt Roads State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-88-00489. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-ST-87-12611. Country: Persian Gulf

DN-ST-88-00681. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Several GBU-16B/B Paveway II laser-guided bombs rest on bomb skids on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) during Operation Desert Storm. A Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 130 (VAQ-130) EA-6B Prowler aircraft, left, and an Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75) A-6E Intruder aircraft are in the background. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Red Sea

A flight deck crewmen signals to the pilot of an Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VX-1) ES-3A Shadow aircraft in preparation for a catapult launch from the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) during the NATO exercise Display Determination '92. Subject Operation/Series: DISPLAY DETERMINATION '92 Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

Flight deck personnel prepare to secure an Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VX-1) ES-3A Shadow aircraft on the flgiht deck of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) during the NATO exercise Display Determination '92. Subject Operation/Series: DISPLAY DETERMINATION '92 Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

An Attack Squadron 95 (VA-95) KA-6D Intruder aircraft moves into launching position on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Country: Caribbean Sea

An F-14B Tomcat attached to Fighter Squadron One Zero Two (VF-102) prepares to launch from the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73). GEORGE WASHINGTON and VF-102 are conducting operations in the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS George Washington (CVN 73) Country: At Sea

Flight deck crewmen and aircraft maintenance personnel aboard the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) secure from flight quarters during PACEX '89. Subject Operation/Series: PACEX '89 Base: USS Constellation (CV 64) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

An RIM-7 Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missile is launched from the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63) while off the coast of San Clemente, California. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

North African Operations, November 1942 Grumman Wildcat fighter aircraft and Supermarine Seafires ranged for take-off on the flight deck of HMS FORMIDABLE.

DN-ST-87-05896. Base: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-SC-85-12217. Base: Naval Hospital, Yokosuka Country: Japan (JPN)

DN-SC-87-10007. Base: Guantanamo Bay Country: Cuba (CUB)

A British HAS, Mark 2 Lynx helicopter comes in to land aboard the amphibious assault ship USS SAIPAN (LHA 2) during Operation Sharp Edge. Marines embarked aboard the SAIPAN have been sent to the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia, Liberia, to augment security and evacuate U.S. and foreign nationals from the fighting between government and rebel forces. Subject Operation/Series: SHARP EDGE Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-SC-87-00050. Base: USS Coral Sea (CV 43) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

Members of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit run on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS GUAM (LPH-9) during morning physical training (PT). Country: Adriatic Sea

Its tail hook down, an F/A-18A Hornet aircraft from Strike Fighter Squadron 192 (VFA-192) banks into a turn as it passes over the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV-41). The aircraft carriers and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missile on its starboard wing tip. Country: Unknown

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)

A rear view of an F-4 Phantom II aircraft being launched and an A-7 Corsair II aircraft awaiting launch from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS CORAL SEA (CV-43). Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DN-ST-87-03258. Base: USS America (CV 66) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-SC-86-03626. Base: USS Saratoga (CV 60) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

An ordnanceman makes a final check of ordnance on an F/A-18 Hornet aircraft of Strike Fighter Squadron 136 (VFA-136) before launch from 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)

Crew members watch as a trainer missile is launched from a Mark 29 NATO Sea Sparrow launcher on the starboard bow of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Strike Fighter Squadron 15 (VFA-15) F/A-18 Hornet aircraft and A-6E Intruder aircraft are parked on the flight deck. Country: Caribbean Sea

A port amidships view of the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV 41) showing the damage resulting from a collision with the Panamanian freighter CACTUS. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

The flight deck chief directs a C-1A Trader aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67). Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-ST-86-06058. Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

A U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk (Blackhawk) helicopter prepares to touch down on the flight deck during landing qualifications aboard the amphibious assault ship USS IWO JIMA (LPH-2). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A flight deck crewman sprays de-icing fluid on the windshield of E-2C Hawkeye aircraft during flight operations aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70). Country: North Pacific Ocean

DN-ST-89-11004. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-ST-85-05537. Base: USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)

A right side view of an SH-3 Sea King helicopter in flight above the deck of the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV 41). Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

The guided missile cruiser USS RICHMOND K. TURNER (CG-20) steams alongside the amphibious assault ship USS GUADALCANAL (LPH-7) during an underway replenishment. The ships are on station in the eastern 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)

120207-N-OY799-117PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 07, 2012) An EA-6B Prowler from the Wizards” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133 launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

An EA-3D Skywarrior aircraft of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 2 (VQ-2), Detachment B, lands on the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

990929-N-5024R-003. Base: USS George Washington (CVN 73)

DN-ST-88-05501. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

An F/A-18 Hornet aircraft is launched from the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) during Fleet Exercise 85. Among the aircraft parked on the flight deck are S-3A Vikings, F/A-18A's and an A-6E Intruder. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DN-ST-87-10435. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A US Navy F-14B Tomcat, Fighter Squadron One Zero Two (VF-102) is guided to a catapult on the flight deck of the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73), during continuous flight operations in support of UN sanctions against Iraq. Persian Gulf, Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, 5 February 1998. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS George Washington (CVN 73)

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