Aircraft Carriers III
- Thread starter Jeff Head
- Start date
PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 26, 2023) An F/A-18E Super Hornet makes an arrested landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is underway conducting routine operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David Rowe)
PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 23, 2023) Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Ashley Miranda, left, from Cocoa Beach, Fla., and Aviation Machinist's Mate Airman Jan Michael Simmonds, from Baltimore, remove an engine from an F/A-18F Super Hornet from the “Fighting Redcocks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is underway conducting routine operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Tomas Valdes)
ANTALYA, Turkiye ( Aug. 25, 2023)The world’s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), arrives in Antalya, Türkiye for a scheduled port visit, Aug. 25, 2023. Gerald R. Ford is the U.S. Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, representing a generational leap in the U.S. Navy’s capacity to project power on a global scale. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class William Spears)
PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 24, 2023) An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Eagles of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115 launches off the flight deck of the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), during flight operations in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 24, 2023. VFA-115 conducts carrier-based air strikes and strike force escort missions, as well as ship, battle group, and intelligence collection operations. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Providakes)
PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 26, 2023) An F/A-18F Super Hornet from the “Fighting Redcocks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 prepares to launch from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is underway conducting routine operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David Rowe)
PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 25, 2023) An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the "Bounty Hunters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2 launches from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson, Carrier Strike Group 1's flagship, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Larissa T. Dougherty)
ADRIATIC SEA (Sept. 6, 2023) Lt. Bryan Goodman, left, from Wellington, Florida, and Chief Warrant Officer 3 William Sum, from Panorama City, California, both assigned to the air department of the world's largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), signal to launch an E-2D Hawkeye attached to the "Bear Aces" of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 124 during flight operations in the Adriatic Sea, Sept. 6, 2023. VAW-124 is deployed aboard CVN 78 as part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8. Gerald R. Ford is the U.S. Navy's newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, representing a generational leap in the U.S. Navy's capacity to project power on a global scale. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson Adkins)
ARABIAN GULF (Sept. 5, 2023) U.S. Marines assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and U.S. naval special warfare operators assigned to Special Operations Joint Task Force-Central conduct small boat training with the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) in the Arabian Gulf, Sept. 5, 2023. Components of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and 26th MEU are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew F. Brown)
MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Sept. 3, 2023) Sailors, assigned to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61) watch as the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), back, breaks away after an underway replenishment with the Henry J. Kaiser-class underway replenishment oiler USNS Laramie (T-AO 203), Sept. 3, 2023. Ramage is part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group and is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by the U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Adriones Johnson)
ADRIATIC SEA (Sept. 8, 2023) Lt. Evan Ladner, from Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi, signals to launch an E/A-18G Growler attached to the "Gray Wolves" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142 from the flight deck of the world's largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Sept. 8, 2023. Gerald R. Ford is the U.S. Navy's newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, representing a generational leap in the U.S. Navy's capacity to project power on a global scale. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nolan Pennington)
NAVAL STATION NORFOLK (Sept. 30, 2023) The Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales (R09) arrives at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, Sept. 30, 2023. The ship, hosted by Carrier Strike Group 10 and USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), will make Naval Station Norfolk its temporary homeport this fall as it conducts aviation operations off the East Coast. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Leah Moore)
NORFOLK (Sept. 30, 2023) Sailors from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) handle line as the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales (R09) arrives at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, Sept. 30, 2023. The ship, hosted by Carrier Strike Group 10 and USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), will make Naval Station Norfolk its temporary homeport this fall as it conducts aviation operations off the East Coast. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Leah Moore)
HMS Queen Elizabeth operating near Norway....about a week ago..
According to information published by the UK MoD on October 3, 2023, the HMS Queen Elizabeth, the flagship of the UK Carrier Strike Group, has successfully completed a series of simulated strike missions in the North Sea and Norwegian Sea. This marks the completion of the first phase of the carrier's autumn deployment.
Joining the aircraft carrier for this combat-style training were naval vessels from Norway, the Netherlands, and Belgium, including the HMS Diamond, RFA Tideforce, HNoMS Otto Sverdrup, HNoMS Maud, HNLMS De Zeven Provincien, HNLMS Van Amstel, and BNS Louise Marie.
The training exercises, part of the Royal Air Force's Exercise Cobra Warrior, saw the F-35 Lightning fighter jets from 617 Squadron, Merlin helicopters from 820 Naval Air Squadron, and Wildcat helicopters from 815 and 847 Naval Air Squadrons engage in a variety of simulated missions. These ranged from air defence to strike attacks against enemy positions.
One of the key scenarios involved the F-35s identifying and neutralising surface-to-air threats, ensuring a safe path for subsequent strikes. The jets also simulated close cover operations to deter hostile fighters.
The next phase of the deployment will see the inclusion of HMS Portland and collaboration with the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) nations. The JEF, a high-readiness task group, includes member nations such as Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. Joint air operations into Norway, Sweden, and Finland are on the agenda.
The initial weeks of the ship's deployment also witnessed the Wildcat helicopters achieving their Carrier Deck qualifications and the US Air Force Ospreys honing their skills on the carrier's deck. The ship also engaged in surface warfare exercises, targeting potential threats.
PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 6, 2023) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the "Screamin' Indians" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6 transfers ordnance from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) to the Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4) during an ammunition transfer in the Pacific Ocean. Nimitz is underway conducting routine operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brittney Camacho-Pietri)
PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 6, 2023) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the "Screamin' Indians" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6 transports ordnance from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during an ammunition transfer. Nimitz is underway conducting routine operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Samuel Osborn)
ADRIATIC SEA (Sept. 13, 2023) An E/A-18G Growler attached to the "Gray Wolves" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142 takes off of the world's largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) during flight operations in the Adriatic Sea, Sept. 13, 2023. VAQ-142 is deployed aboard CVN 78 as part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8. Gerald R. Ford is the U.S. Navy's newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, representing a generational leap in the U.S. Navy's capacity to project power on a global scale. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson Adkins)
ADRIATIC SEA (Sept. 13, 2023) Cmdr. Christopher Keen, commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213, and Capt. Rick Burgess, commanding officer of the world's largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), perform start-ups on an F/A-18F Super Hornet from VFA-213 on the flight deck, Sept. 13, 2023. VFA-213 is deployed aboard Gerald R. Ford as part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8. Gerald R. Ford is the U.S. Navy's newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, representing a generational leap in the U.S. Navy's capacity to project power on a global scale. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson Adkins)
PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 22, 2023) Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Kyle Szostkiewicz, from Plant City, Florida, fires a Mark 38 25mm machine gun during a live-fire training exercise on the fantail aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) while underway in the Pacific Ocean, Sept. 22, 20230. Nimitz is underway conducting routine operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David Rowe)
IONIAN SEA (Oct. 4, 2023) The world's largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) the Italian navy aircraft carrier ITS Cavour (C 550), the Blue Ridge-class command ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), ITS Ciao Duilio (D 554), ITS Virginio Fasan (F 591) and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) transit the Ionian Sea, Oct. 4, 2023. Gerald R. Ford is the U.S. Navy's newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, representing a generational leap in the U.S. Navy's capacity to project power on a global scale. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. 6th Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacob Mattingly)
The world's largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and Italian Navy aircraft carrier ITS Cavour (C 550), steam in formation in the Ionian Sea, Oct. 4, 2023. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacob Mattingly)
ARABIAN GULF (Oct. 1, 2023) A MV-22B Osprey aircraft, attached to Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 162 (reinforced), prepares to launch off of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) in the Arabian Gulf, Oct. 1, 2023. Components of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Riley Gasdia)
GULF OF OMAN (Sept. 25, 2023) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Mason Whitehead signals to an AV-8B Harrier aircraft to launch off the flight deck of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) in the Gulf of Oman, Sept. 25, 2023. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Riley Gasdia)
PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 4, 2023) Sailors prepare to launch aircraft during flight operations on the flight deck aboard the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), in the Philippine Sea, Oct. 4. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jordan Brown)