These pictures are official US Navy photos of operations on US Navy ships during the days of pursuit and destruction of Taliban forces in Afghanistan, 2001.
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 At sea aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt, 11/14/01 - F/A-18 Hornets and S-3B Vikings assigned to Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-7) are staged on the bow of the ship during a scheduled break in flight quarters. Even though Roosevelt's flight deck is 4 1/2 acres in size, the size and number of the aircraft dictate that each inch is used efficiently.
At sea aboard USS Kitty Hawk, 11/14/01 - The steam from the catapults swirls around the launch crew and an F/A-18 Hornet from the Dambusters of Strike Fighter Squadron One Nine Five (VFA-195) as the aircraft prepares for a catapult launch. Kitty Hawk and her embarked Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) are conducting strikes against Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
At sea aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt, 11/06/01 - Arresting gear officers observe the landing of an F/A-18 Hornet from the "Marauders" of Strike Fighter Squadron Eight Two (VFA-82) on the flight deck of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). The arresting gear officers ensure that the arresting gear is properly set for the type of aircraft that is about to land, and for ensuring the landing area is clear.
At sea aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt, 11/13/01 - An F/A-18 Hornet from the "Sidewinders" of Flight Attack Squadron Eight Six (VFA-86) is catapulted into the night sky during flight operations aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). In the foreground, a second Hornet, this one from the "Thunderbolts" of Marine Flight Attack Squadron Two Five One (VMFA-251) awaits its turn for launch.
At sea aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt, 11/05/01 - F/A-18 Hornet from the "Marauders" of Strike Fighter Squadron Eight Two (VFA-82) takes the number 3 wire for an arresting gear landing after a strike mission over Afghanistan. VFA-82 is deployed aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), which is part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
At sea aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt, 11/03/01 - An F-14 Tomcat from the "Diamondbacks" of Strike Squadron One Zero Two (VF-102) is brought into hangar bay 3 onboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) for maintenance.
At sea aboard USS Carl Vinson, 11/01/01 - A plane captain from the "Mighty Shrikes" of Strike Fighter Squadron Nine Four (VFA-94) washes the canopy of a F/A-18 Hornet aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Plane captains are responsible for the general care and upkeep of their particular aircraft when they're not being flown. An experienced Airman (AN) or Petty Officer 3rd Class, the plane captain also supervises refueling, rearming and movement when re-spotted on the deck.
In the skies over Afghanistan, 10/31/01 - Two 500-pound Laser Guided Bomb Units (GBU-12) (left) and an AIM-9 Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missle are visible on the wing of an F/A-18 Hornet from the "Mighty Shrikes" of Strike Fighter Squadron Nine Four (VFA-94). VFA-94 is assigned to Carrier Airwing Eleven (CVW 11) aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70).
Operation Enduring Freedom, 3 October 2001 - Two F/A-18 Hornets from the "Fighting Redcocks" of Strike Fighter Squadron Twenty Two (VFA-22) receive fuel from a British Royal Air Force VC-10 tanker. VFA-22 is assigned to Carrier Airwing Eleven aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) which is part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Operation Enduring Freedom, 11/04/01 - An F/A-18 Hornet from the "Mighty Shrikes" of Strike Fighter Squadron Nine Four (VFA-94) receives fueling from an U.S. Air Force KC-135 tanker. VFA-94 is assigned to Carrier Airwing Eleven (CVS 11) aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70).
At sea aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt - 2 October 2001 - An F/A-18 Hornet from the "Marauders" of Strike Fighter Squadron Eight Two (VFA-82) ignites its afterburners as it is about to be catapulted from the flight deck of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71).
At sea aboard USS Enterprise, 10/11/01 - Sailors aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) take a break from the business of the day for meals and relaxation. However, never far away are reminders of the serious mission supported by every member of the crew. Bombs stand ready on the mess decks, prior to their transfer to the flight deck above, for missions over Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
At sea aboard USS Enterprise, 18 October 2001 - Aviation Ordinance personnel aboard the carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) inspect AGH-65 Maverick air-to-surface tactical missiles and guided bomb units (GBUs) prior to their being loaded on the ship's aircraft. Enterprise and her embarded carrier air wing are part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
At sea aboard USS Antietam, 10/16/01 - Ship's Gunner Mates aboard the cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) conduct operational checks on the aft vertical launch system (VLS). These inspections, which include checking for standing water in the module, condition of gaskets and proper timing for automatic doors, are important in ensuring the ship's operational readiness. Antietam has been conducting maritime interdiction operations (MIO) in the waters of Southwest Asia. |
Published here "lest we forget".
©Copyright 2002 Farmer-Dave
