U.S. Navy Picture Thread

[SQ8]

Gr8 pics as always.. But as a request can you reduce the ratio of non-hardware related pics.. i.e a little less of the co-curricular activities and more of the hardware.. anna kournikova isnt as exciting as she used to be(damn you enrique!!).

 

[Solomon2]

can you reduce the ratio of non-hardware related pics..

What good are weapons without people willing and able to man them?

Although a number of nations have tried, only the U.S., Great Britain, and Japan ever truly mastered the art of carrier operations. That's because you can't force or compel people to do such complicated teamwork successfully. They have to believe in themselves, in each other, and in their cause. The U.S. Navy is the best of the U.S. in miniature, with every ship a little city, every carrier a metropolis.

 

[Solomon2]

061112-N-6616W-206 Dubai, U.A.E. (Nov. 12, 2006) - Aviation Ordnance Airman Keisha Whitley, sand boards down a sand dune as part of a Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) tour during a recent port visit to Jebel Ali. Sailors from the amphibious assault ship USS Saipan (LHA 2) visited Dubai while on deployment to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Steven J. Weber (RELEASED)

060907-N-8547M-096 Gulf of Aden (Sept. 7, 2006) - Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Handler 3rd Class Theodore Nkwocha signals to a MH-53E Super Stallion that it is clear to depart the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS Saipan.

030307-N-5027S-004 The Arabian Gulf (Mar. 7, 2003) --Sailors aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Saipan (LHA 2) in prayer during a Muslim religious service.

081026-N-9758L-097 PEARL HARBOR (Oct. 26, 2008) Torah dedication ceremony participants Susan Hodge, left; Cmdr. Timothy Koester, Naval Station Pearl Harbor Chaplain; Capt. Donald Hodge, chief of staff for Commander, Navy Region Hawaii and Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific; and Rabbi Moshe Drum write one of the last letters in a new Sefer Torah at the Aloha Jewish Chapel at Naval Station Pearl Harbor. The new Torah, created for military families stationed in Hawaii, will be used for future services at the chapel.

100704-N-1082Z-012 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (July 4, 2010) A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter from the Golden Eagles of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced), prepares to land aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48).

070925-N-0696M-055 WASHINGTON (Sept. 25, 2007) - Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Mullen and Rear Adm. Alan Baker, Deputy Chief of Navy Chaplains, commission Ensign Asif Balbale in the Chaplain Corps as his wife looks on. Upon completion of Navy Chaplain School, Balbale will become the third Muslim chaplain in the U.S. Navy. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley (RELEASED)

100322-M-6001S-090 DJIBOUTI (March 22, 2010) Amphibious assault vehicles assigned to 2nd Amphibious Assault Vehicle platoon from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24th MEU), departs the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48).

100405-N-1082Z-095 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (April 5, 2010) Lt. David J. Jeltema, right, from Bellflower, Calif, a Navy chaplain assigned to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48), and Boatswain's Mate Seaman Michael A. Stone, from Wilmington, Del., read from the Haggadah, the religious text that sets out the order of the Passover Seder. Ashland is part of the Nassau Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

 

[VCheng]

What good are weapons without people willing and able to man them?

Although a number of nations have tried, only the U.S., Great Britain, and Japan ever truly mastered the art of carrier operations. That's because you can't force or compel people to do such complicated teamwork successfully. They have to believe in themselves, in each other, and in their cause. The U.S. Navy is the best of the U.S. in miniature, with every ship a little city, every carrier a metropolis.

In addition, USA is the ONLY country capable of full scale carrier ops at night.

 

[mshoaib61]

Flight Deck Control, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76)...

E-2C Hawkeye climbs out after launch...

 

[mshoaib61]

INDIAN OCEAN (Oct. 13, 2010) Aviation Structural Mechanic (Equipment) Airman Deysi Waller, from Madison, Al., performs anti-corrosion maintenance on an F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Vigilantes of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151 in the hangar bay of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts to establish conditions for regional stability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Luciano Marano/Released/Released)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Oct. 14, 2010) A Sailor assigned to the Red Rippers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11 enters the cockpit of an F/A-18F Super Hornet to perform pre-flight checks aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). The Enterprise Strike Group is conducting a Composite Training Unit Exercise in preparation for an upcoming deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jonathan Sunderman/Released)

 

[mshoaib61]

 

[SQ8]

What good are weapons without people willing and able to man them?

Although a number of nations have tried, only the U.S., Great Britain, and Japan ever truly mastered the art of carrier operations. That's because you can't force or compel people to do such complicated teamwork successfully. They have to believe in themselves, in each other, and in their cause. The U.S. Navy is the best of the U.S. in miniature, with every ship a little city, every carrier a metropolis.

You misunderstood what I meant.
While carrier golf is ok, the picture of the lady surfing the dunes in Dubai is unimportant to me here.
Sure it represents a face of the human factor but I suppose it could be done without.

 

[Water Car Engineer]

That and avoid getting info from recruiters. Their Job is to get you to join and they sometimes will tell you exactly what you want to hear so you sign up. Think long and hard before signing your contract.

Lol, ya they will......

 

[Solomon2]

101026-N-6003P-285 ARABIAN GULF (Oct. 27, 2010) The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) transits the Arabian Gulf during flight operations.

101104-N-6362C-024 ARABIAN SEA (Nov. 4, 2010) An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Checkerboards of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312 launches from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). VFA-105 is deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group and is supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Tyler Caswell/Released)

100827-N-1531D-130 LIMON, Costa Rica (Aug. 27, 2010) Steelworker Constructionman Lindzie Bicknell, from St. Marys, Idaho, embarked aboard the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), welds two galvanized pipes together to be used on a new fence for a local school during a community relations project in Limon, Costa Rica. Iwo Jima is in Costa Rica conducting Continuing Promise 2010, a humanitarian and civic assistance mission. The assigned medical and engineering staff embarked aboard Iwo Jima are working with partner nation teams to provide medical, dental, veterinary and engineering assistance to eight different nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathen E. Davis/Released)

101104-N-6003P-021 ARABIAN SEA (Nov. 4, 2010) Senior Chief Electronics Technician Michael France instructs Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) during the command indoctrination course.

101024-N-3737T-103 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Oct. 24, 2010) A Sailor aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) hits a golf ball in the ship's hangar bay during a morale, welfare and recreation event. George H.W. Bush is underway conducting training operations in the Atlantic Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric Tretter/Released)

101014-N-8241M-016 GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (Oct. 14, 2010) Professional golfer Jon Fine helps service members at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Cuba with their golf game. Fine was brought to the naval station by the base Moral, Welfare and Recreation program to provide free golf lessons. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Bill Mesta/Released)

 

[Solomon2]

101106-N-0000X-098 PATUXENT RIVER, Md. (Nov. 6, 2010) The first F-35C Lightning II carrier variant, the U.S. Navy's first stealth fighter, arrived at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md. on Saturday, Nov. 6 at 2:37 p.m. EST. The aircraft, piloted by David "Doc" Nelson, departed Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base at 11:31 a.m. EST and achieved successful air refuels at a maximum load of 19,800 pounds during the flight. At Patuxent River, the F-35C will conduct air-to-air refueling and performance testing. (Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin/Released)

101115-N-3885H-265 NORFOLK (Nov. 15, 2010) Retired Navy Cmdr. Bob Coolbaugh pilots a replica of a Curtis Pusher Biplane on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). The original aircraft was flown off the deck of the light cruiser USS Birmingham by Eugene Ely on Nov. 14, 2010 [1910 - Solomon2] to launch naval aviation. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nicholas Hall/Released)

 

[Solomon2]

101219-N-6632S-012 NORFOLK (Dec. 19, 2010) An F/A-18 Hornet is decorated with Christmas lights on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin J. Steinberg/Released)

101211-N-3857R-003 PHILADELPHIA (Dec. 11, 2010) U.S. Naval Academy quarterback Ricky Dobbs (4) runs the ball during the third quarter of the 111th annual Army-Navy football game at Lincoln Financial Field. The Midshipmen defeated the Black Knights 31-17. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chad Runge/Released)

101221-N-3879H-004 SAN DIEGO (Dec. 21, 2010) U.S. Naval Academy quarterback Ricky Dobbs speaks with a child at a Make-A-Wish Foundation event leading up to the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl college football game between San Diego State University and the U.S. Naval Academy. Navy (9-3) and San Diego State (8-4) will play at 8:00 p.m. EST on Thursday, Dec. 23. The game will be televised on ESPN. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Dennis J. Herring/Released) STORY

101217-M-0301S-474 HELMAND, Afghanistan (Dec. 17, 2010) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray E. Mabus, right, conducts a shura, or meeting, with Afghan leaders at Patrol Base Jaker in Helmand province. Mabus and U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. C.L. Hudson visited Marines and Sailors in Sangin and Marjah to discuss current events and answer questions about support of the International Security Assistance Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Lindsay L. Sayres, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)

101225-N-5716H-096 YOKOSUKA, Japan (Dec. 25, 2010) Culinary Specialist Seaman Michael Angelo Leobo eats Christmas dinner with his friend, Information Systems Technician Seaman Apprentice Amy Jones, aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet command ship, USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19). Blue Ridge and embarked U.S. 7th Fleet staff Sailors and family members enjoyed Christmas dinner aboard the flagship. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Josh Huebner/Released)

101221-N-5549O-014 JERUSALEM, Israel (Dec. 21, 2010) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Ray Mabus speaks with Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu during an office call in Jerusalem. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin S. O'Brien/Released) STORY

101114-M-1880C-172 MARJAH, Afghanistan (Nov. 14, 2010) Chief Petty Officer Robert Davis, assigned to 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, holds an infant that was brought to the Afghan National Army medical outreach in Marjah, Afghanistan. Sixth Marine Regiment is deployed in Helmand Province supporting International Security Assistance Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Shawn P. Coover/Released)

101213-N-6436W-083 KHAVAJEH MOLK, Afghanistan (Dec. 13, 2010) Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Ty Ramsey finishes a day of work at combat outpost Khavajeh Molk, Afghanistan. Active duty and reserve component Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalions 40, 18 and 26 secure and fortify a remote combat outpost on the eastern edge of Khavejeh Molk, Afganistan. The village is located approximately 25 miles north of Kandahar and is being used as a patrol base for the U.S. Army 1st Battalion, 66th Armored Regiment. Combined efforts by joint forces will restrict movement of Taliban insurgents and help secure the self-governing efforts in Afghanistan. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Michael B. Watkins/Released) STORY

 

[Solomon2]

100414-N-2735T-025 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (April 14, 2010) An MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 prepares to take off from the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4). Nassau is the command platform for the Nassau Amphibious Ready Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Coleman Thompson/Released)

100617-N-3358S-042 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (June 17, 2010) An MV-22B Osprey assigned to the Golden Eagles of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 lands aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19). Mesa Verde is part of the Nassau Amphibious Ready Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Smith/Released)

100305-N-3358S-396 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (March 5, 2010) An MV-22B Osprey from the Golden Eagles of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 takes off from the amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19). Mesa Verde is part of the Nassau Amphibious Ready Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Smith/Released)

091106-N-7508R-004 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Nov. 6, 2009) An MV-22B Osprey from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU), prepares to take off from the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). The aircraft were flown to Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, where they will be transferred to VMM-261 and used to support the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. This is the first time the aircraft will be used in Afghanistan. The 22nd MEU is serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Julio Rivera/Released)

100124-N-7456N-034 GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (Jan. 24, 2010) An MV-22 Osprey assigned to the Golden Eagles of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162, is on the tarmac at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. The Osprey is scheduled to fly supplies to the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). Bataan is off the coast of Haiti supporting Operation Unified Response, providing humanitarian assistance to victims of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Nistas/Released)

100402-N-5712P-013 DJIBOUTI (April 2, 2010) Cpl. Veronica Vazquez, from Chicago, a ground support equipment mechanic assigned to the Golden Eagles of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (REIN), kisses a wooden cross that symbolizes the cross that Jesus was crucified on as Sailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4) celebrate Roman Catholic Mass in the ship's forecastle during Holy Week. Nassau is the command platform for the Nassau Amphibious Ready Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jonathan Pankau/Released)

101018-N-7508R-172 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Oct. 18, 2010) An MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 takes off from the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). Bataan is underway conducting landing qualifications. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Julio Rivera/Released)

Bataan Team Completes Deck Landing Qualifications
Story Number: NNS101024-05 Release Date: 10/24/2010 5:48:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Erin Boyce, USS Bataan (LHD 5) Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) wrapped up a week at sea Oct. 22 where they conducted deck landing qualifications with the Second Marine Aircraft Wing (2nd MAW) and a detachment from Helicopter Sea Squadron (HSC) 26.

The ship's flight deck is a necessary ingredient for the required Deck Landing Qualifications (DLQs), which can serve as the initial or recurrent qualification of aircrews required to carry combat troops and passengers to and from amphibious ships.

"Recurrent DLQ periods keep the air department and Amphibious Air Traffic Control Center (AATCC) current and proficient in the handling of aircraft," said Marine Corps Maj. James Lukehart, Bataan's air operations officer. "The more proficient the ship is, the more effective and efficient we are at providing services to the Aviation Combat Element (ACE) of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU), resulting in a safer, more combat-ready force."

For Bataan's flight deck team, the DLQs served as an opportunity for some necessary training.

"We carry out DLQs to ensure pilots flying aircraft are in good hands," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuels) 1st Class (AW/SW) Louis Citizen, Bataan's flight deck supervisor. "That means landing signal enlisted personnel (LSE) are qualified to land them safely on deck; aviation boatswain's mates (Fuels) understand the proper fueling and defueling requirements of the aircraft, and crash and salvage personnel are fully qualified to handle any causality that may happen."

Lukehart, also a Marine Corps rotary-wing pilot, said launching and landing from ship's like Bataan can provide one of an aircrew's most challenging environments.

"There is no such thing as too much training aboard the ship," said Lukehart.

MV-22B Osprey's from Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 and 261; CH-53E Super Stallions from Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 464; AH-1W Super Cobras from Light Attack Helicopter Squadrons (HMLA) 169 and 269; UH-1N Hueys from HMLA-467; and MH-60S Seahawks from HSC-26 took part in the qualifications aboard Bataan.

"Bataan has been extremely supportive throughout all of our evolutions," said Lt. j.g. Philip Saulnier, the HSC-26 detachment communications officer. "Bataan's air department provided us with air traffic control support for three helicopters, particularly during the DLQs, replenishments at sea, and AATCC services."

Saulnier said the direct support from Bataan has led to a more robust search and rescue capability for fleet support during upcoming deployments.

"When coordinating with my counterparts in the Fleet Marine Force (FMF), I am extremely proud to be part of the Bataan team," said Lukehart. "The crew of Bataan has consistently exuded a can-do attitude, and provided excellent support. Marines feel at home when they come aboard this ship."

 

[Solomon2]

110101-N-7981E-064 PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 1, 2011) Sailors ring in the new year at midnight with a qualification fire of pencil flares in the first time zone west of the International Date Line aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are on a deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Evans/Released)

101217-N-7981E-156 PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 17, 2010) Aviation Electronics Technician Airman Tyler Signer, a plane captain assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113, waits for the launch of an F/A-18C Hornet after completing start up and pre-flight checks with the pilot aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are on a three-week composite training unit exercise to be followed by a deployment to the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Evans/Released)

101205-N-2055M-296 PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 5, 2010) Command Master Chief April Beldo addresses Sailors during a second class petty officer leadership course aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson is on a three-week composite training unit exercise to be followed by a deployment to the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Travis K. Mendoza/Released)

110106-N-2055M-063 PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 6, 2011) Aviation Electrician's Mate Airman Garrick Hague, assigned to Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Division, makes adjustments to a set of night vision goggles inside an intermediate maintenance shop aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are on a deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Travis K. Mendoza/Released)

101231-N-7981E-291 PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 31, 2010) Lt. Cmdr. Kimberly Syres, a surgeon aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), performs a laparoscopic appendectomy in the operating room. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are on a deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Evans/Released)

101224-N-7981E-252 PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 24, 2010) HH-60H Sea Hawk helicopters assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 15 pass a rainbow while delivering mail to the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during a vertical replenishment at sea. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are on a deployment to the U.S. 7th and U.S. 5th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Evans/Released)

101225-N-7179R-001 PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 25, 2010) Rear Adm. Samuel Perez, commander of Carrier Strike Group 1, serves Christmas dinner aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carrier Strike Group 1 is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Erik Reynolds/Released)

101214-N-7981E-226 PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 14, 2010) Vice Adm. Allen G. Myers, right, commander of Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, meets Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Taylor Fenton while touring the waste processing room aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are on a three-week composite training unit exercise followed by a western Pacific deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Evans/Released)

USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70), At Sea (NNS) [12/15/2010] -- Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) welcomed aboard commander, Naval Air Forces Dec. 14 during the Vinson Carrier Strike Group's composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) off the coast of California.

Vice Adm. Al Myers received a COMPTUEX overview in the ship's combat direction center (CDC) and observed the COMPTUEX evolutions from CDC.

He walked through the hangar bays greeting Vinson Sailors, and toured Aircraft Intermediate Department spaces. He visited Vinson's Reactor Auxiliary Room and the ship's trash processing spaces. He also met pilots from four Carrier Air Wing 17 squadrons and attended a senior enlisted meeting with Vinson's leading chief petty officers and embarked master chiefs.

"I'm thrilled to be here, and it's great to have an opportunity to get around the ship," said Myers. "You demonstrate what makes our Navy great and what makes our Navy important. I am very proud of you."

Myers praised Vinson's professionalism and dedication to duty evident in the ship's recent Inspection and Survey (INSURV) performance, the best in the past four years and the highest ever for a nuclear carrier.

"Usually I like to see one carrier do better than the last one on INSURV. But I don't know if that's possible now because Vinson set the bar so high. It's a fantastic accomplishment by all hands," said Myers. "The challenge is to keep the momentum going, to build and do even better."

Myers also encouraged the strike group Sailors to handle the gravity of their forthcoming mission.

"For the folks who are on their first deployment, they're going to write history. Vinson is going to be in the news," Myers said. "It's important to understand the Navy does two fundamental things - one is we influence foreign countries, build and disrupt coalitions, and we maintain sea lanes of commerce. You're going to influence a few foreign countries. By being present there, you're going to be protecting our lanes of commerce. You can't do that virtually, you have to be there, you have to be forward deployed. You prove every day what a strong team can do."

Vinson and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17; guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52); guided-missile destroyers USS Gridley (DDG 101) and USS Stockdale (DDG 106); and frigates USS Gary (FFG 51) and USS Rentz (FFG 46); are completing the COMPTUEX certification prior to a Western Pacific deployment.

 

[Solomon2]

110221-N-TB177-141 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 21, 2011) Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) participate in a fire drill exercise in the ship's hangar bay. George H.W. Bush is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting training operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin J. Steinberg/Released)

110217-N-JR159-718 CORONADO, Calif. (Feb. 17, 2010) Students from Basic Crewman Training (BCT) Class 68-1 participate in a swimmer surf passage exercise at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. Surf passage is one of many physically demanding evolutions that are a part of Special Warfare Combat-Craft Crewman training. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kyle D. Gahlau/Released)

110221-N-ZN781-023 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 21, 2011) Aviation Electrician's Mate Airman David Coley, from Rocky Mount, N.C., reads a letter aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) thanking him for his service from Molly's Adopt a Sailor. Volunteers from Molly's Adopt a Sailor sent more than 130 care packages and party supplies to Sailors assigned to the Saberhawks of Helicopter Strike Maritime Squadron (HSM) 77. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 7th and 5th Fleet areas of responsibility, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sarah Murphy/Released)

110218-N-8607R-127 GULF OF THAILAND (Feb. 18, 2011) Marines assigned to the Force Reconnaissance Platoon of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) fast rope from a CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter for a visit, board, search and seizure drill aboard the Military Sealift Command maritime prepositioning ship USNS 1st Lt. Jack Lummus (T-AK 3011) as part of exercise Cobra Gold 2011. Cobra Gold is a multinational military exercise co-sponsored by the U.S. and Thailand. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eva-Marie Ramsaran/Released)

110215-N-9094S-076 MANILA, Philippines (Feb. 15, 2011) Machinist's Mate Fireman Man Li shakes hands with Republic of the Philippines navy Chief Petty Officer Pablo Bauit during a U.S. 7th Fleet command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) community service activity at the Hospicio De San Jose. U.S. Navy personnel have volunteered at the Hospicio De San Jose for more than 100 years. Blue Ridge serves under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7/Task Force (CTF) 76, the Navy's only forward deployed amphibious force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian A. Stone/Released)

110218-N-2610F-166 LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (Feb. 18, 2011) Hospital Corpsman Brandon Wicker upper cuts Army Spc. Jeffery Spencer in the 178 lb. weight class during the gold-medal bout in the final of the 178 lb. weight class of the 2011 Armed Forces Boxing Championship. Spencer defeated Wicker 12-2. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Elliott Fabrizio/Released)

110219-N-2953W-138 ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 19, 2011) Hull Maintenance Technician Fireman Apprentice Amanda Mathis uses a sound-powered telephone to communicate with Damage Control Central during a general quarters drill aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is deployed supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adrian T. White/Released)

110216-N-6272M-023 GULFPORT, Miss. (Feb. 16, 2011) Builder 2nd Class Sean Duvall, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 18, is welcomed home by his wife and son at the Naval Construction Battalion Center Training Hall. NMCB-18 is returning from a seven month deployment to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Rob Mims/Released)