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Flight Operations

Launches, recoveries, high-speed passes and helicopter operations photographed aboard three U.S. Navy aircraft carriers across nearly three decades.

An F/A-18E Super Hornet from VFA-37 Bulls touching down on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2025
An F/A-18E Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 37 (VFA-37), the "Bulls," touches down on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2025. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter from HSC-9 Tridents approaching to land on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2025
An MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 9 (HSC-9), the "Tridents," coming in to land on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2025. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
n F/A-18 Hornet from VFA-37 performing a supersonic Mach 1.2 low-altitude flyby over the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), wrapped in condensation vapor
An incredible, once-in-a-lifetime shot of an F/A-18 from Strike Fighter Squadron 37 (VFA-37), the "Bulls," executing a surprise supersonic flyby at Mach 1.2 over the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78). The aircraft is wrapped in dramatic vapor condensation sheets as it breaks the sound barrier right overhead. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An F-14 Tomcat from VF-32 launching from the waist catapult of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1997
An F-14 Tomcat from Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32) "Sworrdsmen" launching from a waist catapult aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1997. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An F/A-18F Super Hornet from VFA-211 taxiing on the flight deck directed by a crew member in a yellow shirt on the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) in 2016
An F/A-18F Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 211 (VFA-211, the "Fighting Checkmates") taxiing on the flight deck under the direction of a yellow shirt handler on the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) in 2016. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An F/A-18F Super Hornet from VFA-211 undergoing pre-launch checks on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) in 2016
An F/A-18F Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 211 (VFA-211, the "Fighting Checkmates") undergoing final launch preparations on the catapult, surrounded by flight deck crew members, aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) in 2016. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An action shot of an F-14 Tomcat from VF-32 lifting off the waist catapult of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) over the water in 1997
A capture of an F-14 Tomcat from Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32), the "Swordsmen," moments after leaving the waist catapult of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1997. The aircraft’s nose gear has just lifted off the edge of the flight deck, suspended over the churning grey waters below, while flight deck crew observe the intense launch sequence from the safety catwalk. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An F/A-18C Hornet from VFA-37 performing a touch-and-go landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1997
An F/A-18C Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 37 (VFA-37), the "Bulls," performing a touch-and-go landing on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1997. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An F/A-18F Super Hornet from VFA-211 taxiing on the flight deck guided by a yellow shirt handler on the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) in 2016
An F/A-18F Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 211 (VFA-211, the "Fighting Checkmates") taxiing past arresting gear wires under the guidance of a flight deck handler in a yellow shirt on the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) in 2016. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An F/A-18C Hornet from VFA-37 taking off from the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1997
n F/A-18C Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 37 (VFA-37), the "Bulls," launching from the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1997. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
n F/A-18 Super Hornet from VFA-37 touching down on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78)
An F/A-18E/F Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 37 (VFA-37), the "Bulls," touching down on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78). © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An F/A-18C Hornet from VFA-105 launching from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1997
An F/A-18C Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 105 (VFA-105), the "Gunslingers," launching from the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1997, with flight deck crew sheltering behind the jet blast deflector. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An F/A-18E Super Hornet from VFA-37 Bulls touching down on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2025
An F/A-18E Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 37 (VFA-37), the "Bulls," touches down on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2025. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An F/A-18F Super Hornet from VFA-211 taxiing past arresting wires on the flight deck under the direction of yellow shirt handlers on the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) in 2016
An F/A-18F Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 211 (VFA-211, the "Fighting Checkmates") taxiing past the arresting gear wires under the guidance of flight deck handlers in yellow shirts on the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) in 2016. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An F-14 Tomcat from VF-32 launching from the waist catapult of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1997
An F-14 Tomcat from Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32) "Swordsmen" launching from a waist catapult aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1997. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
A close-up view of the cockpit and crew names on an F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to VFA-211 aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) in 2016
A close-up view of the forward fuselage and canopy of an F/A-18F Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 211 (VFA-211, the "Fighting Checkmates") aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) in 2016, displaying the names of CAG Capt. Benjamin Hewlett and DCAG Capt. John Perrone. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An F-14 Tomcat from VF-32 deploying flares during a flyby near the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1997
An F-14 Tomcat from Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32), the "Swordsmen," deploying flares during a low-altitude flyby past the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1997. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An F/A-18F Super Hornet from VFA-211 with its tailhook lowered on final approach to the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) in 2016
An F/A-18F Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 211 (VFA-211, the "Fighting Checkmates") with its tailhook lowered on final approach to the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) in 2016. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An HH-60H Seahawk helicopter from HS-7 flying over the water after lifting off from the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1997
An HH-60H Seahawk from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 7 (HS-7), the "Dusty Dogs," just after lifting off from the stern of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1997, flying low over the carrier's wake. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An F/A-18F Super Hornet from VFA-211 lifting off the flight deck during a catapult launch on the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) in 2016
An F/A-18F Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 211 (VFA-211, the "Fighting Checkmates") lifting off from the flight deck during a catapult launch on the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) in 2016. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An F-14 Tomcat from VF-32 performing a touch-and-go landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1997
An F-14 Tomcat from Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32), the "Swordsmen," performing a touch-and-go landing on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1997. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An F/A-18 Hornet from VFA-211 approaching the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) in 2016
An F/A-18 Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 211 (VFA-211, the "Fighting Checkmates") coming in for an approach toward the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) in 2016. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An F/A-18E Super Hornet from VFA-37 Bulls approaching for a landing past the island of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2025
An F/A-18E Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 37 (VFA-37), the "Bulls," approaches the flight deck for recovery past the island superstructure of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2025. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
A close-up view of an MH-60S Knighthawk from HSC-9 Tridents near the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2025
A close-up view of an MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 9 (HSC-9), the "Tridents," flying near the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2025. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An F/A-18E Super Hornet from VFA-37 Bulls doing a high-speed pass with vapor over the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2025
An F/A-18E Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 37 (VFA-37), the "Bulls," pulls vapor during a high-speed pass over the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2025. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An F/A-18F Super Hornet from VFA-211 captured during a Mach 1.2 supersonic flyby, completely enveloped in a massive vapor condensation cone, as seen in 2016
An F/A-18F Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106, the "Gladiators") captured in a violent Mach 1.2 supersonic flyby past the USS George Washington (CVN-73). The aircraft is completely enveloped in a massive, instantaneous pressure cone of aerodynamic vapor condensation as it punches through the sound barrier. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An HH-60H Seahawk helicopter from HS-7 parked on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1997 with flight deck crew
An HH-60H Seahawk from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 7 (HS-7), the "Dusty Dogs," parked on the flight deck near the stern of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1997, with flight deck crew members standing nearby. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An F/A-18F Super Hornet from VFA-211 moments before catching the arresting wire on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) in 2016
An F/A-18F Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 211 (VFA-211, the "Fighting Checkmates") moments before catching the arresting wire with its tailhook lowered on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) in 2016. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
Flight deck crew removing chocks and chains from an MH-60S Knighthawk from HSC-9 Tridents as it prepares to take off from the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2025
Flight deck crew members remove chains and chocks from an MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 9 (HSC-9), the "Tridents," as it prepares to take off from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2025. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
A rear-angle view of an F-14 Tomcat from VF-32 performing a touch-and-go landing on the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1997
A rear-aspect view of an F-14 Tomcat from Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32), the "Swordsmen," performing a touch-and-go landing on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1997. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
A head-on view of an MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter from HSC-9 Tridents hovering near the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2025
A head-on view of an MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 9 (HSC-9), the "Tridents," hovering near the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2025. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An F/A-18E Super Hornet from VFA-37 Bulls touching down on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2025
An F/A-18E Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 37 (VFA-37), the "Bulls," touches down on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2025. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An F/A-18F Super Hornet from VFA-211 taxiing on the flight deck directed by a yellow shirt handler on the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) in 2016
An F/A-18F Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 211 (VFA-211, the "Fighting Checkmates") taxiing past arresting gear wires under the guidance of flight deck handlers in yellow shirts on the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) in 2016. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An F/A-18C Hornet from VFA-37 taking off from the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1997
An F/A-18C Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 37 (VFA-37), the "Bulls," launching from the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1997. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An F/A-18C Hornet from VFA-105 taxiing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1997
An F/A-18C Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 105 (VFA-105), the "Gunslingers," taxiing on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1997, while an inbound F-14 Tomcat from VF-32 can be seen in the distant background. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An F/A-18F Super Hornet from VFA-211 just before catching the arresting wire on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) in 2016
An F/A-18F Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 211 (VFA-211, the "Fighting Checkmates") seconds before catching the arresting wire on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) in 2016. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An F/A-18E Super Hornet from VFA-37 Bulls performing a touch-and-go maneuver on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2025
An F/A-18E Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 37 (VFA-37), the "Bulls," executes a touch-and-go landing on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2025. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter from HSC-9 Tridents flying with the American flag above the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2025
An MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 9 (HSC-9), the "Tridents," flies past carrying the American flag on a longline above the flight deck aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2025. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An F-14 Tomcat from VF-32 taking off from the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1997
An F-14 Tomcat assigned to Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32), the "Swordsmen," lifting off the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) during deployment in 1997. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter from HSC-9 Tridents departing from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2025
n MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 9 (HSC-9), the "Tridents," lifts off and departs from the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2025. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
A ventral view of four F/A-18 Super Hornets flying in formation over the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2025
A ventral view of four F/A-18 Super Hornets flying in close formation during operations over the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2025. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An F-14 Tomcat from VF-32 performing a touch-and-go landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1997
An F-14 Tomcat from Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32), the "Swordsmen," performing a touch-and-go landing on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1997, with a deck crew member observing from the foreground. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter from HSC-9 Tridents approaching to land on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2025
An MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 9 (HSC-9), the "Tridents," coming in to land on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2025. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An F/A-18F Super Hornet from VFA-211 launching from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) in 2016
n F/A-18F Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 211 (VFA-211, the "Fighting Checkmates") launching from the catapult on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) in 2016. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
A four-ship formation of F/A-18 Super Hornets flying in formation during a fly-by over the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2025
A tight four-ship formation of F/A-18 Super Hornets conducts a fly-by over the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2025. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An F/A-18F Super Hornet from VFA-211 catching the arresting wire on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) in 2016
An F/A-18F Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 211 (VFA-211, the "Fighting Checkmates") catching the wire during a carrier landing on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) in 2016. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An F/A-18E Super Hornet from VFA-37 Bulls approaching for a landing past the island of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2025
An F/A-18E Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 37 (VFA-37), the "Bulls," approaches the flight deck for recovery past the island superstructure of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2025. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An MH-60S Seahawk helicopter assigned to HSC-5 in flight during operations near the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) in 2016
An MH-60S Seahawk helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5 (HSC-5, the "Nightdippers") in flight during operations with the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) in 2016. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
A close-up view of the cockpit and crew names on an F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) in 2016
A close-up side profile of the forward fuselage and cockpit of an F/A-18F Super Hornet aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) in 2016, displaying the names of CVN-71 CO Capt. Craig Clapperton and CCSG-12 Commander RDML Roy Kelley. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
An F/A-18E Super Hornet from VFA-87 Golden Warriors performing a touch-and-go maneuver on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2025
An F/A-18E Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 87 (VFA-87), the "Golden Warriors," applies power for a touch-and-go landing on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2025. © Mike Lynaugh Photography
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