Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Super Hornet Launch Off Ike in the Persian Gulf

An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the "Pukin Dogs" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, launches from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 are conducting a dual-carrier exercise with John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9. This marks the first time the Stennis and Eisenhower strike groups have operated together in a joint exercise while deployed to 5th Fleet. This exercise demonstrates the importance the ability for both strike groups to plan and conduct dual task force operations as part of the Navy’s commitment to maintaining maritime security and stability in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Travis Alston)