A Thunderbolts F/A-18C is seen on board the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) as part of Carrier Air Wing ONE while deployed in the Persian Gulf.

Touch down of a E-2C Hawkeye at the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) while deployed in the Persian Gulf.

On final for 26R

Seen from the bow of the USS Enterpise (CVN-65), this flight line of Hornets. Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86 Sidewinders transferred from the legacy Hornet, like this one seen on the picture, to F/A-18E Super Hornet in 2011.

Within several Carrier Air Wings, the US Marine Corps embedded some F/A-18C Hornet squadrons. Within Carrier Air Wing ONE in 2007 this was Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251 Thunderbolts. This baby Hornet roars off the deck of the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) during Operation Iraqi Freedom. So close with this incredible speed... a challenge to photograph... this one was made with 1/2000 sec, F/4,0, ISO 320, with only 50mm.

Carrier clearly speeding up to create wind over the flight deck, aircraft engines are starting, awaiting action on board the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in the Persian Gulf. The Vikings are among the first to leave the flight deck, just to observe (and clear) the area of surface contacts.

Vikings, Super Hornets and a Prowler in the early sunrise over the Persian Gulf. The aircraft were awaiting action. Clearly seen is the right Super Hornet, equipped with large buddy-buddy fueltanks. The Super Hornet took over the Vikings refueling task within a Carrier Air Wing.

Just a question to the airboss of Carrier Air Wing ONE, resulted in a neat fly-by of a orbiting S-3B. The aircraft involved is the so-called "Double Nuts", the colourful squadron aircraft sporting two zero's in the modex (AB-700).

Viking in its element, refueling a Super Hornet. This picture was made after I asked the airboss of Carrier Air Wing ONE if there was a possibility for a refueling pass between the launch and recovery of the aircraft of air wing. I did not expect them to pass that low, that close and even connected. VS-32 had during this cruise the honours to give the S-3B the Sundown cruise of the type, the very last operational deployment of the War Hoover.

The squadron bird about to touch down at the USS Enterprise (CVN-65)

S-3B in maintenance in the hangar of the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). The huge aircraft folds its vertical tail too, else the hangar is too low.

Lockheed S-3B Viking of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 32 "Maulers" manoeuvring over the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) while sailing through the Arabian/Persian Gulf. Yellow shirts are worn by aircraft handlers and aircraft directors that shuttle aircraft around the carrier's tight and chaotic deck. Catapult Officers and Arresting Gear Officers also wear yellow shirts. Because yellow shirts are so involved with taxiing aircraft, they are often featured prominently in dramatic photos depicting carrier deck operations. This photo was made during the sundown cruise (the very final deployment) of the S-3B.

Lockheed S-3B Viking of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 32 "Maulers" at the cat of the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) while sailing through the Arabian/Persian Gulf. Carrier aviation is great, so much action, colors and photographic opportunities. This photo was made during the sundown cruise (the very final deployment) of the S-3B.