F/A-18C of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136 Knighthawks behind the massive Jet Blast Deflector of the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). The Hornet is armed with air-to-air sidewinders as well as a series of bombs underneath the wings. The aircraft was assigned to a Counter Insurgency mission near Baghdad (Iraq) with some twenty other aircraft from Carrier Air Wing ONE. The Enterprise was floating in the Arabian Sea at that time.

Cat shot!! (although hard to identify, this is a F/A-18C of VFA-86 Sidewinders).

The Cadillac of the Skies is the nickname of the EA-6B Prowler. This one of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137 Rooks is spreading its wing on the cat of the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) while operating in the Arabia Sea.

The CAG-bird (Commander Air Group) of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211 "Fighting Checkmates" is painted in full colors. Great sight when this aircraft is - fully armed - in front of the huge island of the USS Enterprise (CVN-65).

Nightshot of a HH-60H Seahawk of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 11 "Dragonslayers" during a crew swap.

A F/A-18F Super Hornet seconds away from its controlled crash on board the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). The carrier was set in the Arabian Sea for several months during Operation Iraqi Freedom. All aircraft flew with live weapons, and when not used in the combat theater, many aircraft were able to take the weapons back to the carrier. Jet fighters of an earlier age than the Super Hornet were often forced to throw their weapons into the sea before landing at a carrier, as they were too heavy for a safe landing.

Buzzing the carrier

Aboard USS JFK (at left of image) in October 1976 when serving with Attack Squadron VA-34 "Blue Blasters".

At the Avalon Airshow 2011. CVW-2 USS SHOUP

The Carrier On-borad Delivery (COD) aircraft brought me to the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) that was floating somewhere in the Persian Gulf. Unfortunately, this beautiful aircraft tragically crashed on 22 November 2017.

The crew chief cleans the windows of this Greyhound. The Carrier On-borad Delivery (COD) aircraft brought me to the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) that was floating somewhere in the Persian Gulf. Unfortunately, this beautiful aircraft tragically crashed on 22 November 2017.

The largest helicopter of the western world, the MH-53E Sea Stallion rests on the platform of Muharraq. The huge helicopter is furnished with full color markings and belongs to Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 15 Blackhawks, normally based at Norfolk (VA). The MH-53 squadrons regularly deploy to Bahrain in small detachments.

Completely stripped of any markings, this UC-12M of Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain on its home base. Muharraq is the military part of Bahrain International Airport and usually hosts many US 5th Fleet aircraft.

On its way to the catapult on board the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in the Persian Gulf. The Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123 Screwtops Hawkeye is equipped with the eight-bladed propeller system named NP2000 that replaced the old four-bladed design. The modern propeller reduced vibrations in the aircraft and is more easy to maintain as a result of the ability to remove prop blades individually instead of having to remove the entire prop and hub assembly.

Lockheed S-3B Viking of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 32 "Maulers" is seen here catching the planned number three wire on board the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) while sailing through the Arabian/Persian Gulf. 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" 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.

Lockheed S-3B Viking of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 32 "Maulers" is seen here scratching its tailhook over the deck of the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). Next step of this manoeuvre is catching the cable and come to a brute stop. The Big E was sailing through the Arabian/Persian Gulf when taking this picture. This photo was made during the sundown cruise (the very final deployment) of the S-3B.