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.

Sea Control Squadron (VS) 32 S-3B Viking manoeuvring over the gigantic flight deck of the first nuclear aircraft carrier in the world, the USS Enterprise (CVN-65).

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.

Resting Maulers Viking at the rear parking of the USS Enterprise

From VS-31 "Topcats" while detached on USS George Washington. This aircraft was operating from LEPA on different exercices over the Mediterranean during February 1996.

This aircraft is from VA-24 based on USS Theodore Roosevelt

Antisubmarine Squadron (VS) 33 "World Famous Screwbirds" replaced their S-2 Trackers by the S-3A Viking, like all VS-squadrons within the US Navy. These transitions marked the end of the propeller era and greatly improved the Carrier Battle Groups' Anti-submarine warfare capabilities. VS-33 took delivery of the first S-3As in 1975. In 1993 the designation of the squadron changed into Sea Control Squadron (VS) 33, the abbrivation remained the same. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 commanded the squadron in 1987 - when this picture was made - when the wing was assigned to the USS Nimitz (CVN-68).

On the deck of the museum carrier Yorktown.

Buzzing the carrier

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.

VS-31 ("Topcats" note insignia behind cockpit) deactivated at NAS Jacksonville on March 27, 2008

This aircraft crashed on 6 December 2000. Crew of four ejected sately

A Viking from VS-31 Topcats deployed on board USS Washington.