090314-N-7730P-037 PACIFIC OCEAN (March 14, 2009) Aviation Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Jhade Bugauisan is the catapult safety watch on the number one catapult before the launch of an F/A-18C Hornet aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). The Catapult safety is the final ok prior to the "shooter" launching a aircraft off the deck. Ronald Reagan and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 are underway conducting sustainment exercise in the Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gary A. Prill/Released)
090225-N-3946H-050 PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 25, 2009) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 3rd Class Doug Bellew displays the weight of an F/A-18F Super Hornet to the catapult safety officer before take off on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 are conducting tailored ship's training availability off the coast of Southern California. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Patrick Heil/Released)
090225-N-3946H-049 PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 25, 2009) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 1st Class Jason Slama gives the thumbs-up signal to the catapult safety officer after calibrating the catapult for the weight of an F/A-18F Super Hornet on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 are conducting tailored ship's training availability off the coast of Southern California. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Patrick Heil/Released)
090210-N-7571S-011 GULF OF OMAN (Feb. 10, 2009) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 3rd Class Nancy Germann clears her hands from the catapult release button after she releases an aircraft during the first event of flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Theodore Roosevelt and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 are operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Snyder/Released)
090121-N-3946H-122 PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 21, 2009) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 2nd Class Marcus Rideout, left, and Aviation Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Abraham Lopez stand watch in the catapult one engine room aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is underway conducting Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Patrick Heil/Released)
020129-N-3653A-002 At sea aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) Jan. 29, 2002 ? Flight deck personnel launch an E-2C ?Hawkeye? assigned to the ?Bluetails? of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron One Two One (VAW-121), from one of four steam powered catapult systems aboard the nuclear powered aircraft carrier. VAW-121 is embarked aboard George Washington while conducting carrier qualifications (CQ). U. S. Navy photo by Photographer?s Mate 3rd Class Summer M. Anderson. (RELEASED)
020401-N-3986D-002 At sea aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) Apr. 1, 2002 -- Lt. Dave Stefano, of New York, N.Y., gives the signal to launch an aircraft from one of four steam driven catapult systems on the ship?s flight deck. Washington is homeported in Norfolk, Va. and is currently conducting scheduled integrated training in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Virginia. U. S. Navy photo Photographer?s Mate Airman Jessica Davis. (RELEASED)
020412-N-4768W-114 At sea aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Apr. 12, 2002 -- An F/A-18 "Hornet" assigned to the "Blue Diamonds" of Strike Fighter Squadron One Four Six (VFA-146) launches from one of four steam catapult systems on the ship?s flight deck. John C. Stennis and Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW-9) are conducting combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Joshua Word. (RELEASED)