U.S. Navy - US Defense Story

210503-N-LD903-1145 NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN (May 3, 2021) – A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes off from the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) in support of Northern Edge 2021. Approximately 15,000 U.S. service members are participating in a joint training exercise hosted by U.S. Pacific Air Forces May 3-14, 2021, on and above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, the Gulf of Alaska, and temporary maritime activities area. NE21 is one in a series of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command exercises designed to sharpen the joint forces’ skills; to practice tactics, techniques, and procedures; to improve command, control and communication relationships; and to develop cooperative plans and programs. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ethan Jaymes Morrow)

Makin Island Underway

May 4, 2021 VA Worker 0

210503-N-LD903-1145 NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN (May 3, 2021) – A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes off from the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) in support of Northern Edge 2021. Approximately 15,000 U.S. service members are participating in a joint training exercise hosted by U.S. Pacific [Read More …]

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (April 27, 2021) Instructor pilots assigned to the "Wise Owls" of Training Squadron (VT) 31 aboard Naval Air Station Corpus Christi conduct a formation flight in T-44C Pegasus aircraft above Corpus Christi, April 27, 2021. VT-31 conducts intermediate and advanced multi-engine flight training for the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and select international military partners. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Michelle Tucker/Released)

T-44C Pegasus Formation Flight

April 29, 2021 VA Worker 0

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (April 27, 2021) Instructor pilots assigned to the “Wise Owls” of Training Squadron (VT) 31 aboard Naval Air Station Corpus Christi conduct a formation flight in T-44C Pegasus aircraft above Corpus Christi, April 27, 2021. VT-31 conducts intermediate and advanced multi-engine flight training for the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and select international military partners. (U.S. Navy [Read More …]

210423-N-CR843-0113 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (April 23, 2021) - Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Robert Barber, assigned to the “Fighting Tigers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, taxis and directs a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, attached to “The Skinny Dragons” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 4, deployed with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 57, in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, April 23. CTF 57 aircraft conduct missions in support of maritime operations to ensure stability, security, and the free flow of commerce in the Central Command area of responsibility, which connects the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean, encompassing three strategic chokepoints. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Juan S. Sua/Released)

AT2 Barber Directs Skinny Dragon P-8

April 29, 2021 VA Worker 0

210423-N-CR843-0113 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (April 23, 2021) – Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Robert Barber, assigned to the “Fighting Tigers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, taxis and directs a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, attached to “The Skinny Dragons” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 4, deployed with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 57, in the U.S. 5th [Read More …]

210401-N-RL695-1227

April 12, 2021 VA Worker 0

210401-N-RL695-1227 ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 1, 2021) Coastguardsmen assigned to Tactical Law Enforcement Team 109, Cape Cod Maritime Safety Security Team (MSST), and Sailors assigned to the Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Sioux City (LCS 11), participate in a non-compliant vessel pursuit tactics exercise in a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB), April 1, 2021. Sioux City is operating in the U.S. 2nd [Read More …]

210409-N-FC670-049 FALLON, Nev. (Apr. 9, 2021) Chief Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) Jeffrey Roscoe, of Michigan, assigned to the “Longhorns” of Helicopter Search and Rescue (SAR) Squadron, short hauls while flying with a retirement flag during a Last Final Flight (LFF). The Navy currently has six dedicated "Station SAR" units located around the US. Lemoore SAR CA, Fallon SAR NV, Whidbey Island SAR WA, China Lake SAR (VX-31) CA, Pax River SAR MD, and Key West SAR FL. Their primary mission is to provide search and rescue and first responder support for Fleet flight training operations for the jets in their designated areas of responsibilities. Secondary to that, station SARs also work closely with local agencies to be a first responder to anyone in legitimate danger. Other missions may include RT&D support, HELITACK aerial firefighting, and general utility helicopter operations. Pursuant to the National SAR Plan of the United States, the unit may also be used for civil SAR/MEDEVAC needs to the fullest extent practicable on a non-interference basis, with primary military duties according to applicable national directives, plans, guidelines and agreements. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Shannon Renfroe/Released)

Longhorns of Helicopter Search and Rescue Squadron Conduct Last Final Flight

April 11, 2021 VA Worker 0

210409-N-FC670-049 FALLON, Nev. (Apr. 9, 2021) Chief Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) Jeffrey Roscoe, of Michigan, assigned to the “Longhorns” of Helicopter Search and Rescue (SAR) Squadron, short hauls while flying with a retirement flag during a Last Final Flight (LFF). The Navy currently has six dedicated “Station SAR” units located around the US. Lemoore SAR CA, Fallon SAR NV, Whidbey Island [Read More …]

210402-N-MY760-1070 SUEZ CANAL (April 2, 2021) The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) transits the Suez Canal, April 2. The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Joseph T. Miller)

Eisenhower Supports Naval Operations in U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations

April 4, 2021 VA Worker 0

210402-N-MY760-1070 SUEZ CANAL (April 2, 2021) The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) transits the Suez Canal, April 2. The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian [Read More …]

210327-N-FC670-797 Calif. (Mar. 27, 2021) Two MH-60S Knighthawk helicopters assigned to the "Black Knights" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 4, stationed in San Diego, fly in formation over Northern California to Naval Air Station Fallon. Air Wing Fallon is part of the predeployment training cycle for Navy's carrier air wings. HSC-4, along with VFA-2, VFA-192, VFA-113, VFA-147, VAQ-136, VAW-113, and HSM-78 comprise CVW-2 and are detached to NAS Fallon in order to sharpen their warfighting readiness through a rigorous 5-week curriculum. The training conducted during Air Wing Fallon drives air wing integration and ensures that all CVW-2 squadrons are ready to conduct the full range of military operations when they deploy later this year. HSC 4 provides vertical lift search and rescue, logistics, anti-surface warfare, special operations forces support, and combat search and rescue capabilities. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Shannon Renfroe/Released)

Two MH-60S Knighthawk Helicopters of HSC 4 Fly in Formation

March 29, 2021 VA Worker 0

210327-N-FC670-797 Calif. (Mar. 27, 2021) Two MH-60S Knighthawk helicopters assigned to the “Black Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 4, stationed in San Diego, fly in formation over Northern California to Naval Air Station Fallon. Air Wing Fallon is part of the predeployment training cycle for Navy’s carrier air wings. HSC-4, along with VFA-2, VFA-192, VFA-113, VFA-147, VAQ-136, VAW-113, [Read More …]

PACIFIC OCEAN (March 26, 2021) A landing craft, air cushion (LCAC), attached to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5, transits the Pacific Ocean while conducting well deck operations with Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. Third Fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Isaak Martinez)

USS Essex LCAC Operations

March 28, 2021 VA Worker 0

PACIFIC OCEAN (March 26, 2021) A landing craft, air cushion (LCAC), attached to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5, prepares to enter the well deck of Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. Third Fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Isaak Martinez)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Mar. 11, 2021) Members of the Italian Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) team are hoisted into an EH101 Merlin helicopter from the Italian Navy on board the Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4) in the Atlantic Ocean, Mar. 11, 2021. Hershel “Woody” Williams is operating in U.S. Sixth Fleet to conduct interoperability training and build strategic partnerships with their African partners. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric Coffer/Released)

210311-N-GW139-1798

March 15, 2021 VA Worker 0

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Mar. 11, 2021) Members of the Italian Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) team are hoisted into an EH101 Merlin helicopter from the Italian Navy on board the Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4) in the Atlantic Ocean, Mar. 11, 2021. Hershel “Woody” Williams is operating in U.S. Sixth Fleet to conduct interoperability training and [Read More …]

210306-N-CW190-1271 PACIFIC OCEAN (Mar. 6, 2021) A civilian AS332 Super Puma transports a mock F135 engine power module from Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4) to Nimitz-class nuclear aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during a vertical replenishment-at-sea (VERTREP). This exercise was the first aircraft carrier VERTREP of a mock F135 engine power module, which serves as the basis for the single engine of the F-35C Lightning II, the only single-engine fixed-wing jet onboard Vinson and the latest in the Joint Strike Fighter series. Vinson is currently underway conducting routine maritime operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mason Congleton/Released)

USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Conducts Mock F135 Engine Power Module Vertical Replenishment-at-Sea

March 14, 2021 VA Worker 0

210306-N-CW190-1271 PACIFIC OCEAN (Mar. 6, 2021) A civilian AS332 Super Puma transports a mock F135 engine power module from Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4) to Nimitz-class nuclear aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during a vertical replenishment-at-sea (VERTREP). This exercise was the first aircraft carrier VERTREP of a mock F135 engine power [Read More …]