AIRCRAFT CARRIER PICS |
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U.S. Aircraft carriers are the mainstay of the US fleet and the principal capital vessels in the US Inventory. They are the US Navy's principle means of projecting conventional power through the use of their large aircraft wing. Note the RAM missile launchers on several of these pictures |
AIRCRAFT CARRIER DECK OPERATION PICS |
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U.S. aircraft carrier deck operations are extremely busy, complicated & dangerous. The different colored vests represent different job functions. Yellow controls the aircraft launch and recovery. Launch and landing (trapping) operations go on 24 hours per day in all weather conditions. |
AIRCRAFT PICS |
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The carrier air wing is its principal weapon, both offensive and defensive, though the vessel is protected by many other ships as well. The F-18E/F Super Hornet is the principle fighter & attack aircraft, but the F35 will soon make its appearance. The E2C AEW aircraft watches over all. |
OTHER MAJOR COMBATANT PICS |
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Many other vessels protect the carriers, including cruisers, destroyers, and submarines. Standard missiles are a key componet to that protection. In groups, or singly, these vessels also protect U.S. interests all around the world. The U.S also projects power through its submarine operations (which can also project strategic power) and large deck amphibious vessels using their embarked Marines, SEAL teams, helicopters, VSTOL jets, helicopters, and landing craft. All of them are supplied by U.S. logistics vessels which are the life blood of the fleet. |