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Striking Images Of Life On A Navy Aircraft Carrier

Daniel Mercer · Updated January 13, 2020 · 11 min read
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Sailors performing maintenance on F/A-18F Super Hornets aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt
Daniel Mercer
Daniel Mercer

Military History Editor

Daniel Mercer writes about military history with a focus on the 20th century, including World War II, the Cold War, and Vietnam. His work looks at how decisions made decades ago still influence doctrine, planning, and assumptions today.

Air force aircraft carrier images

The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) transits the Pacific Ocean. The ship’s carrier strike group is on a western Pacific deployment as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet-led initiative to extend the command and control functions of U.S. 3rd fleet.

Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Tom Tonthat, U.S. Navy

The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) transits the Pacific Ocean.  These aircraft carrier images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

Aircraft carrier machine gun

A Phalanx Close-In Weapons System (CWIS) fires rounds during a live-fire exercise on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is currently underway conducting Fleet Replacement Carrier Qualifications.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Ian M. Kinkead, U.S. Navy

A Phalanx Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) fires rounds during a live-fire exercise on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

Aircraft carrier Captain

Capt. Todd Marzano, executive officer of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), watches flight operations from the bridge. The ship is underway conducting fleet replacement squadron carrier qualifications.

Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Claypool, U.S. Navy

Capt. Todd Marzano, executive officer of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), watches flight operations from the bridge.

Aircraft Carrier Maneuverability

The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) steams in the Pacific Ocean while conducting carrier qualifications. Commissioned in 1975, Nimitz is the oldest carrier in the fleet, and first in the Nimitz-class of carriers.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Siobhana McEwen, U.S. Navy

The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) steams in the Pacific Ocean while conducting carrier qualifications. Commissioned in 1975, Nimitz the first in the Nimitz-class of carriers.

Sailmen leaving aircraft carrier

Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) conduct small boat operations. Nimitz is currently undergoing the Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) leading up to a 2017 deployment.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Deanna Gonzales, U.S. Navy

Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) conduct small boat operations. These aircraft carrier images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

Aircraft Carrier Captain watch

Capt. Will Pennington, commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), observes line handling evolutions as the ship departs from Naval Station Norfolk. The aircraft carrier is deploying as part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation.

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Patrick Ian Crimmins, U.S. Navy

Capt. Will Pennington, commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), observes line handling evolutions as the ship departs from Naval Station Norfolk.

Aircraft Carrier fire range

Lt. Rob Razzano picks up empty 9mm rounds after participating in a live-fire exercise aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). GHWB, part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group, is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Christopher Gaines, U.S. Navy

Lt. Rob Razzano picks up empty 9mm rounds after participating in a live-fire exercise aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush. (CVN 77).

Air force carrier Sailors

Sailors man the rails of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) as the ship arrives Busan, Republic of Korea. The ship and its carrier strike group is on a western Pacific deployment as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet-led initiative to extend the command and control functions of U.S. 3rd Fleet.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Sean Castellano, U.S. Navy

Sailors man the rails of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) as the ship arrives Busan, Republic of Korea.

Aircraft carrier Images Helicopter load

SUEZ CANAL (March 10, 2017) The guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) transits the Suez Canal alongside the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). The ship and its carrier strike group are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mario Coto, U.S. Navy

The guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) transits the Suez Canal alongside the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77).  These aircraft carrier images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

Golf Aircraft carrier

Damage Controlman 2nd Class Calum Jacobs hits a golf ball off the fantail of the guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) during a steel beach picnic. Porter is forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.

Seaman Ford Williams, U.S. Navy

Damage Controlman 2nd Class Calum Jacobs hits a golf ball off the fantail of the guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) during a steel beach picnic.

Aircraft carrier cleaners

Sailors scrub down the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests. This image uses selective focus to enhance the subject.

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Patrick Ian Crimmins, U.S. Navy

Sailors scrub down the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush. 

Navy men setting up

Sailors prepare to conduct flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). The ship and its carrier strike group is on a western Pacific deployment as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet-led initiative to extend the command and control functions of U.S. 3rd Fleet.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Sean Castellano, U.S. Navy

Sailors prepare to conduct flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson.

Navy Aircraft carrier images side

The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) transits the Pacific Ocean. The ship’s carrier strike group is on a western Pacific deployment as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet-led initiative to extend the command and control functions of U.S. 3rd fleet.

Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Tom Tonthat, U.S. Navy

The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) transits the Pacific Ocean.  These aircraft carrier images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

Aircraft carrier kitchen

Lt. Jared Gibson, an inspector from the Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV), conducts a galley inspection aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The ship is undergoing INSURV in preparation for an upcoming deployment.

Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cole Schroeder, U.S. Navy

Lt. Jared Gibson, an inspector from the Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV), conducts a galley inspection aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

Missiles for Aircraft carrier

Sailors move ordnance aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). The ship's carrier strike group is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet areas of operation in support of U.S. national security interests.

Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Kyle A. Moore, U.S. Navy

Sailors move ordnance aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77).

Aircraft carrier seamen rope pull

Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) heave a line as the ship arrives onboard Naval Station Rota, Spain. Donald Cook is forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.

Seaman Alyssa Weeks, U.S. Navy

Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook heave a line as the ship arrives onboard Naval Station Rota, Spain.

Seamen aircraft carrier images hammock

Lt. Cmdr. Adam Borsman lays in a hammock on the tactical air navigation platform aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) while transiting the Suez Canal. The ship and its carrier strike group are deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

Seaman Daniel Gaither, U.S. Navy

Lt. Cmdr. Adam Borsman lays in a hammock on the tactical air navigation platform aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) while transiting the Suez Canal. These aircraft carrier images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

Captains tower aircraft carrier

The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) transits the Suez Canal. The ship and its carrier strike group are deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael B. Zingaro, U.S. Navy

The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) transits the Suez Canal.

aircraft carrier side flight

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 2nd Class Terrance Rayford, a native of Little Rock, Ak., acts as a deck edge operator during flight operations on the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is currently underway conducting Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications.

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Holly L. Herline, U.S. Navy

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Terrance Rayford, a native of Little Rock, Ak., acts as a deck edge operator during flight operations on the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz.

Flight Observer

Seaman Alijeah Balisacan, of Waipahu, Hawaii, stands the forward lookout watch on the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is on a regularly scheduled Western Pacific deployment as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet-led initiative to extend the command and control functions of U.S. 3rd Fleet. U.S Navy aircraft carrier strike groups have patrolled the Indo-Asia-Pacific regularly and routinely for more than 70 years.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Sean Castellano, U.S. Navy

Seaman Alijeah Balisacan, of Waipahu, Hawaii, stands the forward lookout watch on the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson.

Navy men Close arms training aircraft carrier images

Sailors participate in a non-lethal weapons certification course in the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) hangar bay. The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is on a regularly scheduled Western Pacific deployment as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet-led initiative to extend the command and control functions of U.S. 3rd Fleet. U.S Navy aircraft carrier strike groups have patrolled the Indo-Asia-Pacific regularly and routinely for more than 70 years.

Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jake Cannady, U.S. Navy

Sailors participate in a non-lethal weapons certification course in the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson hangar bay.  These aircraft carrier images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

Aircraft carrier machine gun

Gunner's Mate 3rd Class Daniel Collier fires a .50 caliber machine gun as part of a training exercise on board the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests.

Seaman Danny Nunez, U.S. Navy

Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Daniel Collier fires a .50 caliber machine gun as part of a training exercise on board the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77).

Aircraft carrier sunset

The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) transits the Atlantic Ocean. GHWB is underway conducting a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) with the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group in preparation for an upcoming deployment.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin Yarborough, U.S. Navy

The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) transits the Atlantic Ocean.

Aircraft carrier kitchen

Culinary Specialist Seaman Brandon Gonterman prepares lunch in the Wardroom 3 galley on board the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests.

Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Tristan B. Lotz, U.S. Navy

Culinary Specialist Seaman Brandon Gonterman prepares lunch in the Wardroom 3 galley on board the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77).

Air man directing on aircraft carrier images

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Handling 3rd Class Sarah Melendez directs the crew of an E-2C Hawkeye early warning and control aircraft assigned to the “Black Eagles” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). The ship and its carrier strike group is on a western Pacific deployment as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet-led initiative to extend the command and control functions of U.S. 3rd Fleet.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew Brown, U.S. Navy

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Handling 3rd Class Sarah Melendez directs the crew of an E-2C Hawkeye early warning and control aircraft assigned to the “Black Eagles” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). These aircraft carrier images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

Aircraft carrier air men

Sailors prepare for flight operations on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike). Ike is currently conducting aircraft carrier qualifications during the sustainment phase of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan (OFRP).

Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Zachary A Sleeper, U.S. Navy

Sailors prepare for flight operations on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike).

Aircraft carrier gym

ailors use exercise equipment in one of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) fitness centers. The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled western Pacific deployment as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet-led initiative to extend the command and control functions of U.S. 3rd Fleet. U.S Navy aircraft carrier strike groups have patrolled the Indo-Asia-Pacific regularly and routinely for more than 70 years.

Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jake Cannady, U.S. Navy

Sailors use exercise equipment in one of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) fitness centers.

You might also like these powerful images of the USS Zumwalt. 

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