THE TENSION: Combat Camera: Persian Gulf Dual-Carrier Exercise, 27 Mar. 2007 Part 2

ARABIAN GULF (March 27, 2007) - An F/A 18F Super Hornet from the "Black Knights" of Strike Fighter Squadron 154 (VFA-154) breaks away from a formation of Super Hornets as it prepares to land on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSSG) and its air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9; and the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG) and its air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, are conducting a dual-carrier exercise. This marks the first time the Stennis and Eisenhower strike groups have operated together in a joint exercise while deployed to the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet. This exercise demonstrates the importance of both strike groups’ ability to plan and conduct dual task force operations as part of the U. S. long-standing commitment to maintaining maritime security and stability in the Arabian Gulf region. Official U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Josue Lepoldo Escobosa

ARABIAN GULF (March 27, 2007) - An S-3B Viking from the "Topcats" of Sea Control Squadron 31 (VS-31) launches from catapult two aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Stennis is participating a Dual Carrier Exercise in the Arabian Gulf with USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). As part of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group, Stennis entered the Arabian Gulf March 27 for the first time during its regularly scheduled deployments in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO). MSO help set the conditions for security and stability, as well as aid counter-terrorism and security efforts to regional nations. Official U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Denny Cantrell

ARABIAN GULF (March 27, 2007) - A flight deck director taxis an S-3B Viking from the "Topcats" of Sea Control Squadron 31 (VS-31) onto catapult two before launching from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Official U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Denny Cantrell

ARABIAN GULF (March 27, 2007) - A flight deck director from air department's launch and recovery division waits for the next taxiing aircraft to line up for take-off aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Official U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul J. Perkins

ARABIAN GULF (March 27, 2007) - Final checkers ensure an F/A-18C Hornet from the "Death Rattlers" of Marine Strike Fighter Squadron 323 (VFA-323) is safe and ready for flight prior to launching from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) during a Dual Carrier Exercise in the Arabian Gulf with USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Official U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul J. Perkins

ARABIAN GULF (March 27, 2007) - Final checkers ensure an F/A-18C Hornet from the "Death Rattlers" of Marine Strike Fighter Squadron 323 (VFA-323) is safe and ready for flight prior to launching from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Stennis is participating in a Dual Carrier Exercise in the Arabian Gulf with USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Official U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul J. Perkins

ARABIAN GULF (March 27, 2007) - Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Cruise McGuire mans a 50-caliber machine gun during a Force Protection Action watch aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Official U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul J. Perkins