THE TENSION: Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group on Deployment

SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 3, 2007) - An F/A-18C Hornet, assigned to the “Fist of the Fleet” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 25, breaks the sound barrier while performing a supersonic flyby of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) during an air power demonstration. The air power demonstration was performed by Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 and featured participation from each of the eight squadrons assigned to CVW-14. Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is underway in support of operations in the western Pacific. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aaron Burden (RELEASED)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 3, 2007) - Sailors aboard the Nimitz-Class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) prepare for cycle of flight operations. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 embarked on Ronald Reagan is on a surge deployment in support of U.S. military operations in the area. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joe Painter (RELEASED)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 3, 2007) - An E-2C Hawkeye, from the “Black Eagles” of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113, performs a flyby over the flight deck of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) during an air power demonstration. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 performed the air power demonstration featuring an exhibition from all eight of the air wing’s squadrons. Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is underway in support of operations in the western Pacific. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John P. Curtis (RELEASED)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 3, 2007) - During an air power demonstration for the crew of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), an SH-60F Seahawk, assigned to the “Black Knights” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4, hovers while a member of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 11, Detachment 15, fast-ropes to the flight deck. The air power demonstration was performed by Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 and featured participation from each of the eight squadrons assigned to CVW-14. Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is underway in support of operations in the western Pacific. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aaron Burden (RELEASED)

PACIFIC OCEAN (March 30, 2007) - Lt. j.g. Frank Crouse debriefs flight deck personnel after a successful flight deck drill on board USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 are underway in support of operations in the western Pacific. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph M. Buliavac (RELEASED)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (March 28, 2007) - Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) comes alongside Military Sealift Command (MSC) ammunition ship USNS Kiska (T-AE 35) for an ordnance offloading evolution during Exercise Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration/Foal Eagle (RSOI/FE) 2007. Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is underway in support of operations in the western Pacific. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aaron Burden (RELEASED)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (March 28, 2007) - Commander United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command United States Forces Korea, Gen. B.B. Bell, left, watches the landing of an F/A-18E Super Hornet with a group of distinguished visitors (DV) and Republic of Korea nationals aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). The visit was scheduled to familiarize the group with aircraft carrier operations and to allow them to see the capabilities of Reagan. Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is underway in support of operations in the western Pacific. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Scott (RELEASED)