THE TENSION: Combat Camera: USS Nimitz Departs San Diego on Deployment

SAN DIEGO (Jan. 24, 2008) C More than 5,000 Sailors depart with the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group on a surge deployment supporting U.S. military operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kathleen Gorby (Released)

SAN DIEGO (Jan. 24, 2008) Sailors man the rails aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) as the ship gets under way. More than 5,000 Sailors from the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group departed San Diego on a surge deployment in support of U.S. military operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kathleen Gorby (Released)

SAN DIEGO (Jan. 24, 2008) Sailors man the rails aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) as the ship gets underway. More than 5,000 Sailors from the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group departed San Diego on a surge deployment in support of U.S. military operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher D. Blachly (Released)

SAN DIEGO (Jan. 24, 2008) Sailors man the rails on the flight deck aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is deploying under the Navy's fleet response plan and will operate in the western Pacific Ocean in support of U.S. commitments in the region. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Omar A. Dominquez (Released)