THE TENSION: Combat Camera: Aboard USS Ronald Reagan; Oct. 9, 2008

GULF OF OMAN (Oct. 8, 2008) An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the "Fist of the Fleet" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 25 launches from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). The F/A-18C Hornet is an all-weather, attack aircraft that can also be used as a fighter. Ronald Reagan is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Scott.)

GULF OF OMAN (Oct. 7, 2008) Two Aviation Structural Mechanics collaborate on the wing of a F/A-18C Hornet, assigned to the "Fist of the Fleet" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 25, as they perform routine maintenance in the hangar bay of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility reassuring regional partners of the United States' commitment to security, which promotes stability and global prosperity. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Torrey W. Lee.)

GULF OF OMAN (Oct. 6, 2008) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class Michael Dominguez taxis an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the "Eagles" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115 on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. Operations in the NAVCENT area of operations are focused on reassuring regional partners of the United States' commitment to security, which promotes stability and global prosperity. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chelsea Kennedy.)

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan (Oct. 6, 2008) An F/A-18C assigned to the "Stingers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113 embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) refuels from an Air Force KC-10 tanker during a mission supporting British troops in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. Ronald Reagan is deployed to the U.S 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. Erik Etz.)

GULF OF OMAN (Sept. 29, 2008) Hull Maintenance Technician Fireman Wayne Worley demonstrates to his junior firemen how to weld on a sheet of aluminum in the welding shop aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Torrey W. Lee.)

GULF OF OMAN (Sept. 28, 2008) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the "Eagles" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115 launches from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). The F/A-18E provides the carrier strike group with a strike fighter that has significant growth potential and increased range currently deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Torrey W. Lee.)

GULF OF OMAN (Sept. 24, 2008) Scott Stapp, former lead singer of the band Creed, performs with his band on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph M. Buliavac.)

GULF OF OMAN (Sept. 19, 2008) Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) set the training barricade during flight deck drills. Ronald Reagan maintains three barricades used to perform emergency traps on all carrier-based aircraft. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chelsea Kennedy.)

GULF OF OMAN (Sept. 18, 2008) A plane captain, walks down the wing of an F/A-18C Hornet, assigned to the "Stingers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113, on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). A plane captain performs pre and post operation safety inspections, and maintains general cleanliness of the entire aircraft. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Torrey W. Lee.)

GULF OF OMAN (Sept. 17, 2008) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the "Eagles" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115, launches off the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility focusing on reassuring regional partners of the United States commitment to security, which promotes stability and global prosperity. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chelsea Kennedy.)

AFGHANISTAN (Sept. 27, 2008) An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the "Stingers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113 departs a tanker track in Southern Afghanistan to head back to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) while two other Hornets join a British Royal Air Force L-1011 aerial refueling aircraft. Ronald Reagan is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. Erik Etz.)