THE TENSION: Combat Camera: Aboard USS Dwight D Eisenhower, March 16, 2009

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (March 12, 2009) The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), top, the guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69), center, and the French Navy destroyer Jean Bart (D615) transit the Mediterranean Sea. The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is underway for a scheduled deployment supporting the on-going rotation of forward-deployed forces to support maritime security operations and operate in international waters across the globe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Kenneth R. Hendrix.)

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (March 6, 2009) Rear Adm. Kurt W.Tidd, commander of Carrier Strike Group 8, takes a look at a newly-painted Navy Working Uniform styled A/S32A-31B tractor aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is underway for a scheduled deployment supporting the on-going rotation of forward-deployed forces to support maritime security operations and operate in international waters across the globe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Bradley Evans.)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 3, 2009) A Sailor aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) prepares to hook a replenishment sling to a helicopter during a vertical replenishment. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in support of the on-going rotation of forward-deployed forces to support maritime security operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Naval Air Crewman Kenneth Smith.)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Mar. 1, 2009) Sailors from Weapons department aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) prepare to load ordnance on aircraft for flight operations. The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment supporting the on-going rotation of forward-deployed forces to support maritime security operations and operate in international waters across the globe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Bradley Evans.)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Mar. 1, 2009) Aviation Structural Mechanic (Equipment) Airman Andrew Moore signals an F/A-18 Hornet from the "Rampagers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83 is ready for launch during flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment supporting the on-going rotation of forward-deployed forces to support maritime security operations and operate in international waters across the globe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Bradley Evans.)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 22, 2009) An F/A-18C Hornet from the "Wildcats" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA)-131 catapults off the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) during carrier qualifications. The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is supporting the on-going rotation of forward-deployed forces to support maritime security operations and operate in international waters across the globe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Seaman Apprentice Tony Bloom.)

NORFOLK (Feb. 21, 2009) Sailors man the rails on the fantail of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is supporting the on-going rotation of forward-deployed forces to support maritime security operations and operate in international waters across the globe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Ridge Leoni.)

NORFOLK (Feb. 21, 2008) The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) departs Naval Station Norfolk for a scheduled deployment as part of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group. The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is supporting the on-going rotation of forward-deployed forces to support maritime security operations and operate in international waters across the globe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Tyler J. Wilson.)

NORFOLK (Feb. 21, 2009) Sailors pull in the mooring lines on the fantail of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is supporting the on-going rotation of forward-deployed forces to support maritime security operations and operate in international waters across the globe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Ridge Leoni.)

NORFOLK (Feb. 21, 2009) Sailors man the rails aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) as the ship departs Naval Station Norfolk. The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is supporting the on-going rotation of forward-deployed forces to support maritime security operations and operate in international waters across the globe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth R. Hendrix.)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 24, 2009) Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 3rd Class David Bellows, assigned to the "Nightdippers" of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 5 performs maintenance on a .50-caliber crew-served weapon aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) during the Carrier Strike Group 8 Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX). COMPTUEX is a training exercise to test capabilities and ensure readiness before a deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Holly Whitfill.)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 22, 2009) An F/A-18F Super Hornet from the "Jolly Rogers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103 embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) performs a training sortie during the Carrier Strike Group 8 Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX). COMPTUEX is a training exercise to test capabilities and ensure readiness before a deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Lieutenant Marques Jackson.)