THE TENSION: Combat Camera: Aboard USS George Washington, May 12, 2009

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 8, 2009) An F/A-18F Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102, the "Diamondbacks", performs a low approach to the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) to test radar alignment for precision approach landing certification. George Washington is conducting flight deck certification and carrier qualifications in the western Pacific Ocean after completing its first Selective Restricted Availability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tanner Lange.)

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 9, 2009) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Alexis Ferraiolo directs an EA-6B Prowler from the Gauntlets of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 136 aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington is conducting flight deck certification and carrier qualifications in the western Pacific Ocean after a Selective Restricted Availability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Christopher S. Harte.)

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 8, 2009) Air department officers, or Shooters, operate the catapult during no-load system testing aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington is conducting flight deck certification and carrier qualifications in the western Pacific Ocean after completing its first Selective Restricted Availability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua A. Olson.)

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 8, 2009) Fire Controlman 2nd Class Jaimee Locquino and Fire Controlman 3rd Class Matthew Levin assist in loading a RIM-7P NATO (RAM) Sea Sparrow missile aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington is conducting flight deck certification and carrier qualifications in the western Pacific Ocean after completing its first Selective Restricted Availability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua A. Olson.)

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 8, 2009) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 3rd Class Sam Keo gives a "thumbs up," signaling the catapult can be fired safely during no-load operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington is conducting flight deck certification and carrier qualifications in the western Pacific Ocean after completing its first Selective Restricted Availability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tanner Lange.)

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 7, 2009) Sailors participate in a detect and engage exercise in the Combat Direction Center aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington is conducting sea trials and carrier qualifications in the western Pacific Ocean after its first Selected Restricted Availability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Christopher S. Harte.)

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 7, 2009) Sailors validate the shipboard firefighting system during an Aqueous Film Forming Foam system test on the flight deck aboard of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) to qualify the flight deck for operations. George Washington is conducting sea trials and carrier qualifications in the western Pacific Ocean following its first Selected Restricted Availability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Rachel N. Clayton.)

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 4, 2009) Damage Controlman 3rd Class Steven Kramm, from San Antonio, approach an SH-60B helicopter from Light Helicopter Antisubmarine squadron (HSL) 51 during a smash and crash drill aboard the guided missile cruiser USS Cowpens (CG 63). Cowpens is assigned to the George Washington Strike Group/Commander, Task Force 70 and is currently on a scheduled underway. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brock A. Taylor.)

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 6, 2009) The aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) drops her port anchor during an anchor test. George Washington is underway conducting sea trials after completing a Selected Restricted Availability at Fleet Activities Yokosuka. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Rachel N. Clayton.)