THE TENSION: Combat Camera: Aboard USS Ronald Reagan, June 10, 2009

PACIFIC OCEAN (June 8, 2009) The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) steams through the Pacific Ocean while performing normal carrier operations. Ronald Reagan is on a routine deployment in the Western Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph M. Buliavac.)

PACIFIC OCEAN (June 6, 2009) A single F/A-18 Hornet breaks away from formation while passing above the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Thach (FFG 43) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Howard (DDG 83), USS Gridley (DDG 101) and USS Decatur (DDG 73) during a burial at sea ceremony held aboard Thach. The ceremony was in honor of Cmdr. (Ret.) Dale Simmons, a former wingman of Adm. Jimmy Thach, one of many heroes at the Battle of Midway. The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is underway on a routine deployment to the Western Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (AW) Joshua Scott.)

PACIFIC OCEAN (June 6, 2009) The guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43) steams toward the setting sun after concluding a burial at sea ceremony. The ceremony was in honor of retired Cmdr. Dale Simmons, a former wingman of Adm. Jimmy Thach, one of many heroes at the Battle of Midway. The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is underway on a routine deployment to the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Scott.)

PACIFIC OCEAN (June 4, 2009) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the "Eagles" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115 maneuvers on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is underway on a routine deployment to the Western Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Rosalie Garcia.)

PACIFIC OCEAN (June 4, 2009) An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to "Stingers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 13 launches from the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) during flight operations. Ronald Reagan is underway on a routine deployment to the Western Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Rosalie Garcia.)

PACIFIC OCEAN (June 3, 2009) Aviation Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Galen Hannah applies erosion film on the propeller blade of an E-2C Hawkeye assigned to the "Black Eagles" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113, aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is underway on a routine deployment to the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Torrey W. Lee.)

PACIFIC OCEAN (June 1, 2009) Newly sworn in Lt. j.g. Nick Casaletto, from Evansville, Ind., is soaked by Capt. K.J. Norton, commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) during the "wetting down" portion of the promotion ceremony aboard Ronald Reagan. Ronald Reagan is underway on a scheduled deployment to the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chad A. Bascom.)

PACIFIC OCEAN (June 1, 2009) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Alejandro Lopez, from Phoenix, controls the movement of a crash and salvage training jet during a flight deck drill aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). During an actual emergency, the most effective way to put out a fire may be to jettison aircraft. Ronald Reagan is underway on a routine deployment to the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Briana C. Brotzman.)

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 29, 2009) Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class David Castle watches as the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Yukon (T-AO 202) pulls alongside the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) for a replenishment at sea. Ronald Reagan is underway on a routine deployment to the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Torrey W. Lee.)

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 28, 2009) Interior Communications Electrician 3rd Class Joshua Smiley looks out on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) from the landing signal officer platform. As one of the few enlisted Sailors on the LSO platform, it is this rates job to maintain cameras that record flight recoveries so that pilots can review landings. Ronald Reagan is underway on a routine deployment to the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Torrey W. Lee.)

CORONADO, Calif. (May 28, 2009) Sailors man the rails as the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) departs Naval Air Station North Island for a scheduled deployment in the western Pacific Ocean. The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7 is deploying to support maritime security operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Rialyn Rodrigo.)