My Favorite 25 U.S. Navy Pics: 2009 Edition

MY FAVORITE 25 US NAVY PICTURES - 2009 ^ | 5 April 2009 | Jeff Head

[Jeff Head]

(Click on the pic thumbnail for a high res version)
AIRCRAFT CARRIER PICS
U.S. Aircraft carriers are the mainstay of the US fleet and the principle capital vessels in the US inventory. They are the US Navy's principle means of projecting conventional power through the use of their large aircraft wing and are protected by significant defensive weapons systems onboard, and an entire group of surface and sub-surface vessels that sail with them.
	AIRCRAFT CARRIER DECK OPERATION PICS
U.S. aircraft carrier deck operations are extremely busy, complicated & dangerous. The different colored vests represent different job functions. Yellow controls the aircraft launch and recovery. Launch and landing (trapping) operations go on 24 hours per day in all weather conditions.
	AIRCRAFT PICS
The carrier air wing is its principal weapon, both offensive and defensive, though the vessel is protected by many other ships as well. The F-18E/F Super Hornet is the principle fighter & attack aircraft, the EA6b provides electronic warfare, while E2C AEW aircraft watches over all.
	OTHER MAJOR COMBATANT PICS
Many other vessels comprise the US Navy combat fleet. Many of them protect the carriers, including cruisers, destroyers, and submarines. In groups, or singly, these vessels also protect U.S. interests all around the world. The U.S also projects power through its submarine operations (which can also project strategic power) and large deck amphibious vessels using their embarked Marines, SEAL teams, helicopters, VSTOL jets, helicopters, and landing craft. All of them are supplied by U.S. logistics vessels which are the life blood of the fleet.
	BONUS - R&D AND CONSTRUCTION
The US Navy continues to invest billions of dollars in new vessels and new aircraft. New carriers, new Amphibious Assault Vessels, new destroyers, new submrines, new aircraft, like the new EA-F!*G Growler shown here, and the two new Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) also shown here which are both now outfitting and undergoing trials.

[Jeff Head]

For those who follow US Navy matters, here's the 2009 edition of my favorite 25 pics, with a five pic R&D bonus.

[Jeff Head]

FYI.

[Reagan Man]

Neat stuff. Thanks Jeff.

[\/\/ayne]

I don’t know why but I love amphibious vehicles. They are just flat-out cool. I got a chance to look at one the Army had, but we didn’t use it for water. It was tasked to go into an NBC zone and run tests if we had to (because it could be sealed.) I wouldn’t want that job!

[Jeff Head]

No prob. Glad to do so. Been doing this particular project for the last three years. Check out the links at the site linked in the header of the thread for complete sites on Aircraft Carriers, AEGIS Vessels, and on Red China’s growing Navy.

[Loud Mime]

Envious bump = I photograph for USA Basketball; like to trade duties some time? ;^)

[Cheetahcat]

Hey Thanks a lot Way Way Cool!!!!!!!!!!

[umgud]

[Jeff Head]

Hehehe...mine’s a pure hobby.

[Jeff Head]

You’re very welcome.

[grey_whiskers]

One nitpick, Jeff...

Shouldn't that be "principal" not "principle"?

And I've always been a big fan of Prandtl-Glauert condensation myself...

Cheers!

[Jeff Head]

Here's a great pic from the well deck of a San Antonio class LPD.

Well Deck operations on a US San Antonio Class LPD

[Jeff Head]

Yes indeed...will fix on the main site. Thanks.

[tje]

The Navy gets all the cool toys...

[ProtectOurFreedom]

Awesome! Thanks for posting. I pray that the jerk in the WH doesn’t destroy our capabilities.

[PGalt]

Thanks for the pics, links, links, more links and analysis, Jeff. Very interesting, educational, enjoyable. BTTT!

[Jeff Head]

...and done.

[Jeff Head]

He most assuredly will cut back in all areas. Air force, Army programs, NAvy, etc.

[Jeff Gordon]

Have aircraft carriers taken up the sport of drifting?

[Jeff Head]

High speed turn test during requal after a stint in maintenance.