Camp Lejeune, May 18,2005 - Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAV) storm the beaches of Camp Lejeune, N.C., during a capabilities exercise (CAPEX). The AAVs were from the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7). The enclosed aluminum-hull of the AAV carries up to 21 fully equipped Marines from the sea over land. The turret is mounted with a 12.7mm machine gun. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Julianne F. Metzger



Pacific Ocean, May 24, 2005 - Sailors assigned to Repair Locker Three prepare to enter a simulated fire-filled space during a general quarters (GQ) drill aboard the conventionally powered aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). GQ drills assist Sailors in maintaining standards of readiness, streamlining procedures and instilling habits of excellence during times of emergency. Currently under way in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), Kitty Hawk demonstrates power projection and sea control as the world's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, operating from Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Raul Quinones



Everett, WA, May 23, 2005 - Airman Jose Casillas of Redding, Calif., paints one of the ten retractable sheaves on the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). The sheaves allow the arresting wire to elongate for an arrested landing on the flight deck. Lincoln is currently undergoing a Planned Maintenance Availability Period while in port, Everett, Wash. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Jordon R. Beesley



Pacific Ocean, May 22, 2005 - An F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the "Black Aces" of Strike Fighter Squadron Four One (VFA-41), prepares to launch off the flight deck aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is currently on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Roland Franklin