SUEZ SHORE
The amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio transits through the Suez Canal, Egypt, Sept. 23, 2008. The USS San Antonio is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason R. Zalasky

Labels: 5th Fleet, Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group, photos, ships, Suez Canal, US Navy, USS San Antoinio

PERSIAN GULF (May 15, 2008) A plane captain assigned to the "Sun Kings" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 116 signals to the pilot of an E-2C Hawkeye as the aircraft is prepared for a mission on aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Lincoln is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility supporting maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Evans

Labels: 5th Fleet, Airborne Early Warning Squadron 116, CVN 72, photos, Sun Kings, US Navy, USS Abraham Lincoln, VAW 116

PACIFIC OCEAN (March 27, 2008) A shooter signals to the operator of one of four steam powered catapults as aircraft are launched from the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Lincoln and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 are on a seven-month deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Evans

Labels: 5th Fleet, CVN 72, CVW 2, photos, ships, US Navy, USS Abraham Lincoln

PERSIAN GULF (March 3, 2008) An Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) gives hand signals to the pilot of an AV-8B Harrier, assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron Reinforced (HMM) 166, during flight operations aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1). Tarawa is operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility to help deter destabilizing activities and safeguardi regional links to the global economy. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman David A. Brandenburg

Labels: 5th Fleet, aircraft, AV-8B, Harrier, HMM 16, LHA-1, photos, ships, US Navy, USMC, USS Tarawa