F/A-18E Super Hornet

ARABIAN SEA (March 28, 2011) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Knighthawks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136 launches from the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 are conducting close-air support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jared M. King/Released)

Space Shuttle Discovery

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Discovery appears to be a mirage as it jettisons its drag chute on Runway 15 at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Discovery's final return from space completed the 13-day, 5.3-million-mile STS-133 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 11:57:17 a.m., followed by nose gear touchdown at 11:57:28, and wheelstop at 11:58:14 a.m. On board are Commander Steve Lindsey, Pilot Eric Boe, and Mission Specialists Nicole Stott, Michael Barratt, Alvin Drew and Steve Bowen. Discovery and its six-member crew delivered the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the orbiting outpost. STS-133 was Discovery's 39th and final mission. This was the 133rd Space Shuttle Program mission and the 35th shuttle voyage to the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Tom Farrar

Delta II Rocket

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Technicians guide the first stage of the Delta II rocket that will carry NASA's Aquarius satellite into low Earth orbit onto the launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) in California. While the Delta II rocket is stacked on SLC-2, teams for NASA's Glory spacecraft and Orbital Sciences Taurus XL rocket are in launch preparation mode at Vandenberg's nearby Space Launch Complex 576-E. Scheduled to launch in June, Aquarius' mission will be to provide monthly maps of global changes in sea surface salinity. By measuring ocean salinity from space, Aquarius will provide new insights into how the massive natural exchange of freshwater between the ocean, atmosphere and sea ice influences ocean circulation, weather and climate. Also going up with the satellite are optical and thermal cameras, a microwave radiometer and the SAC-D spacecraft, which were developed with the help of institutions in Italy, France, Canada and Argentina. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB

USS Enterprise (CVN 65)

RED SEA (March 17, 2011) A shooter signals to the pilot of an F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Thunderbolts of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251 as it prepares to launch from catapult two aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 are on a routine deployment conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jared M. King/Released)

Air Force Photo

Master Sgt. Mike Milich tests the emergency oxygen systems aboard an MC-130P Combat Shadow March 16, 2011, at Kadena Air Base, Japan, prior to a supply-delivery flight to Sendai Airport, Japan. Sergeant Milich is assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Group. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jonathan Steffen)

USS Curtis Wilber (DDG 54)

PACIFIC OCEAN (March 18, 2011) The guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilber (DDG 54) is underway off the coast of Japan providing humanitarian assistance to Japan as directed in support of Operation Tomodachi. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Michael Feddersen/Released)

Space Shuttle Discovery

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Discovery's "towback" vehicle slowly pulls the spacecraft toward Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Discovery touched down on the Shuttle Landing Facility's Runway 15 at 11:57 a.m., bringing an end to its 39th and final spaceflight mission, STS-133. Discovery and its six-member STS-133 crew delivered the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the International Space Station. Inside the processing facility, Discovery will be prepared for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter

A Marine Corps Air Station Futenma-based CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), flies over the city here March 14 during Operation Tomodachi. Personnel with III MEF (Fwd) established a humanitarian assistance center here to assist the Government of Japan-led relief efforts following the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck mainland Japan March 11.


3/14/2011 By Gunnery Sgt. Leo A. Salinas

Paolo Uccello Painting

USS Makin Island (LHD 8) - Japan

PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 25, 2011) Soldiers from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, Western Army Infantry Regiment, approach the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) in rigid-hull inflatable boats. Marines and Japanese soldiers are participating in Exercise Iron Fist, a bilateral training exercise to enhance their amphibious knowledge. (U.S. Navy photo by Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Justin Joyner/Released)

Japanese Print

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76)

PACIFIC OCEAN (March 12, 2011) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) underway in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility. Ronald Reagan has been directed to Japan following a 8.9 earthquake and tsunami to render humanitarian assistance and disaster relief as directed. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Dylan McCord/Released)

Space Shuttle Discovery

Space Shuttle Discovery lifts off Feb. 24, 2011, from Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on its STS-133 mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Jonathan Gibson)

Photochrom

Birds

US Civil War Photo

Unidentified soldier in Union uniform with musket and bayonet in scabbard.