F/A-18E Super Hornet

140924-N-EH855-056 PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 24, 2014) An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 prepares to launch from the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Bryan Mai/Released)

F/A-18E Super Hornet Landing on the USS Nimitz

U.S 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Oct. 5, 2013) An F/A-18E Super Hornet prepares to land on the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) after participating in an air power demonstration. The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Preston Paglinawan/Released)

F/A-18E Super Hornet

EAST CHINA SEA (Nov. 14, 2012) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Dambusters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195 flies over the East China Sea during exercise Keen Sword 2013. Keen Sword is a biannual exercise held to enable the United States and Japan to train in coordination procedures and heighten interoperability needed to effectively defend Japan or respond to a crisis in the Asia-Pacific region. The U.S. Navy is constantly deployed to preserve peace, protect commerce, and deter aggression through forward presence. Join the conversation on social media using #warfighting. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Colin Crawford/Released)

F/A-18E Super Hornet & EA-6B Prowler

PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 11, 2012) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Argonauts of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) as an EA-6B Prowler assigned to the Gray Wolves of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142 is prepared for launch. Nimitz is currently underway participating in the shipís joint task force exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacquelyn D. Childs/Released)

F/A-18E Super Hornet

ARABIAN SEA (July 2, 2012) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Kestrels of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137 launches from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Lincoln is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and combat flight operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Carlos M. Vazquez II/Released)

F/A-18E Super Hornet

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 31, 2011) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 81 deploys flares alongside the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during an air power demonstration. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Evans/Released)

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)

F/A-18E Super Hornet

AFGHANISTAN (March 9, 2010) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Pukin Dogs of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143 embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) refuels from an Air Force KC-10 tanker aircraft over the Kjaki Dam in Afghanistan. The strike fighter squadron is part of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group deploymed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Ben Stickney/Released)

F/A-18E Super Hornet

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).

This US Navy photo is public domain.

F/A-18E Super Hornet

An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the "Tophatters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14 launches from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

This photo is public domain.

F/A-18E Super Hornet

F/A-18E Super Hornet

F/A-18E Super Hornet

F/A-18E Super Hornet

An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the "Kestrels" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137, launches from Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Lincoln and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 are participating in Composite Training Unit Exercise off the coast of Southern California.