Friday, May 6, 2011

S-3B Viking

An S-3B Viking assigned to the “Shamrocks” of Sea Control Squadron Four One (VS-41) prepares to land at Naval Air Station Coronado. VS-41 will be disestablished on July 27, 2006. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Alan Warner)

S-3B Viking

An S-3B Viking assigned to the “Shamrocks” of Sea Control Squadron Four One (VS-41) launches from the flight deck aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The S-3B Viking is an all weather, carrier-based jet aircraft, providing protection against hostile surface combatants while also functioning as the Carrier Battle Groups’ primary overhead/mission tanker. The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is gradually replacing the Viking, with squadrons being disestablished as Super Hornet aircraft join the respective Air Wings. The Nimitz is currently underway off the coast of Southern California conducting sea trials after successfully completing a six-month Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) period. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Roland Franklin)

S-3B Viking

An Aircraft Launching Officer “Shooter” assigned to air department's launch and recover division, ducks after launching an S-3B Viking attached to the "Topcats" of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 31 from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74.) The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is on deployment in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO). (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul J. Perkins)

S-3B Viking

An S-3B Viking aircraft taxis down the runway after arriving at Eielson Air Force Base to participate in exercise Red Flag-Alaska. Red Flag Alaska is an Air Force level exercise to enable aviation units to sharpen their combat skills by flying ten simulated combat sorties in a realistic threat environment. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Griffin (RELEASED)

S-3B Viking

An S-3B Viking aircraft taxis down the runway after arriving at Eielson Air Force Base to participate in exercise Red Flag-Alaska. Red Flag Alaska is an Air Force level exercise to enable aviation units to sharpen their combat skills by flying ten simulated combat sorties in a realistic threat environment. (Photo: U.S. Air Force /Airman 1st Class Christopher Griffin)