CVN-70 is named after US Congressman Carl Vinson (1883–1981). A Representative from Georgia, he was elected as a Democrat to the 63rd Congress and reelected to the 64th and to the 24 succeeding Congresses—he served from November 3, 1914, to January 3, 1965. Vinson was Chairman, Committee on Naval Affairs (1931–1946), and Committee on Armed Services (1949–1952 and 1955–1964). Few men in American history have made so profound an impact on the nation's defenses.

USS Carl Vinson was the first USN ship named for a living American since about 1800. When she was launched, March 15, 1980, Congressman Carl Vinson became the first person in the history of the United States to witness a launching in his honor.

The Hon. Carl Vinson and the ship's sponsor, Mrs. Charles T. Snead, visit the christening site prior to christening day.

Christening Progam, Saturday, 15 March 1980.

Carl Vinson at the christening ceremony. Also in the picture are Mrs. Snead and Ed Campbell, then the President of Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company.

A shot of the crowd at the ceremony.

Mrs. Snead christens the ship as Chairman Vinson looks on.

Balloon release after the christening.

Carl Vinson (CVN-70) is towed from the dry dock after christening.

A postmarked christening cachet signed by Congressman Vinson and Mrs. Snead.

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) underway off the Virginia coast during sea trials, 26 January 1982.

PCU Carl Vinson (CVN-70) underway on her sea trials in January 1982. Note that she has only a couple of SH-3 Sea King helicopters aboard.

PCU Carl Vinson photographed in January 1982 during speed trials. She is still fitted with the SPS-43A radar system. Carl Vinson was the first of the Nimitz-class carriers to be equipped with four Mk.15 Phalanx CIWS. USN photo.

Text from Aircraft Carriers of the U.S. Navy, by Stefan Terzibaschitsch.

A McDonnell-Douglas F-4S Phantom II from Fighter Squadron (VF) 74 "Be-Devilers" intercepts a Soviet Tupolev Tu-95 (NATO reporting code Bear D) about 70 km off the coast of the U.S. State of Virginia. The F-4S was escorting the Cuba-based Tu-95, which had just penetrated the U.S. air defense zone to aerially view sea trials of the (then) new nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70). Photo by LT Ronald Callaway, USN, dated 26 January 1982.

This Phantom II is probably BuNo 157309, modex AA104, part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, USS Forrestal (CV-59), then moored at Mayport, Florida.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, National Archives Identifier 6350657, Local Identifier 330-CFD-DN-SN-82-03876.jpeg.

A port beam view of USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) shortly after she commissioned, at Newport News, Virginia, on 15 March 1982. Jim Hemeon, Department of Defense (Navy) Photo No. DN-SN-82-05680.

YF/A-18A Hornet, BuNo 160777, Full-Scale Development (FSD) aircraft #3, conducted a second series of sea trials aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), March–April 1982, in the Atlantic Ocean.

See also NS0266ba and NS0262av.

An F-14A Tomcat from Fighter Squadron (VF) 84 "Jolly Rogers" waits behind the blast deflector panels as a squadron mate prepares for launching during flight operations aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70). An A-7E Corsair II from Attack Squadron (VA) 82 "Marauders" is ready for launch on the port catapult. Both squadrons were assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, temporarily embarked aboard Carl Vinson during the aircraft carrier's Refresher Training (REFTRA) period.

Photo is dated 15 June 1982, but Carl Vinson was moored at Norfolk, VA, on that date. Actual date must be between 7 May and 4 June, during REFTRA.

Defense Media Activity Center (DMA) photo, by PH3 Dostie, # DN-ST-84-11502.

Photos by Marius Bar, Toulon, France.

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) at anchor off Monaco, on 3 April 1983, during her global circumnavigation. The separate mast now supports an SPS-49 radar. Aircraft from CVW-15 are assembled on the flight deck. Note the port side antenna group for ECCM purposes, belonging to the SLQ-17 system, suspended well outboard near catapults Nos. 3 and 4. As in Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), Carl Vinson was at the time equipped with only one Van Horn bridle retrieval catcher for catapult No.1. Photo courtesy of Pradignac et Leo.

Image scanned from from Aircraft Carriers of the U.S. Navy, by Stefan Terzibaschitsch.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History and Heritage Command (# NH 106557).

Sea Shadow (IX-529) about to enter the Hughes Mining Barge (HMB-1) at NAS Alameda, California, date unknown. USS Arkansas (CGN-41), left, and USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) are also visible in the photo.

A fuzzy image of USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) taken at Yokosuka, Japan, on 10 December 1984, during her first WESTPAC deployment. Photo courtesy of L & L van Ginderen.

Scanned from Aircraft Carriers of the U.S. Navy, by Stefan Terzibaschitsch.

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) passes under the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco Bay, 12 October 1985, during Fleet Week '85 activities.

Photo by PH2 David A. Dostie, available from Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (# DN-SC-86-03246).

A C-2A Greyhound aircraft launches from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) in the Pacific Ocean, 1986.

This aircraft, BuNo 148148 (modex RW-30), was one of two W2F-1 Hawkeyes modified as C-2A flight prototypes in 1964. Here, it was assigned to Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 "Providers."

U.S. Navy photo by PHAN Charles R. Solseth, USN.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 330-CFD-DN-SC-86-05807.

"Sundowners" F-14A Tomcat NL200 (BuNo 162594) intercepts a Tu-95 Bear during USS Carl Vinson's 1986–87 deployment that included Bering Sea operations. Shadowing the pair is an EA-6B Prowler from VAQ-134, also assigned to CVW-15. The Tomcat's canopy rails bear the names of CAPTs Ron "Zap" Zlatoper and Lyle "Ho Chi" Bien, senior CAG and deputy CAG of CVW-15. Photo via Henk van der Lugt.

From VF-11/111 "Sundowners" 1942–95 (Aviation Elite Units #36), by Barrett Tillman.

An aerial starboard bow view of USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) underway in the Indian Ocean, 14 December 1986. U.S. Navy photo by PH2 J.P. Protz (#DN-SC-87-06454).

Undated (apparently late 1980s–early 90s) photo of USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) passing under the San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge.

Library of Congress photo (reproduction # HAER CAL,38-SANFRA,141—25).

"'Sundown 205' tanks during Carl Vinson Bering Sea operations between August 1986 and February 1987. CVW-15 Tomcats carried a variety of markings during this period in an attempt to spoof Soviet aircraft and trawlers that were monitoring their operations. These markings included the application of different tail codes, as seen here." Photo via Henk van der Lugt.

Photo and text from VF-11/111 "Sundowners" 1942–95 (Aviation Elite Units #36), by Barrett Tillman.

MD-3A tow tractors are brought out to move F-14A Tomcats that are parked on the snow-covered flight deck of USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), on 21 January 1987.

DANFS noted: "Sailing from Singapore on 11 January, the ship crossed the Pacific and participated in Operations Kernal Potlach 87-1 (24–28 January) and Safe Haven (25 January) in the Bering Sea (23–28 January). En route Carl Vinson's aircraft practiced bombing at Scarborough Shoals in the Philippines (13 January) and at Tori-Shima (16 January). Despite frequent storms of ice and 'blinding snow' which completely covered the flight deck, temperatures that averaged 20° to 36° F—and dropped to as low as 10°—,winds of up to 40 to 60 knots and seas which sent the ship through pitching excursions of 19 feet, the crew persevered and supported amphibious and air landings at Adak and Shemya in the Aleutian Islands. The Engineering Department rigged steam hoses and lances to clear the flight deck for handling aircraft, however, the ship noted that jet exhaust from Intruder's proved the most effective way to clear snow and ice. Battle Group Charlie Northern Pacific Group received the Meritorious Unit Commendation for these grueling exercises. In addition to the weather they completed these operations in 'the midst of heightened and continuous Soviet air reconnaissance,' notes the citation, 'as severe a test of true combat readiness as any carrier battle group had ever encountered.' More than 10,000 sailors and marines and 14 ships participated in the exercises."

Photo by PH3 Solseth, Department of Defense (Navy) Photo No. DN-SC-87-06460.

Aircraft, front to back, are: BuNo 161144 (NL211), VF-111 "Sundowners;" BuNo 160681 (NL106), VF-51 "Screaming Eagles;" BuNo 160666 (NL201), VF-111; and BuNo 161152 (NL212), VF-111.

BuNo 162594 joined VF-111 "Sundowners" from VF-124 "Gunfighters" in 1988 and remained with the unit through to September 1992. During that time VF-111, part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 15, tail code "NL," made three deployments aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70)—15 June–16 December 1988, 18 September–8 November 1989, and 1 February–31 July 1990—and one aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63)—1 April–11 December 1991. BuNo 162594 later served with VF-21 "Freelancers" and VF-154 "Black Knights" in Japan, before returning to NAS Oceana, Virginia, in 1998 for assignment to VF-101 "Grim Reapers." The jet crashed near Key West, FL, on 3 October 2002 while still with VF-101, the F-14 Fleet Replacement Squadron—both crew members ejected safely. (CDR Tom Twomey.)

Photos and partial text from VF-11/111 "Sundowners" 1942–95 (Aviation Elite Units #36), by Barrett Tillman.

As the sun sets over the Persian Gulf the last F-14A Tomcat[, from VF-111 "Sundowners,"] touches down on aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70). Now the aircrews can rest, but the maintenance crews day is just starting. US Dod Photo.

Photo and text from Carriers: The Men and The Machines, by David Miller and Lindsay Peacock.

In an image taken by a Tactical Aerial Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS) on a U.S. Navy Grumman F-14A Tomcat of Fighter Squadron (VF) 111 flown by the crew of Lieutenant Commander Rice and Lieutenant Old, the aircraft carriers USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70)—right center— and USS Enterprise (CVN-65), the battleships USS New Jersey (BB-62) and USS Missouri (BB-63), and their American and Japanese consorts (among them the nuclear-powered guided-missile cruiser USS Long Beach (CGN-9) and command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19)) pictured underway, 14 October 1989. Forming the Seventh Fleet Battle Force, the ships were participating in PACEX 1989. This was a 48-ship formation, the largest allied naval battle force assembled in the Northern Pacific since World War II.

A starboard bow view of USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) underway at high speed off the coast of southern California, with Carrier Air Wing 14 (CVW-14) aboard, October 1993.

Official U.S. Navy photo by PH3 David C. Lloyd.

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) and aircraft of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14, circa 1994. Bottom to top, left to right: A-6E Intruder, BuNo 159900, modex NK500, VA-196 "Main Battery;" F-14D Tomcat, (BuNo 163904?), NK100, VF-11 "Red Rippers;" EA-6B Prowler, BuNo 163531, NK621, VAQ-139 "Cougars;" S-3B Viking, (BuNo 159729?), NK700, VS-35 "Blue Wolves;" F/A-18C Hornet, (BuNo 164633?), NK400, VFA-25 "Fist of the Fleet;" F-14D Tomcat, (BuNo 164340?), NK200, VF-31 "Tomcatters;" F/A-18C Hornet, (BuNo ??), NK302, VFA-113 "Stingers;" and E-2C Hawkeye, BuNo 164353, NK600, VAW-113 "Black Eagles."

An aerial view of Battle Group 94 underway near Australia, circa July 1994. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) is shown with some of the accompanying ships of the Battle Group. Clockwise from the left: the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS Asheville (SSN-758), the nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser USS Arkansas (CGN-41), the fast combat support ship USS Camden (AOE-2), the guided missile frigate USS Reuben James (FFG-57), and the guided missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG-54).

Official U.S. Navy photo by PH2 David Lloyd. Available from Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (# DN-SC-95-00476).

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), NS Pearl Harbor, HI, mid-1990s.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) underway at sunset, location and date unknown (possibly mid-1990s).

Official U.S. Navy photo.

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) underway, mid-1990s.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

Off Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii, Summer 1995. Carl Vinson transported about a dozen WW2-vintage aircraft from San Diego to Hawaii for the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

A photo of the island of USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), taken in San Francisco during Fleet Week '95, 5–8 October.

A Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) flies above the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) on a simulated Navy aerial reconnaissance flight off the coast of southern California on Dec. 5, 1995. The Predator provides near, real-time infrared and color video to intelligence analysts and controllers on the ground and the ship. This was the Predator's first maritime mission with a carrier battle group. The UAV was launched from San Nicholas Island off the coast of southern California. DoD photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jeffrey S. Viano, U.S. Navy (# 951205-N-3149J-004).

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Jul. 6, 1998 — USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) glides past symbols of the beginning and end of World War II. The carrier passes the battleship Missouri on which the Japanese surrender was signed and the Arizona Memorial commemorating the attack on Pearl Harbor which launched the U.S. into the war.

Carl Vinson was participating in RIMPAC '98. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Chris Holloway.

F/A-18C Hornet BuNo 163988, modex NH403, VFA-94 "Mighty Shrikes," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70). Persian Gulf, 27 December 1998. U.S. Navy photo (# 981227-N-8607B-001).

F/A-18C Hornet BuNo 164018, modex NH303, VFA-22 "Fighting Redcocks," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70). Persian Gulf, 27 December 1998. U.S. Navy photo (# 981227-N-8607B-002).

Aviation Electrician 3rd Class (AE3) David Grant (left) and AE3 William Lee work on the pilot test unit of an E-2C Hawkeye of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117 on board USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), in support of Operation Southern Watch, 2 January 1999.

U.S. Navy photo by PHAN Jose Cordero (# 990102-N-ZL224-003). Available from Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (id.: DN-SD-03-12104).

Persian Gulf, Mar. 9, 1999 — An F/A-18 Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron Nine Four (VFA-94) lowers its tailhook to signal it's ready for landing on board USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70). U.S. Navy Photo by Lieut. Steve Lightstone (# 9903009-N-3405L-013).

The Pacific Ocean, Jul. 30, 2001 — The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) transits the Pacific Ocean on a scheduled six-month deployment to the Western Pacific and Persian Gulf regions. U.S. Navy Photo by Chief Photographer's Mate Daniel Smith. (Photo # 010730-N-6234S-004).

USS Enterprise (CVN-65), upper, and USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), lower, meet briefly in the waters of the Persian Gulf region, 16 September 2001. Both ships were on regularly scheduled deployments in support of Operation Southern Watch. Enterprise was extended in the region following terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C. U.S. Navy photo by Photographers Mate 3rd Class Douglas Pearlman (# 010916-N-6259P-001).

At sea in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Oct. 12, 2001 — USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) and the fast combat support ship USS Sacramento (AOE-1) steam side-by-side during a routine replenishment at sea (RAS). U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Carol Warden. (Photo # 011012-N-5884W-001).

Operation Enduring Freedom, Dec. 20, 2001 — The guided missile destroyer USS O'Kane (DDG-77) takes on fuel from USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) during a refueling at sea (RAS). During this operation, Carl Vinson resupplied O'Kane with 135,000 gallons of fuel. To save money as well as to simplify supply efforts, the Navy ships and aircraft use the same type of fuel. U S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Carol Warden. (Photo # 011220-N-5884-003).

Jan. 8, 2002 — USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) renders honors as she passes by the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The Carl Vinson and her battle group were stopping in Hawaii for a port visit before returning home after completing a regularly scheduled deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy Photo by Chief Photographer's Mate Daniel E. Smith. (Photo # 020108-N-6234S-036).

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) moors at Naval Air Station North Island's carrier pier, 19 January 2002, after returning from a six-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier was on her way home to Bremerton, Wash., and stopped in San Diego to drop off embarked airwing personnel. U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Anthony C. Casullo (#020119-N-1644C-001).

The flight deck of USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) resembles a patchwork quilt as sections of the non-skid are replaced at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, WA, 15 July 2002. During Operation Enduring Freedom Carl Vinson's flight deck crew launched and recovered 4,200 combat sorties. Carl Vinson was homeported at Naval Station Bremerton, WA, and was conducting a Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) period to install new technology and extend the operational capability of the ship. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Inez Lawson (# 020715-N-7265L-010).

San Diego, Calif., Sept. 30, 2002 — An aerial view of San Diego Harbor with four of the Navy's aircraft carriers moored at the Naval Air Station, North Island. The carriers are (from left) USS Constellation (CV-64), USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74). It is rare to have this many carriers in port at any one time. U.S. Navy photo (# 020930-N-7265L-001) by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Inez Lawson.

The Eastern Pacific Ocean, Oct. 2, 2002 — This F/A-18C Hornet from the "Mighty Shrikes" of Strike Fighter Squadron Nine Four (VFA-94) was the first aircraft to land on the flight deck of USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) since the ship completed a scheduled maintenance up-keep. The aircraft is seen about to catch the #3 wire, the arresting cable the pilots aim for in a space of deck about 80 feet long, at about 135 knots. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Inez Lawson. (021002-N-7265L-001)

Naval Station Bremerton, Wash, Oct. 24, 2002 — Early morning fog sets across the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) before her scheduled underway period later in the morning. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Martin S. Fuentes. (Photo # 021024-N-5555F-001).

Off the West Coast, Oct. 31, 2002 — An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the "Rough Raiders" of Strike Fighter Squadron One Two Five (VFA-125) is illuminated by red lights during "darken ship" as flight operations conclude for the day. "Darken ship" is a security measure used to reduce visibility of the ship. Because light is visible from miles away, darken ship is observed by those topside and involves the elimination of any type of light. Topside doors and hatches are closed, ports are blacked out, smoking is forbidden. During darken ship, flashlights or lanterns with red lens covers can be used if necessary. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Chris M. Valdez. (Photo # 021031-N-0905V-003).

The Pacific Ocean, Nov. 7, 2002 — Upon departing from San Diego, the crew of USS Carl Vinson and crew members from the newly assigned Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW-9) team-up for a Foreign Object Damage (FOD) walk down prior to recovering the air wing's aircraft. FOD walk downs are conducted to remove solid objects from the ship's flight deck that might cause damage to aircraft engines during flight operations. U.S Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Bob Meeker. (021107-N-9236M-001).

The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) pulled into Pearl Harbor Jan 31, 2003. The visit followed two weeks of sustainment training, which the carrier conducted with her accompanying battle group in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist Chief Gerard J. Sekerak.

The Western Pacific Ocean, Feb. 10, 2003 — The guided missile frigate USS Ingraham (FFG-61) takes on fuel from the starboard side of the fast combat support ship USS Sacramento (AOE-1) while the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson receives cargo via Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP) during a Replenishment at Sea (RAS). U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Dustin Howell (030210-N-3241H-122).

The Pacific Ocean, Feb. 19, 2003 — Aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW-9) in formation, perform a fly-by. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Carol Warden (030219-N-5884W-028).

An EA-6B Prowler (BuNo 158544, modex NG-502) assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138 "Yellow Jackets" performs a fly-by during flight operations conducted aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), 19 February 2003. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier was conducting operations in the Pacific Ocean.

U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Martin S. Fuentes (# 030219-N-5555F-061).

Santa Rita, Guam, Mar. 1, 2003 — The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) pulls out of Apra Harbor following her first ever port call to the island. Carl Vinson and her embarked Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW-9) were on deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Nathanael T. Miller (030301-N-7293M-095).

An S-2B of the "World Famous and Internationally Traveled Screwbirds" (VS-33 squadron) gets ready to take off from the number 3 cat aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), 27 April 2003.

The Pacific Ocean, May 17, 2003 — The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) steams away from Mount Suribachi and the island of Iwo Jima, Japan. During World War II this island was the site of a significant naval amphibious assault, where on February 19, 1945, over 30,000 U.S. Marines and Sailors went ashore facing heavily fortified Japanese forces. U.S. casualties included over 8,700 combat deaths and over 19,000 wounded. 22,000 Japanese perished during the heated battle. The Carl Vinson Strike force departed Bremerton in mid-January. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Inez Lawson. (030517-N-7265L-141).

Philippine Sea, Jun. 8, 2003 — USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) turns into the wind at the beginning of flight operations. The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Force would remain in the Western Pacific while the forward-deployed USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) underwent maintenance in order to maintain a responsible defensive posture in the region. U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Chris M. Valdez (030608-N-3241H-043).

Singapore, 27 June 2003. USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) pierside with part of her Strike Group, USS Antietam (CG-54) and USS Ingraham (FFG-61).

Perth, Australia, 15 July 2003. With Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9.

"As you can see the liberty barge that was used during our visit to Australia was very small. Only one liberty boat at a time could pull up to load/unload sailors. Plus the biggest boat that was used carried 100 people the rest only about 25–50. This led to very a long wait to get ashore. During the first day the wait to get off was around 6–8 hours. The liberty barge used in Hong Kong (sorry no photo) was so big 4 boats at once could tie up."

Perth, Australia, 17 July 2003.

South China Sea, Aug. 6, 2003 — USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) and her crew prepare to anchor outside Hong Kong Island for a scheduled liberty call. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Third Class Martin S. Fuentes (030806-N-5555F-009).

South China Sea, Aug. 16, 2003 — The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) sails in the South China Sea completing seven months of an extended deployment in the Western Pacific. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Jonathan M. Cirino (# 030816-N-7267C-001).

Pacific Ocean, Jan. 29, 2004 — A film crew from Columbia Pictures embarked aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) film the launch of an F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the "Blue Diamonds" of Strike Fighter Squadron One Four Six (VFA-146). The captured footage will be used for the upcoming production of the motion picture Stealth. The Bremerton, Washington based nuclear powered aircraft carrier is currently underway for the first time since returning from an eight and half month western pacific deployment. Carl Vinson is conducting training with Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW-9) and units of the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group (CSG). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Dustin Howell (# 040129-N-3241H-035).

A Grumman C-2A Greyhound assigned to the "Providers" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Three Zero (VRC-30) launches from one of four steam powered catapults on the flight deck aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), 29 January 2004. The Bremerton, Washington, based nuclear powered aircraft carrier was underway for the first time since returning from an eight and half month Western Pacific deployment. Carl Vinson was conducting training with Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW-9) and units of the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group (CSG). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Third Class Dustin Howell (# 040129-N-3241H-124).

Airmen advance to inspect a mock aircraft crash site after the fire was contained during a mass casualty drill on the flight deck of USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) off the coast of Southern California, June 3, 2004. The carrier departed her homeport of Bremerton, WA, to reunite with Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW-9) and conduct their next phase of readiness training in preparation for an upcoming deployment. DoD photo by Airman Refugio Carrillo, U.S. Navy (photo # 040603-N-9446C-036).

Pacific Ocean, Sep. 11, 2004 — The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) approaches the first channel marker on her way into port at Naval Station North Island, San Diego. Carl Vinson was transiting to operating areas off the Southern California coast to join Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW-9) and other forces from the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group (CSG) for the start of their Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX). U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Doug Houser (# 040911-N-5902H-002).

Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Jerry Guzman, assigned to the "Argonauts" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, holds down the barrel of a 20mm MK-61 Vulcan cannon while hoisting it back into an F/A-18C(N) Hornet after performing routine maintenance aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) in the Pacific Ocean, 13 February 2005. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier was on a scheduled deployment and would arrive in Norfolk, Va., in July, to prepare her for refueling and a complex overhaul (RCOH).

U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Sherry Louise Peck (# 050213-N-5275P-006).

Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Adan Fabela III makes minor uniform adjustments to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9's Command Master Chief Mario Batista during a studio photo shoot aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), 14 March 2005. The Carl Vinson Strike Group was on deployment in the Western Pacific. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier would end her deployment with a homeport shift to Norfolk, Va., and would conduct a three-year refuel and complex overhaul (RCOH).

U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Sherry Louise Peck (# 050314-N-5275P-040).

Iraq, Mar. 27, 2005 — An F/A-18C Hornet, assigned to the "Argonauts" of Strike Fighter Squadron One Four Seven (VFA-147), rolls into a turn while flying a combat mission over Iraq. The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group was conducting operations in support of multi-national forces in Iraq and maritime security operations in the Persian Gulf. Carl Vinson would end her deployment with a homeport shift to Norfolk, Va., and would conduct a three-year refuel and complex overhaul. U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. Don Berry (#050327-N-6694B-001).

An aircraft director signals an F/A-18C Hornet, assigned to the "Blue Diamonds" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146, to taxi forward prior to launch from the flight deck aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), steaming in the Persian Gulf, 9 April 2005. The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group was conducting operations in support of multi-national forces in Iraq and maritime security operations in the Persian Gulf. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier would end her deployment with a homeport shift to Norfolk, Va., to conduct a 3.5-year refuel and complex overhaul. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Refugio Carrillo (# 050409-N-9446C-005).

Military Sealift Command (MSC) underway replenishment oiler USNS Walter S. Diehl (T-AO 193) provides fuel and supplies to the guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG-89) and aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) during a replenishment at sea (RAS) evolution in the Persian Gulf, 14 May 2005, while MSC combat stores ship USNS Spica (T-AFS 9) steams alongside using helicopters to conduct a vertical replenishment (VERTREP). The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group was deployed conducting operations in support of multi-national forces in Iraq and maritime security operations in order to set the conditions for security and stability in the region. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier would end this deployment with a homeport shift to Norfolk, Va., to commence a three-year refuel and complex overhaul. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Dusty Howell (# 050514-N-3241H-002).

An F/A-18C Hornet, assigned to the "Argonauts" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, receives fuel from the refueling boom of a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker during a combat mission flown from USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), 16 May 2005. The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group was conducting operations in support of multi-national forces in Iraq, and maritime security operations in the Persian Gulf. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier would end her deployment with a homeport shift to Norfolk, Va., and would conduct a 3.5-year refuel and complex overhaul. U.S. Navy photo by CDR Don Berry (# 050516-N-6694B-003).

Persian Gulf, Jun. 5, 2005 — In an exceptional display of pride and patriotism the "Battle Flag" is unfurled aboard the "Gold Eagle" as she makes her way through the Persian Gulf. The Carl Vinson Strike Group was deployed conducting operations in support of multi-national forces in Iraq and maritime security operations in order to set the conditions for security and stability in region. Carl Vinson would end her deployment with a homeport shift to Norfolk, Va., and commence a three-year refuel and complex overhaul. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Chris M. Valdez (# 050605-N-0905V-014).

The sun rises over the flight deck of USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), underway in the Persian Gulf, June 16, 2005. The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group was conducting operations in support of multi-national forces in Iraq and maritime security operations in order to set the conditions for security and stability in the region. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Matthew M. Todhunter (photo # 050616-N-0380T-019).

Two F/A-18C Hornets, assigned to the "Blue Diamonds" of Strike Fighter Squadron One Four Six (VFA-146), and two F/A‑18F Super Hornets, assigned to the "Black Knights" of Strike Fighter Squadron One Five Four (VFA-154), perform a fly-by over USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), June 30, 2005, to mark the completion of the final combat missions flown over Iraq for Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW-9). The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group was deployed to the Persian Gulf, conducting operations in support of multi-national forces in Iraq. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Chris M. Valdez (photo # 050630-N-0905V-004).

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) transits through the Strait of Gibraltar, 19 July 2005, as she makes her way to the Atlantic Ocean. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier would end her deployment with a homeport shift from San Diego, Calif., to Norfolk, Va., and commence a 3.5-year refuel and complex overhaul. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Chris M. Valdez (# 050719-N-0905V-032).

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) is towed from pier 14 on board Naval Station Norfolk to the Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard, November 11, 2005, to begin the ship's refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH). The carrier would have her nuclear fuel replenished and would be upgraded with the latest technology enabling her to serve for another 25 years. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Chris Valdez (photo # 051111-N-0905V-128).

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) arrived at Northrop Grumman's Newport News sector on Nov. 11, 2005 for her one and only refueling and complex overhaul in a 50-year life span.

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) sits in dry dock 11 at Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard painted red with primer due to ongoing preservation (March 6, 2006). The carrier was undergoing her scheduled refueling complex overhaul (RCOH). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Joshua Hammond (photo # 060306-N-7227H-006).

The signal bridge is lifted off of the island of USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) as the ship goes through her refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) at Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard, March 29, 2006. RCOH is an extensive yard period that all Nimitz-class aircraft carriers go through near the mid-point of their 50-year life cycle. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Matthew Todhunter (photo # 060329-N-0380T-007).

Newport News, Va., Feb. 21, 2007 — A portion of a newly manufactured mast is lifted via crane onto the superstructure of USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) by employees from Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard. The installation of the ship's mast is a major milestone along the road towards re-delivering the aircraft carrier to the fleet for another 25 years of responding to the nation's tasking. Carl Vinson was undergoing her scheduled refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) at Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard. The RCOH is an extensive yard period that all Nimitz-class aircraft carriers go through near the mid-point of their 50-year life cycle. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Henry (# 070221-N-9703H-021).

Newport News, Va., Feb. 21, 2007 — A portion of a newly manufactured mast is lifted via crane onto the superstructure of USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) by employees from Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Myriam M. Padilla (# 070221-N-1317P-006).

Carl Vinson (CVN-70) returned to Naval Station Norfolk, 1 July 2009, flying a broom on her mast to signify a successful sea trial. The aircraft carrier departed on sea trials on 28 June, following a 3.5-year Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH). RCOH, performed by Northrop Grumman Corporation, includes extensive modernization work to more than 2,300 compartments, hundreds of system upgrades, and over 20 million man-hours of work, to include defueling and refueling the nuclear reactors. Sea trials are conducted to test systems, components and demonstrate operations at sea, and also include high-speed runs and a demonstration of the carrier's other capabilities.

Photo by Chris Oxley.

Northrop Grumman Corporation completed initial sea trials of USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), 1 July 2009. The trials followed the completion of a successful three and a half-year evolution known as a refueling and complex overhaul. The project was performed by the company's Shipbuilding sector in Newport News, Va. and was projected to complete within budget. The ship was scheduled to be delivered to the U. S. Navy the following week.

Photo ©Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, document title DCS09-400. Photographer: John Whalen.

A C-2A Greyhound assigned to the "Rawhides" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 prepares to launch from catapult 3 aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) during flight deck certification, 13 July 2009, in the Atlantic Ocean. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier was launching and recovering aircraft for the first time in more than four years.

Note that the C-2 is equipped with the 8-blade Navy Propeller 2000 (NP-2000).

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Shepherd (# 090713-N-0126S-012).

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) operating off the coast of Haiti, 15 January 2010. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17) and several East Coast-based squadrons and ships were conducting humanitarian and disaster relief operations to assist the Caribbean nation in response to the 12 January 2010 earthquake disaster. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Barker (# 100115-N-4774B-898).

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) awaits the return of Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17) aircraft along the coast of Haiti, 15 January 2010. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier and her Air Wing, along with several East Coast-based squadrons and ships, arrived in Haiti 15 January to provide food, supplies, humanitarian aid and emergency assistance following the country’s earthquake disaster of 12 January. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Candice Villarreal (# 100115-N-6247V-553).

Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Edwards and Petty Officer 3rd Class Shah Mitesh, both assigned to the "Tigertails" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125, conduct maintenance on the rotodome of an E-2C Hawkeye 2000 (BuNo 163536?, modex AA600) at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (GTMO), 25 January 2010. VAW-125 was at GTMO supporting Operation Unified Response following the 7.0 magnitude earthquake near Port-au-Prince on 12 January 2010. This aircraft was nominally assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17's CAG, CAPT Andrew "Slim" Whitson.

VAW-125 would join USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) on 1 February 2010, along with Attack Fighter Squadron (VFA) 81 "Sunliners," for the carrier's transit to San Diego around Cape Horn.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Nistas (# 100125-N-7456N-069).

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) performs maneuvers off the coast of South America, 11 March 2010. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier was participating in Southern Seas 2010, a U.S. Southern Command-directed operation that provided U.S. and international forces the opportunity to operate in a multi-national environment.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Barker (# 100311-N-4774B-092).

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) conducts a replenishment at sea with the Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Rainier (T-AOE 7), 18 March 2010, in the Pacific Ocean. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier was supporting Southern Seas 2010, a U.S. Southern Command-directed operation that provided U.S. and international forces the opportunity to operate in a multi-national environment.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Barker, # 100318-N-4774B-884.

The littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS-1) comes alongside USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) for a refueling at sea, 7 April 2010, in the Pacific Ocean. Freedom was conducting counter-illicit trafficking operations and Carl Vinson was supporting Southern Seas 2010, a U.S. Southern Command-directed operation that provided U.S. and international forces the opportunity to operate in a multi-national environment.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ashley Van Dien (# 100407-N-0808V-229).

USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) underway in the Pacific Ocean with her embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, 1 January 2011. The aircraft carrier was on a deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher K. Hwang (# 110101-N-8040H-489).

USNS Wally Schirra (T-AKE 8) prepares to refuel USS Bunker Hill (CG-52) while at the same time conducting VertRep with USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70). The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier is taking on fuel from MSC replenishment oiler USNS Henry J. Kaiser (T-AO 187). All ships were wrapping up their deployment to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility. Photo was taken early (3?) May 2011, in the Indian Ocean, from an MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 Det. 2 "Black Jacks" who were embarked aboard Wally Schirra for the deployment.

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) underway conducting operations off the coast of Southern California, 28 September 2011. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher Farrington (# 110928-N-ZF681-015).

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) leads the parade of ships at San Francisco's 2011 Fleet Week. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier passes under the Golden Gate Bridge and out of the fog, 8 October 2011.

Civilian contractors lay down panels on the flight deck as workers construct a basketball arena aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), San Diego, CA, 2 November 2011. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier was preparing to host the Michigan State University Spartans and the University of North Carolina Tar Heels during the inaugural Quicken Loans Carrier Classic basketball game on Veteran's Day, 11 November. U.S Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Evans (# 111102-N-DR144-192).

Civilian contractors assemble bleachers while constructing a basketball arena aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), San Diego, CA, 4 November 2011. U.S Navy photo (# 111104-N-ZI635-197).

McWil Sport Surfaces employees begin construction on a basketball court aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), San Diego, CA, 8 November 2011. U.S Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice George M. Bell (# 111108-N-ZI635-071).

Sideboys render honors to President Barack H. Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama before the start of the Quicken Loans Carrier Classic basketball game on the flight deck of USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70). The aircraft carrier was hosting Michigan State University and the University of North Carolina for an NCAA basketball game. San Diego, CA, 11 November 2011. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Roza Arzola (# 111111-N-OK922-881).

Michigan State University and the University of North Carolina compete in the Quicken Loans Carrier Classic aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70). San Diego, CA, 11 November 2011. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Evans (# 111111-N-DR144-905).

Final score was: North Carolina Tar Heels, 67–Michigan State Spartans, 55.

A mockup of the Quicken Loans Carrier Classic trophy for the Quicken Loans Carrier Classic men's basketball game. The game was played on Veteran's Day, 11 November 2011, on the flight deck of USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) and showcased a match-up between the University of North Carolina Tar Heels and the Spartans of Michigan State University. Photo courtesy of Huntington Ingalls (USN photo # 111021-N-ZZ999-002).

USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10) prepares to conduct a replenishment at sea with USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), left, and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG-52) in the Persian Gulf, 6 March 2012. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 were deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area Of Responsibility. US Navy photo by MC2 James R. Evans (# # 120306-N-DR144-387).

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, California, 20(?) December 2013.

An F/A-18C Hornet from the "Stingers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113 lands on the flight deck of USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), 7 February 2014. The aircraft carrier was underway in the Pacific Ocean, conducting a tailored ship's training availability off the coast of Southern California. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Scott Fenaroli (# 140207-N-HD510-052).

Senior Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Steven Ferguson salutes after releasing the cremains of his father, retired Electronics Technician (Communications) 2nd Class Leslie R. Ferguson II, during a burial at sea ceremony aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), 6 September 2014. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier was underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet Area Of Responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Giovanni Squadrito (# 140906-N-DI878-732).

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) prepares for flight operations in the Persian Gulf, 8 December 2014. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier was deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, strike operations in Iraq and Syria as directed, maritime security operations, and theater security cooperation efforts in the region. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alex King (# 141208-N-WD464-386).

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) conducts a replenishment-at-sea with USNS Yukon (T-AO 202), 26 July 2016, in the Pacific Ocean. The Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier was underway with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 and Destroyer Squadron 1 conducting the Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) and Final Evaluation Problem in preparation for an upcoming deployment. During TSTA, Afloat Training Group Pacific evaluated training drills and real-world scenarios, while placing an emphasis on damage control, flight deck operations and simulated combat.

US Navy photo by MC2 Patrick W. Menah, Jr., # 160726-N-LQ653-125.

Sailors assigned to the "Bounty Hunters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2 participate in flight deck operations aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), 4 August 2016. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier was underway in the Pacific Ocean in preparation for an upcoming deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kryzentia Weiermann (# 160804-N-BV658-084).

An E-2C Hawkeye from Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113 "Black Eagles" prepares to launch from USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), 5 January 2017. The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group would report to U.S. 3rd Fleet, headquartered in San Diego, while deployed to the Western Pacific as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet-led initiative to extend the command and control functions of 3rd Fleet into the region. U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sean M. Castellano (# 170105-N-BL637-352).

An E-2C Hawkeye assigned to the "Black Eagles" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113 flies over USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) during a change of command ceremony in the Pacific Ocean, 9 February 2017. The Carrier Strike Group was on a western Pacific deployment as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet-led initiative to extend the command and control functions of U.S. 3rd Fleet. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zachary Alan Landers (# 170209-N-GD109-194).

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), left, transits the East China Sea, 9 March 2017, with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Takanami-class destroyer JS Sazanami (DD-113), the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Murasame-class destroyer JS Samidare (DD-106) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG-108). The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group was on a scheduled western Pacific deployment as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet-led initiative to extend the command and control functions of U.S. 3rd Fleet. U.S. Navy aircraft carrier strike groups have patrolled the Indo-Asia-Pacific regularly and routinely for more than 70 years. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sean M. Castellano (# 170309-N-BL637-345).

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG-108) and Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG-57) participate in a photo exercise with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers, 28 March 2017, in the Philippine Sea. The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group was on a western Pacific deployment as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet-led initiative to extend the command and control functions of U.S. 3rd Fleet. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matt Brown (# 170328-N-HD638-045).

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) transits the Sunda Strait, 15 April 2017. The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group was on a scheduled western Pacific deployment. U.S Navy aircraft carrier strike groups have patrolled the Indo-Asia-Pacific regularly and routinely for more than 70 years. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sean M. Castellano (# 170415-N-BL637-044).

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers JS Ashigara (DDG-178) and JS Samidare (DD-106), the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG-108) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112), Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG-57) and Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) transit the Philippine Sea, 28 April 2017. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Z.A. Landers (# 170428-N-GD109-019).

F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 fly over the Republic of Korea destroyers Sejong the Great (DDG-991) and Yang Manchun (DDH-973), and USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), as they transit the western Pacific Ocean, 3 May 2017. The U.S. Navy has patrolled the Indo-Asia-Pacific routinely for more than 70 years promoting regional peace and security. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sean M. Castellano (# 170503-N-BL637-102).

An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Kestrels" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137 recovers aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) as the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG-57), left, and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG-108) transit the western Pacific Ocean, 3 May 2017. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Z.A. Landers (# 170503-N-GD109-147).

Left to right: The Republic of Korea destroyers Yang Manchun (DDH973) and Sejong the Great (DDG991); (front to back) USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), USS Lake Champlain (CG-57), USS Stethem (DDG-63); USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG-108), and USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112), transit the Western Pacific, 3 May 2017.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sean M. Castellano (# 170503-N-BL637-149).

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), front, and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG-57) transit the western Pacific, 12 June 2017. The U.S. Navy has patrolled the Indo-Asia-Pacific routinely for more than 70 years promoting regional peace and security. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sean M. Castellano (# 170612-N-BL637-093).

Aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 fly over USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) as part of an air power demonstration during a tiger cruise in the Pacific Ocean, 18 June 2017. A tiger cruise allows friends and family members of Sailors to embark the ship to experience U.S. Navy life at sea.

Steaming astern of Carl Vinson are a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser—probably USS Lake Champlain (CG-57)—and an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer—possibly USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG-108)—. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Z.A. Landers (# 170618-N-GD109-215).

Two AV-8B Harriers assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 161 "Greyhawks," and aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 (an F/A-18E from Attack Fighter Squadron [VFA] 192 "Golden Dragons," top, and an F/A-18C(N) from VFA-34 "Blue Blasters") fly in formation above USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), 20 January 2018. The Carl Vinson Strike Group was operating in the Pacific as part of a regularly scheduled deployment.

U.S. Navy Photo by LT David Babka (# 180120-N-ZZ999-0002).

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) anchored off Manila Bay, Philippines, 19 February 2018.

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) arrives in Da Nang, Vietnam, for a scheduled port visit, 5 March 2018, marking the first time a U.S. aircraft carrier has visited the country in more than 40 years.

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier arrived with two escort ships, cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG-57) and destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG-108). The Carl Vinson Strike Group was in the Western Pacific as part of a regularly scheduled deployment.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Devin M. Monroe (# 180305-N-BS159-0039).

An F-35C Lightning II, assigned to Attack Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 "Argonauts," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, had a landing mishap on deck, 24 January 2022, while USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) was conducting routine flight operations in the South China Sea. The pilot ejected safely and was rescued by a helicopter. There were seven total Sailors injured.

This is an unofficial photo, whose authenticity has been confirmed by the Navy, that was leaked to social media and is now available worldwide.

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) is the aircraft carrier that "stars" in Behind Enemy Lines (2001), directed by John Moore, starring Owen Wilson, Gene Hackman, Joaquim de Almeida and David Keith. The carrier is supposed to be stationed in the Adriatic Sea.

NS027084a: Three UH-1N Twin Hueys depart Carl Vinson.