airforce photos

An S-3B Viking prepares to launch from the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Roosevelt and embarked Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8) are currently underway on a regularly scheduled deployment conducting maritime security operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Eben Boothby)

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

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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Roland Franklin)

A Plane Captain assigned to the "Fighting Redtails" of Sea Control Squadron Twenty One (VS-21) secures his S-3B "Viking" loaded with CBU-99 antitank cluster bombs just prior to flight operations aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). The conventional aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk is America's oldest active warship and the only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier that operates out of Yokosuka, Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Todd Frantom)