U.S Navy December 2012

121207-O-GR159-001 PATUXENT RIVER, Md. (Dec. 7, 2012) Maj. C. R. Clift, a Marine Corps test pilot, flies BF-1, an F-35B Lightning II, on a short take off and vertical landing mode mission. The flight marked the 1000th developmental test flight for the F-35B Lightning II in the program's program's system development and demonstration phase. The F-35B is the variant of the Lightning II designed for use by the U.S. Marine Corps, as well as F-35 international partners in the United Kingdom and Italy. The F-35B is capable of short takeoffs and vertical landings to enable air power projection from amphibious ships, ski-jump aircraft carriers and expeditionary airfields. The F-35B is undergoing flight test and evaluation at NAS Patuxent River, Md., prior to delivery to the fleet. (Photo by Dane Wiedmann/Released)

121210-N-GC639-105 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 10, 2012) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) transits the Atlantic Ocean en route to homeport in Norfolk, Va. Dwight D. Eisenhower is returning from a deployment in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ryan D. McLearnon/Released)

121207-N-YX169-083 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Dec. 7, 2012) An F/A-18C Hornet from the Wildcats of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131 lands aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Dwight D. Eisenhower is transiting to her homeport of Norfolk after operating in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nathanael Miller/Released)

121209-O-ZZ999-001 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 9, 2012) The X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator taxies on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Harry S. Truman is the first aircraft carrier to host test operations for an unmanned aircraft. Harry S. Truman is underway supporting carrier qualifications. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman Corp. by Alan Radecki/ Released)

121209-N-ZZ999-003 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 9, 2012) The X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator taxies on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Harry S. Truman is the first aircraft carrier to host test operations for an unmanned aircraft. Harry S. Truman is underway supporting carrier qualifications. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman Corp. by Alan Radecki/ Released)

121205-N-YX169-098 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Dec. 5, 2012) An EA-6B Prowler from the Patriots of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140 launches from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Dwight D. Eisenhower is transiting to homeport in Norfolk, Va., after operating in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nathanael Miller/Released)

121205-N-NB538-125 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Dec. 5, 2012) An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the Jolly Rogers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103 launches from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Dwight D. Eisenhower is transiting to homeport in Norfolk, Va. after operating in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sabrina Fine/Released)

121205-N-GC639-146 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Dec. 5, 2012) A plane director guides an F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Wildcats of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131 to a catapult on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Dwight D. Eisenhower is transiting to homeport in Norfolk, Va. after operating in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ryan D. McLearnon/Released)

121121-N-DO750-004 ARABIAN SEA (Nov. 21, 2012) Lt. Matt Reed, assigned to the Rampagers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83, launches defensive flares during a flight from the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). VFA-83 and Dwight D. Eisenhower are returning to Norfolk after operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Greg Linderman/Released)

121121-N-DO750-001 ARABIAN SEA (Nov. 21, 2012) Lt. Matt Reed, assigned to the Rampagers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83, launches defensive flares during a flight from the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). VFA-83 and Dwight D. Eisenhower are returning to Norfolk after operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Greg Linderman/Released)