A plane handler signals a pilot from the "Pukin' Dogs" of Strike Fighter Sqaudron (VFA) 143 on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG) and its air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, and the USS John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSSG) and its air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, are conducting a dual-carrier exercise. This marks the first time the Stennis and Eisenhower strike groups have operated together in a joint exercise while deployed to the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet area of responsibility. This exercise demonstrates the importance of both strike groups' ability to plan and conduct dual task force operations as part of the U.S. long-standing commitment to maintaining maritime security and stability in the Arabian Gulf region. (U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Rafael Figueroa Medina)
Petty Officer 2nd Class Rafael Figueroa-Medina
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