Sep 18, 2014  -  PACIFIC OCEAN - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 launches from the flight deck of the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during a war-at-sea exercise as part of Valiant Shield. Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 embarked aboard George Washington, CVW 17 embarked aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and P-3C Orion patrol aircraft participated in this Valiant Shield WASEX to enhance their operational proficiencies while successfully engaging surface combatants in a dynamic environment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chris Cavagnaro/Released)

 Sep 19, 2014  - PACIFIC OCEAN - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 launches from the flight deck of the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) as part of Valiant Shield. Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 embarked aboard USS Carl Vinson, CVW 5 embarked aboard George Washington as well as Marine Corps Air Group 12 aircraft and Air Force 36th Operations Group aircraft based on Guam participated in a offensive counter-air joint strike exercise during Valiant Shield to enhance their operational proficiencies at gaining and maintaining local and maritime superiority in a dynamic environment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chris Cavagnaro/Released)

 Sep 21, 2014  - PACIFIC OCEAN - Air Department Sailors prepare an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 for launch from the flight deck of the forward deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during exercise Valiant Shield 2014. Aircraft from the Air Force 36th Operations Group and elements of the Army 94th Air and Missile Defense Command supported by surface ships and aircraft from Commander, Task Force 70 and aircraft from Marine Group 12 conducted an integrated joint island defense exercise as part of Valiant Shield, a U.S.-only exercise integrating an estimated 18,000 Navy, Air Force, Army and Marine Corps personnel, more than 200 aircraft and 19 surface ships. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Loni Mae Lopez/Released)

 Sep 21, 2014  - PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 21, 2014) Air Department Sailors watch as an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 launches from the flight deck of the forward deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). Aircraft from the Air Force 36th Operations Group and elements of the Army 94th Air and Missile Defense Command supported by surface ships and aircraft from Commander, Task Force 70 and aircraft from Marine Group 12 conducted the integrated joint island defense exercise as part of Valiant Shield 2014. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Loni Mae Lopez/Released)

 Sep 24, 2014  - PACIFIC OCEAN - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 prepares to launch from the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Bryan Mai/Released)

 Sep 26, 2014  - PACIFIC OCEAN - Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) observe an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 fly over the ship's flight deck. George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Beverly J. Lesonik/Released)

 Sep 27, 2014  - WATERS NEAR GUAM - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 makes an arrested landing on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Beverly J. Lesonik/Released)

 Sep 30, 2014  - PACIFIC OCEAN - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 prepares to make an arrested landing on the flight deck aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chris Cavagnaro/Released)

 Sep 30, 2014  - PACIFIC OCEAN - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chris Cavagnaro/Released)

 Oct 1, 2014  - WATERS NEAR GUAM - Sailors guide an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 on the flight deck of the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Everett Allen/Released)

 Oct 7, 2014  - WATERS NEAR GUAM - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 makes an arrested landing on the flight deck of the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chris Cavagnaro/Released)

 Oct 8, 2014  - PHILIPPINE SEA - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chris Cavagnaro/Released)

 Oct 8, 2014  - PHILIPPINE SEA - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 launches from the flight deck of the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chris Cavagnaro/Released)

 Oct 13, 2014  - CELEBES SEA - Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Nicholas Wareham, from Grand Junction, Colo., left, and Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class Reyvin Olaes, from Cavite, Republic of Philippines, signal the pilot of an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN) 73. George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paolo Bayas/Released)

 Oct 13, 2014  - CELEBES SEA - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paolo Bayas/Released)

 Oct 14, 2014  - CELEBES SEA - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Bryan Mai/Released)

 Oct 17, 2014  - SULU SEA - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chris Cavagnaro/Released)

 Oct 17, 2014  - SULU SEA - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 makes an arrested landing on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chris Cavagnaro/Released)

 Oct 17, 2014  - SULU SEA - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 makes an arrested landing on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chris Cavagnaro/Released)

 Oct 20, 2014  - SOUTH CHINA SEA - Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuel) 1st Class Joshua Hinck, from Springfield, Mo., right, and Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuel) 3rd Class Paul Davis, from Lupowici, Ga., use a mobile de-fueling cart to extract fuel from an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chris Cavagnaro/Released)

 Oct 25, 2014  - PHILIPPINE SEA - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, left, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while an EA-18G Growler from the Shadowhawks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 taxis. George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Bryan Mai/Released)

 Oct 27, 2014  - WATERS NEAR GUAM - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Bryan Mai/Released)

 Nov 2, 2014  - WATERS NEAR GUAM - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 prepares to make an arrested landing on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Loni Mae Lopez/Released)

 Nov 2, 2014  - WATERS NEAR GUAM - Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) perform pre-flight inspections on an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 on the ship's flight deck. George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Beverly J. Lesonik/Released)

 Nov 10, 2014  - WATERS SOUTH OF JAPAN - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Bryan Mai/Released)

 Nov 10, 2014  - WATERS SOUTH OF JAPAN (Nov. 11, 2014) An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 makes an arrested landing on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during Keen Sword 2015. Keen Sword, a joint/bilateral field training exercise involving U.S. military and Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF), is designed to increase combat readiness and interoperability of U.S. forces and the JSDF (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Trevor Welsh/Released)

 Nov 19, 2014  - WATERS SOUTH OF JAPAN - Capt. Greg Fenton, commanding officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), makes an arrested landing in an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 on the ship's flight deck. George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chris Cavagnaro/Released)

 Nov 19, 2014  - WATERS SOUTH OF JAPAN - Chief Warrant Officer Troy Anderson, air boatswain of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), right, signals Capt. Greg Fenton, George Washington's commanding officer, in an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, on the flight deck. George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Bryan Mai/Released)

 Nov 21, 2014  - 141121-N-GT589-281 WATERS SOUTH OF JAPAN - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 launches from flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during the Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 fly-off. George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Everett Allen/Released)

 Nov 21, 2014  - 141121-N-TE278-334 PACIFIC OCEAN - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during the Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 fly-off. George Washington and its embarked air wing, CVW 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paolo Bayas/Released)

 2015  - Cover picture for the Hasegawa 1/72 F/A-18E Super Hornet "VFA-27 Royal Maces CAG 2015" Limited Edition model kit.

 Feb 2015  - VFA-27 CAG F/A-18E Hornet getting fueled by an Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Chris Nigus)

 Feb 24, 2015  - Feb. 24, 2015) An F/A-18E (left) of the 'Royal Maces' of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 flies in formation with two Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15J Eagles during a dissimilar air combat training near Okinawa, Japan. VFA-27 is part of Carrier Air Wing 5 and forward-deployed to Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. Spencer Abbot/Released)

 Mar 24, 2015  - A Mace jet piloted by LT Kyle "LAB" Matson flies in formation near Andersen Air Force Base with a vintage British-made Hawker Hunter aircraft, formerly operated by the Swiss Air Force, and now flown by the Airborne Tacticial Advantage Company (ATAC) for use in simulating adversary aircraft during training missions. (Photo: Mace CO CDR Spencer "Soupbone' Abbot) - with Kyle Matson and Spencer Abbot in Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

 Mar 25, 2015  - IWO TO, Japan - F/A-18E Super Hornets from the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 fly over Mt. Suribachi in honor of the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima during a return transit to Atsugi, Japan. VFA-27, part of Carrier Air Wing 5, is forward-deployed to Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, to support security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. Spencer Abbot/Released)

 Mar 25, 2015  - NEAR MT. FUJI - Four F/A-18E Super Hornets from the Atsugi, Japan-based VFA-27 "Royal Maces" fly near Mt. Fuji. The Royal Maces conduct carrier based air strike and strike force escort missions, anti-ship operations, battle group anti-air operations, and surveillance/intellighence collection operations in support of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 tasking and requirements. The squadron is permanently forward-deployed with CVW 5, shore based at Naval Air Facility Atsugi and currently embarked on the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington. (CVN 73). (U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. Spencer Abbot/Released)

 Apr 15, 2015  - Nice shot of the VFA-27 CAG Super Hornet cclimbing out of NAF Atsugi. (Image Source - © MICHIO OZAWA)

 May 27, 2015  - WATERS NEAR GUAM - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 prepares to make an arrested landing on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, are on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. George Washington will conduct a hull-swap with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) later this year after serving seven years as the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier in Yokosuka, Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chris Cavagnaro/Released)

 May 30, 2015  - WATERS NEAR GUAM - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, are on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. George Washington will conduct a hull-swap with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) later this year after serving seven years as the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier in Yokosuka, Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Clemente A. Lynch/Released)

 Jun 1, 2015  - WATERS NEAR GUAM - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, are on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. George Washington will conduct a hull-swap with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) later this year after serving seven years as the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier in Yokosuka, Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bryan Mai/Released)

 Jun 4, 2015  - WATERS NEAR GUAM - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 prepares to make an arrested landing on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, are on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. George Washington will conduct a hull-swap with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) later this year after serving seven years as the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier in Yokosuka, Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bryan Mai/Released)

 Jun 4, 2015  - WATERS NEAR GUAM -An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 makes an arrested landing on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, are on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. George Washington will conduct a hull-swap with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) later this year after serving seven years as the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier in Yokosuka, Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Matthew Riggs/Released)

 Jun 6, 2015  - WATERS NEAR GUAM - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 prepares to make an arrested landing on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, are on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. George Washington will conduct a hull-swap with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) later this year after serving seven years as the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier in Yokosuka, Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bryan Mai/Released)

 Jun 17, 2015  - CORAL SEA - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, are on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. George Washington will conduct a hull-swap with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) later this year after serving seven years as the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier in Yokosuka, Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Matthew Riggs/Released)

 Jun 30, 2015  - PHILIPPINE SEA - Sailors perform a post-flight inspection on an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, are on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. George Washington will conduct a hull-swap with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) later this year after serving seven years as the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier in Yokosuka, Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chris Cavagnaro/Released)

 Jul 1, 2015  - PHILIPPINE SEA - Sailors remove ordnance from an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, are on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. George Washington will conduct a hull-swap with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) later this year after serving seven years as the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier in Yokosuka, Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Matthew Riggs/Released)

 Jul 9, 2015  - TIMOR SEA - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) as part of Talisman Sabre 2015. Talisman Sabre is a biennial exercise that provides an invaluable opportunity for nearly 30,000 U.S. and Australian defense forces to conduct operations in a combined, joint and interagency environment that will increase both countries' ability to plan and execute a full range of operations from combat missions to humanitarian assistance efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chris Cavagnaro/Released)

 Jul 11, 2015  - TIMOR SEA - Guests from Australia and New Zealand observe an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 make an arrested landing on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during a distinguished visitor embarkation as part of Talisman Sabre 2015. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bryan Mai/Released)

 Jul 13, 2015  - TIMOR SEA - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) as part of Talisman Sabre 2015. Talisman Sabre is a biennial exercise that provides an invaluable opportunity for nearly 30,000 U.S. and Australian Defence Force personnel to conduct operations in a combined, joint and interagency environment that will increase both countries' ability to plan and execute a full range of operations from combat missions to humanitarian assistance efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bryan Mai/Released)

 Jul 13, 2015  - TIMOR SEA - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) as part of Talisman Sabre 2015. Talisman Sabre is a biennial exercise that provides an invaluable opportunity for nearly 30,000 U.S. and Australian Defence Force personnel to conduct operations in a combined, joint and interagency environment that will increase both countries' ability to plan and execute a full range of operations from combat missions to humanitarian assistance efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bryan Mai/Released)