Mar 2005  - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 performs a in-flight refueling with an EA-6B Prowler from Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 136 during an air power demonstration aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Currently participating in the annual joint exercise Foal Eagle, Kitty Hawk and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, demonstrate their commitment to the Republic of Korea/U.S. alliance through joint training. (Image Source - US Navy)

 Mar 3, 2005  - USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63), At Sea - Cmdr. James Bynum, commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 Royal Maces, pilots an F/A-18E Super Hornet as he takes off from the flight deck of USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) during his change-of-command ceremony. Cmdr. Kevin Mannix, VFA-27's former executive officer, took command of the squadron during the fly-by.

 Mar 3, 2005  - Pacific Ocean - Commanding Officer, Strike Fighter Squadron Two Seven (VFA-27), Cmdr. James Bynum, breaks formation as the departing commanding officer during a change-of-command ceremony over USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Cmdr. Kevin Mannix, VFA-27's former executive officer, took command of the squadron during the fly-by. (Image Source - US Navy)

 Mar 3, 2005  - The officers and Sailors, assigned to the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron Two Seven (VFA-27), line up on the flight deck aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) to watch their outgoing squadron commanding officer, Cmdr. James Bynum, catapult off the flight deck during a fly-by change of command. Cmdr. Kevin Mannix, VFA-27's former executive officer, took command of the squadron during the fly-by. (Image Source - US Navy)

 Mar 25, 2005  - USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63) - An F/A-18C Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 breaks the sound barrier during an air power demonstration conducted by Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 and USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Currently participating in the annual exercise Foal Eagle, Kitty Hawk and CVW-5 demonstrate their commitment to the Republic of Korea/U.S. alliance through joint training. (Image Source - US Navy)

 Mar 26, 2005  - An Aviation Boatswain's Mate launches an F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron Two Seven (VFA-27), from the flight deck aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). (Image Source - US Navy)

 May 2005  - A pilot from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 awaits further instructions while being directed out of the landing area on board USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Carriers typically conducts flight operations over a 12-hour period each day, including both day and night missions. (Image Source - US Navy)

 May 2005  - A pilot from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 awaits further instructions while being directed out of the landing area on board USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Carriers typically conducts flight operations over a 12-hour period each day, including both day and night missions. (Image Source - US Navy)

 May 23, 2005  - An F/A-18E "Super Hornet" from Strike Fighter Squadron Two Seven (VFA-27) performs a "touch and go" on the flight deck of USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) during Carrier Air Wing (CVW-5) carrier qualifications. (Image Source - US Navy)

 Jul 2, 2005  - Coral Sea - An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron Two Seven (VFA-27) performs during an air power demonstration for distinguished visitors aboard the conventionally-powered aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). (Image Source - US Navy)

 Jul 2, 2005  - Coral Sea - An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron Two Seven (VFA-27) performs during an air power demonstration for distinguished visitors aboard the conventionally-powered aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). (Image Source - US Navy)

 Jul 3, 2005  - USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63) - Sailors of USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) man the rails as the ship pulls into Sydney, Australia. Kitty Hawk recently completed a combined exercise, Talisman Saber, with the Australian Navy. This is the first time Kitty Hawk has had a port-of-call in Sydney since 2001. Kitty Hawk, conducting its summer underway period in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), demonstrates power projection and sea control as the world's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, operating from Yokosuka, Japan. (Image Source - US Navy)

 Jul 3, 2005  - An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron Two Seven (VFA-27) flies pass the conventionally-powered aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) during flight operations. (Image Source - US Navy)

 Jul 8, 2005  - Sydney, Australia - An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron Two Seven (VFA-27), sits chained-down on the flight deck aboard the conventionally powered aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) moored in the port of Sydney, Australia. This is the first time Kitty Hawk has had a port-of-call in Sydney since 2001. (Image Source - US Navy)

 Jul 11, 2005  - Coral Sea ( - An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron Two Seven (VFA-27), launches from the flight deck of the conventionally powered aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). (Image Source - US Navy)

 Jul 26, 2005  - Pacific Ocean - Capt. Gary Mace signals to a plane captain that his aircraft is ready to launch prior to a fly-over change of command for Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) over USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Capt. Mace Mace relieved Capt. Joseph Aucoin as commander CVW-5. Currently under way in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), Kitty Hawk demonstrates power projection and sea control as the U.S. Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Jonathan B. Foutz (RELEASED)

 Jul 26, 2005  - Pacific Ocean - Capt. Gary Mace prepares to launch from catapult one aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) for a fly-over change of command of Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5). Capt. Mace Mace relieved Capt. Joseph Aucoin as commander CVW-5. Currently under way in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), Kitty Hawk demonstrates power projection and sea control as the U.S. Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Jonathan B. Foutz (RELEASED)

 Aug 1, 2005  - USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63), At Sea - A trio of F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets from Carrier Air Wing Five fly in formation during a fly-over change of command for Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 on board USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). (Image Source - US Navy)

 Aug 1, 2005  - Philippine Sea - Commander, Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5), Capt. Gary Mace, prepares to be launched in an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the flight deck of the conventionally powered aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Stephen W. Rowe (RELEASED)

 Aug 7, 2005  - Pacific Ocean - An aircraft director waits for flight operations to begin as he stands next to an F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron Two Seven (VFA-27), aboard the conventionally powered aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). (Image Source - US Navy)

 Aug 7, 2005  - Pacific Ocean - An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (Two Seven (VFA-27), and an F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the Diamondbacks of VFA-102, prepare to launch from the flight deck of USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). (Image Source - US Navy)

 Aug 9, 2005  - Pacific Ocean - An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron Two Seven (VFA-27), flies over USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as it conducts a wave-off. (Image Source - US Navy)

 Aug 12, 2005  - Pacific Ocean - Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) and Air Department personnel perform a foreign object debris (FOD) walk down on the flight deck aboard the conventionally powered aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). The task is performed each day and night before flight operations to ensure the flight deck is clear of all foreign objects, which could be ingested by jet aircraft, damaging expensive equipment or place flight deck personnel in danger. Looking down over two VFA-27 Royal Mace Super Hornets. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Joseph R Schmitt (RELEASED)

 Aug 15, 2005  - An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron Two Seven (VFA-27), flies over the Pacific Ocean during a training mission. VFA-27 is assigned to Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5), currently embarked aboard the conventionally powered aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Jarod Hodge (RELEASED).

 Oct 25, 2005  - Pacific Ocean - Aviation Boatswain Mate 2nd Class Paul Young directs an F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron Two Seven (VFA-27), aboard the conventionally powered aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). (Image Source - US Navy)

 Oct 25, 2005  - Pacific Ocean (Oct. 25, 2005) - Aviation Boatswain Mate 2nd Class Paul Young directs an F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron Two Seven (VFA-27), aboard the conventionally powered aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). (Image Source - US Navy)

 Oct 31, 2005  - Pacific Ocean - An Sailor assigned to the Air Department's fuel division, fuels an F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron Two Seven (VFA-27), on the flight deck of the conventionally powered aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). (Image Source - US Navy)

 Nov 9, 2005  - Pacific Ocean - An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron Two Seven (VFA-27), launches from the flight deck of the conventionally powered aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). (Image Source - US Navy)

 Nov 11, 2005  - Pacific Ocean - An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron Two Seven (VFA-27), launches from the flight deck of the conventionally powered aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). (Image Source - US Navy)

 Nov 15, 2005  - Pacific Ocean - Lt. Cmdr. Steve Grant signals to launch an F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron Two Seven (VFA-27), from the flight deck aboard the conventionally powered aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). (Image Source - US Navy)

 Nov 28, 2005  - Pacific Ocean - An Aviation Boatswain's Mate displays a weight board with the correct aircraft weight of an F/A-18E Hornet of VFA-27 prior to launching it from the flight deck of the conventionally powered aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Kitty Hawk and embarked Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) are currently conducting operations in the Western Pacific Ocean. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Benjamin Dennis (RELEASED)

 Dec 5, 2005  -  South China Sea - An Aviation Boatswain's Mate directs an F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron Two Seven (VFA-27), during a surge exercise on the flight deck of the conventionally powered aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Kitty Hawk and embarked Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) are currently conducting operations in the Western Pacific Ocean. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Jonathan B. Foutz (RELEASED).

 Dec 7, 2005  - South China Sea - An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron Two Seven (VFA-27), launches off the flight deck of the conventionally powered aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) during an early morning rain shower. (Image Source - US Navy)

 Dec 7, 2005  - South China Sea - An F/A-18E Super Hornet of Strike Fighter Squadron 27 launches off the flight deck of USS Kitty Hawk and through a rainbow during an afternoon shower. The Kitty Hawk is the U.S. Navy's only forward deployed aircraft carrier, operating out of Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonathan B. Foutz.

 2006  - VFA-27 CAG Mace on display at the Asian Aerospace Show 2006. (Image Source - Asian Aerospace Web Site)

 2006  - VFA-27 Royal Mace 200 on approach to NAF Atsugi. (Image Source - Japanese Web Site)

 2006  - VFA-27 F/A-18E Mace 214 over NAF Atsugi. (Image Source - Japanese Web Site)

 2006  - Royal Mace CAG climbing out after takeoff form NAF Atsugi. (Image Source - Japanese Web Site)

 2006  - A VFA-27 Plane Captain goes through checks with pilot prior to launch. (Image Source - US Navy)

 2006  - VFA-27 CAG Super Hornet high speed pass. (Image Source - US Navy)

 2006  - Two thumbs-up from VFA-27 Final Checkers aboard USS Kitty Hawk CV-63. (Image Source - US Navy)

 2006  -  Royal Mace 207 over the field. (Image Source - Japanese Web Site)

 2006  - VFA-27 Mace 200 over the field. (Image Source - Japanese Web Site)

 2006  - VFA-27 Super Hornets 200 & 214 in formation over the field. (Image Source - Japanese Web Site)

 2006  - VFA-27 F/A-18E CAG on approach, gear down. (Image Source - Japanese Web Site)

 2006  - Royal Mace CAG breaks overhead. (Image Source - Japanese Web Site)

 2006  - VFA-27 Super Hornet 204 climbs out on takeoff from NAF Atsugi. (Image Source - Japanese Web Site)

 May 27, 2006  - A flight deck Sailor makes preparations to launch an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron Two Seven (VFA-27) off the flight deck of USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) during cyclic flight operations. Kitty Hawk typically conducts flight operations over a 12-hour period each day, including both day and night missions. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Stephen W. Rowe (RELEASED).

 May 27, 2006  - Pacific Ocean - An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron Two Seven (VFA-27) prepares to land on the flight deck of USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). The F/A-18E provides the carrier strike group with a strike fighter that has significant growth potential and increased range, endurance and ordnance carrying capabilities. Currently under way in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), Kitty Hawk demonstrates power projection and sea control as the U.S. Navy's only permanently forward deployed aircraft carrier. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Stephen W. Rowe (RELEASED)

 May 30, 2006  - USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63), At Sea (May 30, 2006) - Air department Sailors on board USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) prepare an F/A-18E Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 to launch off the flight deck during carrier qualifications. Carrier qualifications prepare pilots and flight deck crew for the landing and launching of aircraft on the flight deck of Kitty Hawk. Currently under way in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility, Kitty Hawk demonstrates power projection and sea control as the U.S. Navy's only permanently, forward-deployed aircraft carrier, operating from Yokosuka, Japan. (Image Source - US Navy)