Apr 18, 2008  - PACIFIC OCEAN - An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 waits for take off as steam clears from an earlier launch aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Steam-powered catapults launch aircraft at speeds reaching 180 mph in about 250 feet. The ship is on her final deployment before being replaced by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman John J. Mike (Released)

 Apr 18, 2008  - PACIFIC OCEAN - An F/A-18E Super Hornet strike fighter assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 lands aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) during flight operations. Kitty Hawk is the final deployment before being relieved by the nuclear aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau (Released)

 Apr 23, 2008  - PACIFIC OCEAN - An F/A-18E Super Hornet strike fighter assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 lands aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) during flight operations. Kitty Hawk is the final deployment before being relieved by the nuclear aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau (Released)

 Jun 3, 2008  - A nighttime view of a U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, taking off from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) while at sea in the Western Pacific Ocean June 3, 2008. The Hawkeye provides radar coverage for the carrier strike group. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bryan Reckard/Released)

 Jun 4, 2008  - U.S. Navy Aviation Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Ryan Roecker, kneeling, waits to give the ready signal that the F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft, assigned to a Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, is ready for launch on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) while at sea in the Pacific Ocean June 4, 2008. The ship is returning to the United States for decommissioning after 47 years of service, 10 of which have been in Japan. (U.S. Navy photograph by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau/Released)

 Jun 7, 2008  - PHILIPPINE SEA - Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Michael Glass wipes down the canopy of an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). U.S. Navy photo by MCC Jason Chudy (Released)

 Jun 23, 2008  - PACIFIC OCEAN - Aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 fly in formation above the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Kitty Hawk and CVW-5 will be taking part in exercise Rim of the Pacific off Hawaii in July with units from the United States, Australia, Chile, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands, Peru, South Korea, Singapore and the United Kingdom. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau (Released

 Jun 23, 2008  - PACIFIC OCEAN - U.S. Navy aircraft, assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, fly in formation over the Pacific Ocean near the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) June 23, 2008. Kity Hawk and CVW-5 will be taking part in exercise Rim of the Pacific, off the coast of Hawaii, in July with units from Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, the Netherlands, Peru, the Republic of Korea, Singapore and the United Kingdom. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Jeremy Andrew/Released)

 Jun 26, 2008  - Onboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), a F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft, left, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102, launches, while a F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft with VFA-27 makes preparations to launch, June 26, 2008. The Kitty Hawk is currently under way in the Pacific Ocean making preparations for the upcoming 21st biennial Rim of the Pacific exercise. (U.S. Navy photograph by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau/Released)

 Jul 15, 2008  - ACIFIC OCEAN - An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 launches from the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008). RIMPAC is the world's largest multinational exercise and is scheduled biennially by the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Participants include the U.S., Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, Netherlands, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore and the United Kingdom. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew K. Reinhardt/Released)

 Jul 26, 2008  - PACIFIC OCEAN - Lt. Paul Wewers, right, an aircraft shooter, launches an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 for the 100,000th launch from catapult 3 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) after the conclusion of Rim of the Pacific 2008. The exercise included units from the United States, Australia, Chile, Japan, the Netherlands, Peru, South Korea, Singapore and the United Kingdom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau/Released)

 Aug 6, 2008  - A U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, taxi after landing at Naval Air Station North Island, Coronado, Calif., Aug. 06, 2008. Combat Task Force 70 and CVW-5 arrived to begin a cross deck training process with the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Omar A. Dominquez/Released)

 Aug 23, 2008  - PACIFIC OCEAN - An F/A-18E from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, lands on the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington is conducting flight deck qualifications off the coast of southern California with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 for the first time. George Washington departed San Diego Aug. 21 en route to Yokosuka, Japan, where the ship will replace aircraft carrier the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John M. Hageman/Released)

 Aug 23, 2008  - PACIFIC OCEAN - An F/A-18E from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, launches from the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington is conducting flight deck qualifications off the coast of southern California with Carrier Air Wing 5 for the first time. George Washington departed San Diego Aug. 21 en route to Yokosuka, Japan, where the ship will replace the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John M. Hageman/Released)

 Aug 28, 2008  - PACIFIC OCEAN - The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) transits off the coast of Southern California conducting its combat operations efficiency evaluation with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5. George Washington is en route to Yokosuka, Japan, where the ship will replace the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the Navy's only forward deployed aircraft carrier. Note VFA-27 CAG Mace parked port side aft. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist Second Class Clifford L. H. Davis/Released)

 Aug 29, 2008  - PACIFIC OCEAN - - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, the "Royal Maces", prepares to land aboard USS George Washington's (CVN 73) flight deck. George Washington is currently sailing off the coast of Southern California where the crew is working on its Combat Operations Efficiency evaluation with Carrier Air Wing 5. George Washington is conducting training and operating in the eastern Pacific Ocean before continuing to Yokosuka, Japan, where the ship will replace USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Third Class Bryan Reckard (RELEASED)

 Sep 17, 2008  - PACIFIC OCEAN - Aviation Ordnancemen assigned to the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, detach an AIM-9 sidewinder missile from an F/A-18E Super Hornet aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington is transiting to Japan where the ship will replace the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Christopher S. Harte/Released)

 Oct 13, 2008  - PACIFIC OCEAN - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, the "Royal Maces", prepares to take off from USS George Washington (CVN 73). The George Washington Carrier Strike Group is back at sea training in the Pacific Ocean after recently participating in the International Fleet Review in Busan, Republic of Korea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist First Class John M. Hageman/RELEASED)

 Oct 13, 2008  - PACIFIC OCEAN - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, the "Royal Maces", takes off from USS George Washington (CVN 73) while an E-2C Hawkeye from Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 115, the "Liberty Bells" taxies into position for takeoff. The George Washington Carrier Strike Group is back at sea training in the Pacific Ocean after recently participating in the International Fleet Review in Busan, Republic of Korea. [U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist First Class John M. Hageman/RELEASED]

 Oct 17, 2008  - PACIFIC OCEAN - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, the "Royal Maces", launches off the flight deck of USS George Washington (CVN 73). The George Washington Carrier Strike Group is currently underway training in the Pacific Ocean. [U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John M. Hageman/RELEASED]

 Nov 11, 2008  - While an E-2C Hawkeye from Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 115, the "Liberty Bells", prepares to land on board USS George Washington (CVN 73), three F/A-18E Super Hornets from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, the "Royal Maces", come to a formation off the wing awaiting their turn to land. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Clifford L. H. Davis/RELEASED)

 Nov 11, 2008  - PACIFIC OCEAN - While preparing to land on board USS George Washington (CVN 73), three F/A-18E Super Hornets from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, the "Royal Maces", come to a formation as they fly over the ship on their last pass before landing. The permanently forward deployed George Washington Carrier Strike Group is currently conducting bi-lateral training operations in the Pacific Ocean with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force to increase interoperability and strengthen their maritime partnership. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Clifford L. H. Davis/RELEASED)

 May 29, 2009  - A U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 launches from aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) May 29, 2009, in the Pacific Ocean, as an F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft assigned Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 waits to launch from the opposite catapult. George Washington, the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, is under way conducting a combat operations efficiency evaluation in the western Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John J. Mike/Released)

 Jun 17, 2009  - PACIFIC OCEAN - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Royal Maces, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 makes its final approach to land on USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington is currently underway supporting security and stability in the Western Pacific ocean, while on her first summer deployment from Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan since becoming the Navy's only permanently forward deployed aircraft carrier. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John M. Hageman/RELEASED)

 Jun 17, 2009  - PACIFIC OCEAN - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Royal Maces, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 makes its final approach to land on USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington is currently underway supporting security and stability in the Western Pacific ocean, while on her first summer deployment from Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan since becoming the Navy's only permanently forward deployed aircraft carrier. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John M. Hageman/RELEASED)

 Jul 15, 2009  - A US Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet of VFA-27 is catapulted off the deck of USS George Washington during Exercise Talisman Saber 09. (Image Source - Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence)

 Jul 15, 2009  - A US Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet of VFA-27 is catapulted off the deck of USS George Washington during Exercise Talisman Saber 09. (Image Source - Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence)

 Jul 19, 2009  - PACIFIC OCEAN - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Royal Maces, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 lands aboard the USS George Washington (CVN 73) during flight operations. George Washington is participating in Talisman Saber 09, a biennial, combined exercise designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting combined operations, which will improve interoperability between Australian and U.S. forces while promoting security and stability in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1St Class John M. Hageman/Released)

 Jul 22, 2009  - PACIFIC OCEAN - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Royal Maces, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 lands aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington is currently participating in Talisman Saber 09, a biennial, combined exercise designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting combined operations, which will improve interoperability between Australian and U.S. forces while promoting security and stability in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John M. Hageman/RELEASED)

 Aug 19, 2009  -  PACIFIC OCEAN - An F/A-18E Hornet from the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 launches from the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during the Indonesian International Fleet Review, which commemorates the 64th anniversary of Indonesian independence. George Washington is the Navy's only permanently forward deployed aircraft carrier underway supporting security and stability in the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John M. Hageman/Released)

 Aug 24, 2009  - PACIFIC OCEAN - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Royal Maces, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, launches from the flight deck of USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington is the Navy's only permanently forward deployed aircraft carrier, which is currently underway supporting security and stability in the Western Pacific ocean, while on her inaugural summer deployment from Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John M. Hageman/RELEASED)

 Aug 29, 2009  - PACIFIC OCEAN - A shooter from Air departments V-2 division gives the signal to launch an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Royal Maces, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, from the flight deck of USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington, the Navy's only permanently forward deployed aircraft carrier, is currently underway supporting security and stability in the western Pacific Ocean during her inaugural summer deployment from Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John M. Hageman/Released)

 Sep 2009  - VFA-27 F/A-18E Super Hornet CAG bird with new shark face paint job. (Image Source - AM2 Rainier Sabado, VFA-27)

 Sep 2009  - VFA-27 F/A-18E Super Hornet CAG bird with new shark face paint job. (Image Source - AM2 Rainier Sabado, VFA-27)

 Sep 2009  - VFA-27 F/A-18E Super Hornet CAG bird with new shark face paint job. (Image Source - AM2 Rainier Sabado, VFA-27)

 Sep 2, 2009  - PACIFIC OCEAN - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 launches during the disembarking of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington, the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, is returning from her inaugural summer deployment supporting security and stability in the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Charles Oki/Released)

 Sep 2, 2009  - 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) during the disembarking of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5. George Washington, the Navy's only permanently forward deployed aircraft carrier, is concluding up her inaugural summer deployment supporting security and stability in the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Charles Oki/Released)

 Oct 9, 2009  - PACIFIC OCEAN - Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Justin Lane stands life buoy watch on the fantail of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) as an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 prepares to land. George Washington is underway supporting security and stability in the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jacob D. Moore/Released)

 Oct 9, 2009  - PACIFIC OCEAN - Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 2nd Class Nathan Berry from the Royal Maces, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, inspects a flash light. George Washington, the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, is currently underway supporting security and stability in the Western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman William P. Gatlin/Released)

 Oct 10, 2009  - PACIFIC OCEAN - Sailors from Air Department's V-3 division move an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Royal Maces, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, to an aircraft elevator for transport to the flight deck aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington, the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, is currently underway supporting security and stability in the Western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jacob D. Moore/RELEASED)

 Oct 19, 2009  - PACIFIC OCEAN - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Royal Maces, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 prepares to land aboard USS George Washington (CVN-73). George Washington, the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, is currently underway supporting security and stability in the Western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1St Class John M. Hageman/RELEASED)

 Oct 21, 2009  - PACIFIC OCEAN - An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 takes off from the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington, the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, is underway supporting security and stability in the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1St Class John M. Hageman/Released)

 Oct 21, 2009  - PACIFIC OCEAN - An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, prepares to land aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington, the Navy's permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, is underway supporting security and stability in the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1St Class John M. Hageman/Released)

 Nov 6, 2009  - PACIFIC OCEAN - Plane captain Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Apprentice Herbert Counts performs routine maintenance on an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington, the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, is underway supporting security and stability in the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist Seaman Jacob D. Moore/Released)

 Nov 12, 2009  - A U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 lands aboard aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) Nov. 12, 2009, in the Pacific Ocean. The arrested landing completed 100,000 mishap-free flight hours. George Washington, the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, is participating in Annual Exercise 21G, a yearly bilateral exercise with the U.S. Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Phillip Pavlovich/Released)

 Nov 12, 2009  - A U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 lands aboard aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) Nov. 12, 2009, in the Pacific Ocean. The arrested landing completed 100,000 mishap-free flight hours. George Washington, the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, is participating in Annual Exercise 21G, a yearly bilateral exercise with the U.S. Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Phillip Pavlovich/Released)

 Nov 18, 2009  - PACIFIC OCEAN - Two F-18E Super Hornets assigned to the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 prepare to launch off the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington, the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, is currently underway supporting security and stability in the Western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Aviation Electrician Technician Airman Josiah Connelly /Released)

 Nov 18, 2009  - PACIFIC OCEAN - An F-18E Super Hornet from the Royal Maces, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, launches off the flight deck of USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington, the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, is currently underway supporting security and stability in the Western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Aviation Electrician Technician Airman Josiah Connelly /RELEASED)

 Nov 18, 2009  - PACIFIC OCEAN - Lt. Cmdr. Jason Bartholomew and Lt. Louis Krueper give the signal to launch an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington is underway supporting security and stability in the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Reann Mommsen/Released)

 Dec 7, 2009  - NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan. 'Mace 202' line up at R/W01.(Image Source - Photo By Ken H / @chippyho)