May 2, 2013  - NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan - An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 launches from Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, Japan. VFA-27 is forward-deployed to NAF Atsugi, Japan as a part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Gregory A. Harden II)

 May 9, 2013  - U.S. Pacific Fleet(May 9, 2013) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 conducts flight operations in the vicinity of Japan's Mt. Fuji, May 9. VFA-27 is forward-deployed to Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, as a part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5. (Photo courtesy of VFA-27)

 May 26, 2013  - The new VFA-27 F/A-18E CAG SuperHornet out for a cruise. (Photo courtesy of VFA-27)

 Jun 14, 2013  - A photo of a Royal Mace FA-18E taken on our departure from Iwo Jima in front of Mt. Suribachi and the beach where U.S. Marines landed on 19 February 1945. Semper Fi! - (Image Source - CDR. Spencer Abbott/VFA-27 CO)

 Jun 18, 2013  - VFA-27 Royal Maces CAG F/A-18E Super Hornet over the field at NAF Atsugi, Japan. (Image Source - Tomo-Papa)

 Jun 30, 2013  - PACIFIC OCEAN - Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 3rd Class Neil Graupmann, from Kadoka, S.D., gives an all-clear signal form the bow safety position to launch an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 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, protect and defend 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)

 Jul 4, 2013  -  PACIFIC OCEAN - Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Manuel Mallada, from Agat, Guam, directs an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 after an arrested gear 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 Paolo Bayas/Released)

 Jul 6, 2013  - Happy 4th of July from the Maces aboard the USS George Washington! The entire Mace team worked hard to transition the squadron and all our jets onto the carrier, and we are currently on summer cruise. Stay tuned for more updates! - (Photo courtesy of VFA-27)

 Jul 18, 2013  - 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 U.S. Navy\'s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) in support of exercise Talisman Saber (TS) 2013. The TS exercise series is a biennial training event aimed at improving Australian Defense Force (ADF) and U.S. combat readiness and interoperability as a Combined Joint Task Force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ricardo R. Guzman/RELEASED)

 Jul 20, 2013  - 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 aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) in support of exercise Talisman Saber 2013. The exercise is a biennial training event aimed at improving Australian Defense Force (ADF) and U.S. combat readiness and interoperability as a Combined Joint Task Force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ramon G. Go/Released)

 Jul 20, 2013  - CORAL 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 U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) in support of exercise Talisman Saber (TS) 2013. The TS series is a biennial training event aimed at improving Australian Defence Force (ADF) and U.S. combat readiness and interoperability as a Combined Joint Task Force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ramon G. Go/RELEASED)

 Jul 20, 2013  - 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 U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) in support of exercise Talisman Saber (TS) 2013. The TS series is a biennial training event aimed at improving Australian Defence Force (ADF) and U.S. combat readiness and interoperability as a Combined Joint Task Force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ramon G. Go/RELEASED)

 Jul 22, 2013  - 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 aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) in support of exercise Talisman Saber 2013. The exercise is a biennial training event aimed at improving Australian Defense Force (ADF) and U.S. combat readiness and interoperability as a Combined Joint Task Force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ricardo R. Guzman/Released)

 Jul 23, 2013  - CORAL SEA - An F-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 make an arrested landing on the flight deck of the USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and it's embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, are currently participating in exercise Talisman Saber (TS) 2013. The TS exercise series is a biennial training event aimed at improving Australian Defence Force (ADF) and U.S. combat readiness and interoperability as a Combined Joint Task Force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ricardo R. Guzman/RELEASED)

 Aug 15, 2013  - PHILIPPINE 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 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 Ricardo R. Guzman/Released)

 Aug 17, 2013  - PHILIPPINE SEA - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the \"Royal Maces\" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 takes off 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 2nd Class Trevor Welsh/RELEASED)

 Aug 17, 2013  - PHILIPPINE 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 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 2nd Class Trevor Welsh/RELEASED)

 Aug 20, 2013  - PHILIPPINE SEA - 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 U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during an air-power demonstration. 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 Ramon G. Go/RELEASED)

 Aug 20, 2013  - PHILIPPINE SEA - A F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 flies at super-sonic speed over the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during an air-power demonstration. 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 2nd Class Trevor Welsh/RELEASED)

 Aug 20, 2013  - PACIFIC OCEAN - A F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 performs a high-speed inverted maneuver over the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) during flight operations. Preble is on patrol with the George Washington Carrier Strike Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul Kelly/Released)

 Aug 20, 2013  - PACIFIC OCEAN - A F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 attempts to break the sound barrier over the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) during flight operations. Preble is on patrol with the George Washington Carrier Strike Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul Kelly/Released)

 Aug 21, 2013  - PHILIPPINE SEA - Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Jose Ramos, from Harrison, N.J., directs an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 after making 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 Paolo Bayas/Released)

 Aug 21, 2013  - PHILIPPINE SEA - An F/A-18E Super Hornet, right, from the Royal Maces of Strike Fight Squadron (VFA) 27 conducts an aerial refueling with an F/A-18F Super Hornet from the Diamondbacks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 during flight operations with 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 Lt. j.g. Douglas Spence/Released)

 Aug 21, 2013  - 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 Paolo Bayas/Released)

 Aug 24, 2013  - PACIFIC OCEAN - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 performs aerial maneuvers over the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) during a friends and family day cruise sea and air power demonstration. 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 Ramon G. Go/RELEASED)

 Aug 27, 2013  - US Navy CVW-5, FA-18E Super Hornet, VFA-27 "ROYAL MACES", NF200 CAG - Image Source - Masaomi Matsuzawa

 Sep 20, 2013  - PACIFIC OCEAN - 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 Ricardo R. Guzman/RELEASED) Digital

 Sep 20, 2013  - PACIFIC OCEAN - 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 Ricardo R. Guzman/RELEASED) Digital

 Sep 23, 2013  - PACIFIC OCEAN - 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 Ricardo R. Guzman/RELEASED)

 Sep 26, 2013  - PHILIPPINE SEA - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 prepares to land 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 Liam Kennedy/RELEASED)

 Oct 9, 2013  - WATERS TO THE EAST OF THE KOREAN PENINSULA - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 approaches 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 Seaman Apprentice Matthew Riggs)

 Oct 9, 2013  - WATERS TO THE EAST OF THE KOREAN PENINSULA - 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 Liam Kennedy/RELEASED)

 Oct 9, 2013  - WATERS TO THE EAST OF THE KOREAN PENINSULA - Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Chantel Boudeau, left, from Perchtolsdorf, Austria, and Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Ryan Eilenfeld, from Galion, Ohio, remove panels from an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 in the hangar bay 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 Ricardo R. Guzman/Released)

 Oct 11, 2013  - WATERS TO THE WEST OF THE KOREAN PENINSULA - 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 Paolo Bayas/Released)

 Oct 13, 2013  - WATERS TO THE WEST OF THE KOREAN PENINSULA - Distinguished visitors (DV) 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 U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during a DV embark. 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 Seaman Chris Cavagnaro/RELEASED)

 Oct 20, 2013  - SOUTH CHINA SEA - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 launches from the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during night flight operations. George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects 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 Peter Burghart/Released)

 Oct 22, 2013  - SOUTH CHINA 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 Paolo Bayas/Released)

 Oct 22, 2013  - SOUTH CHINA SEA - Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Osvaldo Delacruz, center, directs an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 toward a catapult on 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 Paolo Bayas/Released)

 Oct 24, 2013  - SOUTH CHINA SEA (Oct. 24, 2013) An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 takes off 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 Seaman Chris Cavagnaro/RELEASED)

 Oct 24, 2013  - SOUTH CHINA SEA - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 takes off 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 Seaman Chris Cavagnaro/RELEASED)

 Oct 25, 2013  - SOUTH CHINA SEA - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 takes off 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 Ricardo R. Guzman/RELEASED) Digital

 Nov 1, 2013  - Cover photo from the new Hasegawa model kit.

 Nov 5, 2013  - SOUTH CHINA 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 Paolo Bayas)

 Nov 6, 2013  - SOUTH CHINA SEA - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 takes off 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 Ricardo R. Guzman/Released)

 Nov 7, 2013  - SOUTH CHINA 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 Paolo Bayas/Released)

 Nov 7, 2013  - SOUTH CHINA SEA - Government officials from Hong Kong observe an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 make an arrested landing on the flight deck of the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during a distinguished visitor embark. 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 Ricardo R. Guzman/RELEASED)

 Nov 24, 2013  - PHILIPPINE 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 U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during night flight operations. George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects 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 Peter Burghart/Released)

 Nov 30, 2013  - PHILIPPINE SEA - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 performs a touch-and-go 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 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 Peter Burghart/RELEASED)

 Nov 30, 2013  - 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 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 3rd Class Paolo Bayas/Released)

 Nov 30, 2013  - NAF Atsugi - VFA-27 "Royal Maces" F/A-18E NF200 (168363) executing a Touch & Go - (Image Source - Birds Jump Out Into The Air)