MIKE LYNAUGHPHOTOGRAPHY
F/A-18 carrier landing photographed by Mike Lynaugh

A photojournalist's view from the flight deck

Carrier Operations

USS Enterprise (CVN-65) · USS George Washington (CVN-73) · USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78)

Three ships. Three carrier classes. One continuing story.

Nearly three decades of aircraft, sailors and life at sea, photographed aboard three generations of active U.S. Navy aircraft carriers photographed by Mike Lynaugh.

01 · Carrier Operations

Flight Operations

Launches, recoveries, high-speed passes and helicopter operations across nearly three decades.

Explore Flight Operations
F/A-18 recovery aboard an aircraft carrierF/A-18 high-speed passU.S. Navy F-14 Tomcat launches from the U.S.S. EnterpriseCarrier flight operationsNaval aircraft on the flight deckHelicopter operations aboard USS Gerald R Ford

02 · Carrier Operations

Life on the Flight Deck

The sailors, specialized crews and coordinated work that make carrier aviation possible.

Explore the Flight Deck
Firing into the AtlanticFlight deck personnel at workSailors aboard an aircraft carrierCarrier deck crewFlight deck operationsSailors supporting carrier aviation

03 · Carrier Operations

The Carriers

USS Enterprise, USS George Washington and USS Gerald R. Ford as working ships and immense environments.

Explore the Carriers
U.S. Navy aircraft carrierUSS Gerald R Ford carrier islandUSS EnterpriseeCarrier flight deck and islandUSS Gerald R Ford SuperstructureUSS George Washington Island

04 · Carrier Operations

Life at Sea

Weather, horizons, wakes, light and the quieter moments surrounding operations at sea.

Explore Life at Sea
Sailors and American flag at sunsetChange of Command CeremonySunset on the USS George WashingtonChange of Command on the USS Gerald R FordOcean wake behind an aircraft carrierChange of Command on the USS Gerald R Ford