PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 24, 2013) The guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) fires its MK-45 5-inch gun during a live-fire exercise alongside the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) as part of a friends and family day cruise. 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 Ramon G. Go/Released)
PHILIPPINE SEA (Nov. 28, 2013) The aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), foreground, the helicopter destroyer JS Hyuga (DDH 181), background, the George Washington Strike Group and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ships participate in tactical maneuver training during Annual Exercise (AnnualEx) 13. AnnualEx 13 is designed to increase the defensive readiness and interoperability of Japanese and U.S. Naval forces through training in air and sea operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ricardo R. Guzman/Released)
ARABIAN SEA (Nov. 21, 2013) A Close In Weapons System (CIWS) fires during a live-fire exercise aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4). Boxer is the flagship for the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (13th MEU), is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mayra A. Knight/Released)
ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 08, 2013) The guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103) fires its MK 45 5-inch gun at a simulated target. Truxtun is conducting its final pre-deployment evaluation with the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group to achieve mission readiness and the ability to work alongside international allies in the execution of the Navy's maritime strategy. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Scott Barnes/Released)
An F-15E Strike Eagle, assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron, flies above Bodø Main Air Station, Norway, Sept. 23, 2013. Approximately 30 aircraft deployed from Royal Air Force Bases Lakenheath and Mildenhall, to multiple locations in Norway, in support of the Arctic Challenge exercise 2013 (ACE-13). ACE-13 is a combined exercise with our NATO allies and regional partners, which promotes continued interoperability between the U.S., Norway, Sweden and Finland. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Lee Osberry)
