In The Navy

USS FITZGERALD (DDG-62) Leaving port in Yokosuka, Japan. An Arleigh Burke Destroyer, Taken: June 14, 2006

Navy pilots are the best in the world when it comes to having to land, take off or pick up anything off of naval ships. This SH-60 Seahawk is picking up cargo off of a supply ship in very high seas. At times the "screws" of the ship can be seen coming out of the water splashing around. The missions has to be accomplished!

In October of 2008 a small group of US Marines and US Navy volunteered two weeks to build a new school building for the small village of Guimba in the Philippines. They also refurbished the existing building, giving it a fresh updated look. The village children and families were very appreciative.

A pair of SH-60 Seahawk helicopters providing Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP) on board the USS HARPERS FERRY (LSD-49)

A CH-46 Sea Knight Helicopter lifting off on the flight deck of the USS HARPERS FERRY (LSD-49) to preform operations.

Looking down toward the Landing Craft Unit (LCU) onboard the USS HARPERS FERRY (LSD-49) from the flight deck. The USS HARPERS FERRY is an amphibious class naval ship that has a well deck to provide the capability for LCU, LCAC and AAVs to be launched very to the shore at a very close location from the sea. (AKA a big tax cab)

US Navy gets supplies, fuel, and food to sustain operations while at sea. This setup is called UNREP (Underway Replenishment). It requires the ships to match a constant speed in parallel so they do not drift or collide into each other, while the replenishment is being conducted.

USS HARPERS FERRY (LSD-49) De-ballasting with a Landing Craft Unit (LCU) inside the well deck.

The churning wake produced by the USS HARPERS FERRY (LSD-49) twin screws as it transits through the water at 20 knots.

Landing Craft Air Cushion entering the stern of a Landing Ship Dock in Okinawa, Japan

A view of Iwo Jima an island of Japan where the infamous WWII battle took place.

Underway Replenishment (UNREP) with the USS ESSEX (LHD-2) and on board the USS HARPERS FERRY (LSD-49)

Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) is heading toward the stern of the USS HARPERS FERRY (LSD-49)

The well deck of the USS HARPERS FERRY (LSD-49) is ballasted down with the stern gate in the open position. The LCU (Landing Craft Unit) is approaching.

Incoming CH-46 Sea Knight to the flight deck of the USS HARPERS FERRY (LSD-49)

SH-60 Seahawk VERTREP (Vertical Replenishment) in very windy and high seas. Taking cargo supplies from the flight deck of the USS HARPERS FERRY (LSD-49)

Vertical landing of a AV-8B Harrier on the flight deck of the USS ESSEX (LHD-2)

BQM-74 Chukar Target Drove launched from the USS HARPERS FERRY (LSD-49)

A quick video shot of the USS ESSEX (LHD-2) naval ship from the view of a UH-1Y Venom helicopter.