PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 7, 2007) - An F/A-18F Super Hornet attached to the "Black Knights" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, takes off from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) during exercise Valiant Shield 2007. The John C. Stennis, Kitty Hawk and Nimitz Carrier Strike Groups are participating in Valiant Shield 2007, the largest joint exercise in recent history. Held in the Guam operating area, the exercise includes 30 ships, more than 280 aircraft and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul J. Perkins