Valiant Shield 2006 - F/A-18C Hornet

PACIFIC OCEAN, (June 21, 2006) – An F/A-18C Hornet from Strike Squadron (VFA) 195 the “Dambusters,” conducts a fly-by during flight operations aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Kitty Hawk typically conducts flight operations over a 12-hour period that includes both day and night missions. The Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Group is currently participating in Valiant Shield 2006, the largest joint exercise in recent history. Held in the Guam operating area June 19-23, the exercise includes 28 Naval vessels including three carrier strike groups. Nearly 300 aircraft and approximately 22,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard are also participating in the exercise. Official U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Jimmy C. Pan