LONDON ? Britain's Defence Ministry is expected to extend MBDA?s assessment phase contract on the SPEAR Capability.

No formal decision has been announced to continue solely with development of MBDA?s Selective Precision Effects At Range (SPEAR) missile development, but the MoD?s Investment Approvals Committee (IAC) has considered the business case in the last few weeks and opted to recommend to higher officials that they continue with work being undertaken by the European complex weapons maker, said the source.

A Defence Ministry spokesman confirmed the IAC had received a business case for the next stage of the weapon?s development but declined to give details.

?The business case for the next phase of the SPEAR Cap 3 program has been submitted, and formal approval is awaited. No announcements will be made until approval has been granted,? the spokesman said.

Selective Precision Effects at Range Capability 3, better known as SPEAR Cap 3, is one of several weapons being developed for the British military under the SPEAR umbrella.

Responding to reporters' questions during a MBDA briefing on its 2015 results on Thursday the company's UK managing director, Dave Armstrong, said he didn't know the outcome of the IAC deliberations.

He did say though that if things went the way he hoped it was possible there could be a contract agreed in the second quarter of the year.

A 44th Fighter Squadron F-15 Eagle prepares to taxi down the runway March 18, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Kadena pilots participated in training to hone and maintain their wartime readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Lynette M. Rolen)

F-15 Eagles from Kadena?s 44th Fighter Squadron taxi down the runway March 18, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Members of the 44th FS participated in training to demonstrate Kadena?s air superiority and wartime readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Lynette M. Rolen)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 17, 2016) An AB-1 Cobra assigned to the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA-467) lands on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1). Wasp is the flagship for Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 6 and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and is underway for PHIBRON-MEU Integrated Training (PMINT) in preparation for the ship's first operational deployment in over a decade. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Zhiwei Tan/Released)

WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M., March 17, 2016 ? A Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) Missile successfully detected, tracked and intercepted a tactical ballistic missile (TBM) target today at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, as part of a U.S. Army-led flight test.

?The PAC-3 MSE continues to demonstrate its reliability and hit-to-kill capability,? said Scott Arnold, vice president of PAC-3 programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. ?The enhancements of the MSE will provide the warfighter with the tools needed to defend against current and evolving threats.?

The PAC-3 Missile is a high-velocity interceptor that uses hit-to-kill technology to defend against incoming threats, including TBMs, cruise missiles and aircraft.

Building on the battle-proven PAC-3 Missile, the PAC-3 MSE brings a larger, dual-pulse solid rocket motor, larger control fins and an upgraded support system. These enhancements nearly double the missile?s reach, and dramatically improve performance against missile threats.

U.S. Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker aircrew meet with maintenance Airmen before a refueling mission at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., March 18, 2016. All are assigned to the New Jersey Air National Guard's 108th Wing. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Matt Hecht/Released)

A U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender from the 305th Air Mobility Wing flies over the Atlantic Ocean, March 18, 2016. The 305th is located at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Matt Hecht/Released)

A U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender drops back behind a New Jersey Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker during a refueling mission over the Atlantic Ocean, March 18, 2016. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Matt Hecht/Released)

A U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender from the 305th Air Mobility Wing flies over the Atlantic Ocean, March 18, 2016. The 305th is located at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Matt Hecht/Released)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 18, 2016) ? Sailors move aircraft from the flight deck to the hangar bay of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), the flagship of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group. Ike is underway conducting a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) with the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group in preparation for a future deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Casey S. Trietsch/Released)

KORAT ROYAL THAI AIR FORCE BASE, Thailand (AFNS) -- Readiness and continued development of multilateral interoperability remains a key priority for Indo-Asia-Pacific partners participating in the 22nd year of exercise Cope Tiger, a joint multilateral field training exercise that began March 7 at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base.

During the two-week exercise, more than 1,200 combined service members and civilians from the U.S., Thailand and Republic of Singapore aim to enhance cooperative relationships and improve procedures in airpower.

?Cope Tiger 16 is a great experience for our Airmen, building upon the exercise?s 22 year history, to deepen relationships with two key Indo-Asia-Pacific partner nations and to reinforce our combined airpower interoperability,? said Lt. Col. Jack Arthaud, the exercise director for the U.S. Air Force. ?The flying exercise not only builds (U.S. Air Force) capabilities, but also (Royal Thai Air Force) and (Republic of Singapore Air Force) capabilities by reinforcing common training standards and team work.?

Arthaud explained that by participating in exercises with multilateral military forces, the U.S. demonstrates its commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. Cope Tiger bolsters U.S. Pacific Command?s theater security cooperation and enhances allied interoperability as the three partner countries train side by side.

?The ability for us to work together as a team just to put this exercise together is an amazing accomplishment,? said Col. Sim Pengshin, the exercise director from the Republic of Singapore Air Force. ?To then have us fly, conduct mission planning, brief and debrief, as well as work through the problems together, is the best way to strengthen our relationships, and I feel that it improves our readiness and processes.?

There are multiple types of training conducted during Cope Tiger 16, including: mission planning, airborne air control, in-flight air refueling, air-to-air employment including basic fighter maneuvers, electronic warfare, airlift, and close air support.

?The exercise increases the capability and experience of the pilots and gives the aeronautical staff an opportunity to learn from our counterparts,? said Group Capt. Manoon Rukitna, the exercise director for the Royal Thai Air Force. ?I am confident that Cope Tiger 16 will enable the participants to increase combat readiness from the intensive training.?

A trilateral Link 16 network is new to this year?s exercise providing a significant increased capability for the Royal Thai Air Force. Link 16 is fundamental to interoperability because it increases mission effectiveness by raising the situational awareness of all the forces on the network facilitating improved team work and safety.

?(U.S. Air Force) Link 16 experts worked closely with both (Royal Thai Air Force) and (Republic of Singapore Air Force) technical experts to ensure that we would have success (with Link 16 data link network) on the first day of the exercise,? Arthaud said. ?This is a huge leap in technical capabilities that enhances our effectiveness and partnership.?

Over 220 U.S. personnel are participating in Cope Tiger 16 along with approximately 1,000 service members from the Thai and Singaporean militaries. The exercise involves a combined total of 87 aircraft and 48 air defense assets from the U.S. Air Force, Royal Thai Air Force, and the Republic of Singapore Air Force. The 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base, Japan, provided 12 F-15 Eagles and one E-3B Sentry (AWACS) to participating in Cope Tiger 16.

A Republic of Singapore Air Force F-15 Eagle lands during exercise Cope Tiger 16 on Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, March 11, 2016. Cope Tiger 16 included over 1,200 personnel from three countries and continues the growth of strong, interoperable and beneficial relationships within the Asia-Pacific Region, while demonstrating U.S. capability to project forces strategically in a combined, joint environment. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Tech Sgt. Aaron Oelrich)

A C-130J Hercules Aircraft lands on Sicily Drop Zone at Fort Bragg, N.C., in support of the Saturday Proficiency Jump Program (SPJP) on March 19, 2016. The SPJP builds proficiency, experience, and confidence of individual Paratroopers, ensuring the XVIII Airborne Corps remains ready for contingency response missions. (U.S. Army Photo's by Sgt. Tierney P. Curry)(Released)


CF-18 Hornets from 4 Wing Cold Lake position themselves to refuel from a CC-130T Hercules from 17 Wing Winnipeg over the waters of Florida during Exercise PUMA STRIKE, being held at Naval Air Station Key West, Florida between February 23 and March 25, 2016.
Photo credit: Captain Denis Beaulieu, pilot, 410 Tactical Fighter (Operational Training) Squadron.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 20, 2016) ? An E-2C Hawkeye assigned to the Screwtops of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123, performs pre-flight checks on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), the flagship of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group. Ike is underway conducting a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) with the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group in preparation for a future deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class J. Alexander Delgado/Released)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 20, 2016) - An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Wildcats of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131 lands on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), the flagship of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group. Ike is underway conducting a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) with the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group in preparation for a future deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class J. Alexander Delgado/Released)

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot assigned to the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron takes off from the flightline during the 74th EFS?s deployment in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve at Graf Ignatievo, Bulgaria, March 18, 2016. The squadron?s six-month deployment aimed to demonstrate the U.S.?s shared commitment to peace and better prepare allies and partners to respond to a range of potential security and humanitarian challenges. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joe W. McFadden/Released)

Royal Navy Sea King Mk4s(?Junglies?) are carrying out their farewell flypast today in Southern England.

Four U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle aircraft with the 44th Fighter Squadron fly in formation, March 21, 2016, off the coast of Japan. The F-15C is an all-weather, highly maneuverable tactical fighter that enables the Air Force to gain and maintain air supremacy over the battlefield. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Peter Reft/Released)

Two U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle aircraft with the 44th Fighter Squadron fly in formation with a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, March 21, 2016, off the coast of Japan. The 44th FS and 909th ARS conducted an inflight refueling exercise to demonstrate their capability for long-range flight operations with tanker support. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Peter Reft/Released)

Two U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle aircraft with the 44th Fighter Squadron fly in formation during an inflight refueling exercise, March 21, 2016, off the coast of Japan. 44th FS pilots carry out contingency operations and provide around-the-clock theater security throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Peter Reft/Released)

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle aircraft with the 44th Fighter Squadron approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron to begin an inflight refueling procedure, March 21, 2016, off the coast of Japan. The 44th FS and 909th ARS conducted an inflight refueling exercise to demonstrate how tanker support can extend and prolong flight operations for U.S. and coalition aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Peter Reft/Released)

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle aircraft with the 44th Fighter Squadron pulls away after completing inflight refueling, March 21, 2016, off the coast of Japan. 44th FS pilots maintain 24-hour readiness to provide regional security throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region night or day at a moment's notice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Peter Reft/Released)

A B-52 Stratofortress sits on the flightline March 21, 2016, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The strategic global strike capability of B-52s deters potential adversaries and provides reassurance to allies and partners that the U.S. is capable to defend its national security interests in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo's by Senior Airman Joshua Smoot/Released)


Australia's first F-35A pilot, Squadron Leader (SQNLDR) Andrew Jackson, says it is ?easy to fall into the trap of thinking the F-35 is just another aircraft?.

?The shell of the aircraft gets it to the fight, but it?s so much more than an F/A-18 Hornet replacement. We haven?t begun to scratch the surface of the F-35 capability. There?s more information, better information, faster information ? it?s a real force multiplier.

?Unlike the F-22, the F-35 is capable of sharing information with other aircraft," he said.

Commander of the US Air Force?s 56th Fighter Wing, Brigadier General Scott Pleus is also excited about flying the aircraft.

"As an F-35 pilot myself, this aeroplane has the capabilities we need. While a fourth-generation fighter may be cost-effective, it will also be dead when it comes up against an F-35.?

?I find it interesting that most people who complain about the F-35 have never flown the F-35," he said.

21 March 2016 Press Release

The first Airbus aircraft produced in the U.S. Manufacturing Facility has flown for the first time. The A321, destined for JetBlue took off from the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley in Mobile, Alabama, at 9:36 a.m., performed its test sequences, and landed safely at 1:02 p.m.

The aircraft was flown by Test Pilots Mark McCullins and Bruce Macdonald. They were accompanied on the flight by Flight Test Engineers Thierry Cros and Nick Picconi, and Ground Test Engineers/Cabin Specialists Alexander Gentzsch and Mike Johns.

The flight lasted 3 hours and 26 minutes during which tests were performed on systems, engines and structure performance.

More than 300 employees who work at the facility cheered as the plane took-off. ?We?ve come to an exciting milestone in the production of any aircraft, but this one is particularly special,? said Daryl Taylor, Vice President and General Manager of the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility. ?The Mobile team has worked hard, and I?m proud that their skill and talent have brought us to this moment. Together we are fulfilling the promise we made to the city of Mobile, the state of Alabama, and the Gulf Coast region?we?re creating a new center of commercial aircraft production in the U.S. This is just the first of many aircraft to come.?

Following the maiden flight, the aircraft will go through a few more weeks in final production before being delivered to JetBlue.

The A321 is the largest member of the A320 Family offering passengers state-of-the-art cabin design, wider seats and superior comfort whilst airlines benefit from the unique operational flexibility of Airbus? single-aisle aircraft. With a range of up to 7,400km / 4,000nm, the A321 is able to fly longer routes as for example Europe to U.S. The A320 Family is the world?s best- selling single aisle product line with over 12,400 orders and close to 6,700 aircraft delivered to some 300 customers worldwide.

China's large transportation aircraft, Y-20, will finish test flights in 2016 and be delivered in bulk to the PLA before the end of this year, according to CCTV reports.

China's own domestically built military cargo jet, Y-20, will likely be put into service in the army this year, a military expert said in an interview with People's Daily Online.

According to Xu Yongling, a military expert, the test flight period for large aircraft is generally between three and five years. Since there have been no bottlenecks during development or manufacturing, the Y-20 will be put into use this year.

The first flight of the Y-20 took place in 2013, making China the fourth country in the world, following the U.S., Russia and Ukraine, to develop a 200-ton military cargo jet.

"This is not only progress for China's national defense industry, but also a milestone of industrial and military modernization," Xu said.

The official code name of the aircraft is Kunpeng, after the mythical bird of ancient China that can fly for thousands of kilometers. However, within the Chinese aviation industry, the aircraft is more commonly known by its nickname, Chubby Girl, named by military fans for its relatively wide fuselage.

Military expert Chen Hong said in an interview with People's Daily Online that the carrying capacity of the Y-20, around 60 tons, is higher than that of Russia's Ilyushin Il-76, a multi-purpose four-engine turbofan strategic airlifter. The Y-20's engine, aerodynamic arrangement and combat performance are all better than those of the Russian aircraft.

The cargo jet can be used to refit significant special operations platforms, as it has a long flying period and flying distance. The Y-20 is also a good choice for maritime detection and early warning, according to Chen.

As for future military developments, airborne transportation depends not only on the Y-20, but also on other military cargo jets, which China may develop in the next five to ten years, according to Xu.

WATERS SURROUNDING THE KOREAN PENINSULA (March 22, 2016) - Lt. David Swimm, from Baltimore, launches an EA-18G Growler assigned to the Wizards of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133 from USS John C. Stennis' (CVN 74) flight deck. Providing a ready force supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific, John C. Stennis is operating as part of the Great Green Fleet on a regularly scheduled 7th Fleet deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andre T. Richard/ Released)

A Royal Air Force E-3 Sentry (AWACS) flies over Iraq, March 22, 2016. As of March 14, U.S. and partner nation aircraft have flown an estimated 86,058 sorties in support of operations in Iraq and Syria. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Corey Hook/Released) (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Corey Hook/Released)

A Royal Air Force E-3 Sentry (AWACS receives fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker over Iraq, March 22, 2016 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. The United States stands with a coalition of more than 60 international partners to assist and support the Iraqi Security Forces to degrade and defeat ISIL. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Corey Hook/Released)

Warbirds over Wanaka is on this weekend at Wanaka, New Zealand from 25 - 28 March. The RAAF aea sending four Hawk 127 lead-in fighters to support the show.

In this composite photo stars travel across the sky over the course of two hours as maintainers from the 71st Aircraft Maintenance Unit work in the cockpit of an HC-130J Combat King II, March 23, 2016, on the flightline at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. The HC-130J, assigned to the 71st Rescue Squadron, is the only fixed-wing personnel recovery platform in the Air Force inventory. The aircraft is capable of performing airdrop, helicopter air-to-air refueling, forward area ground refueling, disaster response and emergency aeromedical evacuation missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ryan Callaghan/Released)

ROME --- Finmeccanica announced today the first of 16 AgustaWestland AW101 helicopters for the Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MoJ) successfully performed its maiden flight at its Helicopter Division?s Yeovil factory in the UK on 21st March 2016.

The successful on-schedule maiden flight marks a major milestone and the start of the flight test programme that will lead to initial aircraft deliveries to the MoJ, for operation by the Royal Norwegian Air Force, in 2017. Aircraft deliveries will continue through to 2020.

?I am very pleased that Finmeccanica has reached this important milestone in the SAR helicopter project and thereby making good progress for the replacement of the aging Sea King helicopter with the new state-of-the-art AW101 by 2020,? says the Minister of Justice and Public Security, Mr. Anders Anundsen. ?I would furthermore like to bring my sincere gratitude to the dedicated and hardworking team at the company who have made this first flight possible in time.?

In December 2013 the Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Public Security signed a contract for 16 AW101 helicopters plus support and training, to meet the Norwegian All Weather SAR Helicopter (NAWSARH) requirement based on a new generation aircraft.

Each aircraft is provided with an advanced SAR equipment package including a multi-panel AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) surveillance radar system from Finmeccanica Airborne & Space Systems Division, built at the company's Edinburgh centre of excellence, that provides 360? coverage. The large cabin doors and rear ramp provide easy access for personnel, survivors and equipment into the 27 m3 cabin which has stand-up head room throughout.

Finmeccanica?s Helicopter Division will provide initial support and training services, including spares at each of the aircraft operating bases and aircrew training. It will then provide performance based logistic support to deliver approximately 90,000 flying hours across the fleet of 16 helicopters over the initial 15-year period of operation. In support of pilot training, a full flight simulator will be available in Norway in advance of the delivery of the first aircraft.

A KC-135R Stratotanker assigned to the Wisconsin Air National Guard basks in the sunlight during a snowy, spring morning at the 128th Air Refueling Wing, Milwaukee, March 25, 2016. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Jenna V. Lenski/Released)

A U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry takes off from Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson to conduct a training sortie, March 24, 2016. Training sorties are imperative to pilot development and overall mission effectiveness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman James Richardson/Released)

Two U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors prepare to land on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson after a training sortie, March 24, 2016. Training sorties are imperative to pilot development and overall mission effectiveness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman James Richardson/Released)

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor takes off from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson for a training sortie, March 24, 2016. Training sorties are imperative to pilot development and overall mission effectiveness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman James Richardson/Released)

Two F-22 Raptors from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska?s 3rd Wing conduct approach training, Thursday, March 24, 2016. The F-22 is the U.S. Air Force?s premium fifth-generation fighter asset. (U.S. Air Force photo/Justin Connaher)

25 March 2016 Press Release

The first A350-900 for Cathay Pacific Airways has completed its maiden flight in Toulouse, France. The aircraft will now enter the final phase of production including cabin completion, further ground checks and test flights before being prepared for delivery in the second quarter of the year.

The aircraft will be the first of 48 A350 XWBs acquired by Cathay Pacific. Cathay Pacific?s A350 XWB fleet will include 22 A350-900s and 26 of the larger A350-1000s, for operation on long- and medium-haul services.

Bringing new levels of efficiency and comfort in the long range market, the A350 XWB family will be especially well suited to the needs of Asia-Pacific airlines. Firm orders from carriers in the region for the new aircraft already total 241, representing over a third of total sales for the A350 XWB to date.

The A350 XWB is the world?s latest generation airliner and the newest member of Airbus? modern, comfortable & efficient widebody product family. It features the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fiber fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs.

This has been making the various aircraft forums.
What an amazing man & machine.

U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion's assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 (HMH-361) and Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 (HMH-461) land for a static refuel during Weapons and Tactics Instructor course (WTI 2-16) at Landing Zone Bull, Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range, Calif., March 26, 2016. This training evolution is part of WTI 2-16, a seven week training event, hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) cadre, which emphasizes operational integration of the six functions of Marine Corps aviation in support of a Marine Air Ground Task Force. MAWTS-1 provides standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine Aviation Training and Readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anabel Abreu-Rodriguez MAWTS-1 COMCAM/ Released)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 28, 2016) - An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Gunslingers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105 launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), the flagship of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group. Ike is underway conducting a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) with the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group in preparation for a future deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Anderson W. Branch/Released)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 28, 2016) - An E-2C Hawkeye assigned to the Screwtops of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123 prepares to land on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), the flagship of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group. Ike is underway conducting a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) with the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group in preparation for a future deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Anderson W. Branch/Released)