A “Green Shirt” gives the thumbs up to an F/A-18E Super Hornet pilot from the “Kestrels” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137 as he prepares to launch from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). At the time, the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group was underway in 7th Fleet conducting routine operations. Their mission is to support a free and open Indo-Pacific region. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin McTaggart.

Location: Philippine Sea

Date: 6 JAN 2023