250313-N-GC571-1475

An F-35C Lightning II, assigned to the “Warhawks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 97, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during Exercise Freedom Shield 25, a defense-oriented, annual exercise featuring live, virtual and field-based training that engages alliance forces and governmental agencies, March 13, 2025. Vinson, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group ONE, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nate Jordan)