At sea aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Jan. 13, 2003 -- The logo for a Shared Reconnaissance Pod (SHARP). U.S. Navy graphic enhancement by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Monica McLaughlin.
At sea aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Jan. 13, 2003 -- Photographer’s Mate Airman Brian Evaul of Banner Elk, N.C., and Photographer’s Mate Airman James Broody of Atlanta, Ga., install the data storage unit into the Shared Reconnaissance Pod (SHARP). The SHARP Pod is installed on the bottom of an F/A-18F “Super Hornet” assigned to the “Black Aces” of Strike Fighter Squadron Four One (VFA-41). The Shared Reconnaissance Pod (SHARP) is a multi-functioned reconnaissance pod, adaptable to several airborne platforms for tactical manned airborne reconnaissance. It is capable of simultaneous airborne and ground screening capabilities, and is designed to replace the Navy's Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS), currently flown on the F-14 "Tomcat." Nimitz is currently undergoing Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMTUEX) off the coast of San Diego, Calif. COMPTUEX is an exercise designed to train the ship, airwing, and other vessels in the battle group to function as one fighting force. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Yesenia Rosas.
At sea aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Jan. 13, 2003 -- A Shared Reconnaissance Pod (SHARP), installed on the bottom of an F/A-18F “Super Hornet” assigned to the “Black Aces” of Strike Fighter Squadron Four One (VFA-41), lands on the ship’s flight deck after completing a mission. The Shared Reconnaissance Pod (SHARP) is a multi-functioned reconnaissance pod, adaptable to several airborne platforms for tactical manned airborne reconnaissance. It is capable of simultaneous airborne and ground screening capabilities, and is designed to replace the Navy's Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS), currently flown on the F-14 "Tomcat." Nimitz is currently undergoing Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMTUEX) off the coast of San Diego, Calif. COMPTUEX is an exercise designed to train the ship, airwing, and other vessels in the battle group to function as one fighting force. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Yesenia Rosas.