[tomkow6]

Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana, Va. (Dec. 2, 2002) -- Lt. Cmdr. Tom Robson is the Officer-in Charge of the Landing Signals Officer (LSO) school based at NAS Oceana. The F/A-18 pilot from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., is responsible for teaching Naval Officers the procedures of the LSO aboard aircraft carriers. Students learn through the aid of a virtual reality trainer that simulates an aircraft carrier at sea in a variety of weather and lighting conditions. LSOs help guide aircraft aboard by using visual and audible systems. The two-week course qualifies approximately 140 students a year. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer's Mate Chris Desmond.

[tomkow6]

At sea aboard USS Saipan (LHA 2) Jan. 20, 2003 -- Fire Controlman Petty Officer 3rd Class Brian Lewis from Pittsburgh, Pa., prepares a Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) for upload into the guided missile's launching system. The RAM missile has been fired in over 150 flight tests to date, resulting in a success rate of over 95 percent. This extremely high reliability is the culmination of years of development, testing, and design improvements. Saipan is deployed with Amphibious Task Force West (ATF-W) in support of the Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Kyle T. Voigt.