This Wasn't on the Cruise Itinerary

[SaxMan]

My family went on a cruise out of Baltimore to Bermuda and back. On the return trip as we were approaching the Chesapeake Bay, we came across a Naval Amphibious Task Group. I was actually surprised at how close they were to a cruise ship. Luckily, I had my camera and a decent telephoto lens:

An EA-6B from VAQ-209 based out of Joint Base Andrews. If you look closely you can see the "Star Warriors" logo on the tail -- Darth Vader's Mask

DSC_0693a by onyxsax, on Flickr

Another shot of the EA-6B

DSC_0694a by onyxsax, on Flickr

The EA-6B breaks away from the cruise ship. It really attracted a lot of attention!

DSC_0695a by onyxsax, on Flickr

[SaxMan]

Also nearby was the USS Wasp (LPH-1) with a CH-53 practicing landings.

DSC_0713a by onyxsax, on Flickr

...and taking off:

DSC_0718a by onyxsax, on Flickr

...and landing again:

DSC_0728a by onyxsax, on Flickr

[SaxMan]

Farther in the distance was an LPD with three Chinooks flying hither and yon around it. I couldn't spot a hull number. I believe this is LPD-13, USS Ponce, the last of the Vietnam-era LPDs still in commission.

DSC_0699a by onyxsax, on Flickr

...and another shot

DSC_0696a by onyxsax, on Flickr

Even farther in the distance was a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser. It was literally on the horizon and you could only see the tops of its superstructure. It didn't make for a great picture.

It was definitely one of the highlights of the cruise for me!

[Fearless Tower]

Not trying to be too nit-picky, but I happen to be a gator sailor.

FYI, WASP is LHD 1, we do not have any LPHs anymore.

Also, the second ship is a newer LSD, not an LPD.

Still nice photos!

[SaxMan]

Not trying to be too nit-picky, but I happen to be a gator sailor.

FYI, WASP is LHD 1, we do not have any LPHs anymore.

Also, the second ship is a newer LSD, not an LPD.

Still nice photos!

Thank you for the corrections. I was loaded up on meds from a sinus infection that I also came home with, so my memory of the navsource.org pages was hazy at best.

[gale_dono]

Assuming the code is AF-500 (it looks like it), that's EA-6B 161883 (c/n MP-106)

[Chappie]

I've been with the DC ANG for 18 years and have become quite jaded when it comes to jets. But watching those EA-6Bs never gets old. They are the loudest jets on the base and are awesome when they come into the break. Our F-16s cruise in about 800 feet and gently, but briskly break for landing. These Prowlers come in at about 100 feet at the speed of heat, snap into a 90 degree bank right over our flight line while putting out the speed brakes. Awesome.


Chappie