The U.S.S. Eisenhower spent a few days at port in Marseille, France before pulling out into the Mediterranean again to make some photo appearances with the French navy and performing an "air power demo" for some VIP foreign dignitaries.
Below: An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the “Pukin’ Dogs” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143 refuels mid-flight with an EA-6B Prowler assigned to the “Patriots” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140 during an air power demonstration. (Photo: MC2(SW) Jesse Dick) If you'd like to read the article about it: http://www.eisenhower.navy.mil/Papers/2009/March/Mar%2012Issue%2015.pdf
The U.S.S. Eisenhower made it's way to the Suez Canal.
Below: An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the “Jolly Rogers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103 is parked on the flight deck as IKE passes under the Mubarak Peace Bridge while transiting the Suez Canal. If you'd like to read the article about it: http://www.eisenhower.navy.mil/Papers/2009/March/16Mar.pdf Photo Credit: MC2(SW) Rafael Figueroa Medina
On a personal note. None of the care packages or letters Nikki has sent (the earliest 24 days ago) have arrived on the U.S.S. Eisenhower. However, the Girl Scouts somehow managed to get 15,000 boxes (yes, 15,000 boxes) of Girl Scout cookies on board. Lucky little snots.
Below: Boxes and boxes of cookies....and a few airplanes. (Photo Credit: MCSN Shonna Cunningham)
