Caption:
Tsugaru Strait (Nov. 12, 2005) -- An F/A-18C Hornet, assigned to the
"Golden Dragons" of Strike Fighter Squadron One Nine Two (VFA-192),
launches from the flight deck of the conventionally powered aircraft
carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Kitty Hawk is currently transiting the
Tsugaru Strait as part of a bilateral Annual Exercise 2005 (ANNUALEX)
with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. ANNUALEX focuses on improving
the military-to-military relationship between the U.S. and Japan. The
purpose of ANNUALEX is to improve bilateral interoperability, defend
Japan against maritime threats and to improve capability for surface
warfare, air defense and undersea warfare. U.S. Navy photo by
Photographer's Mate Airman Jonathan Chandler (RELEASED)
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