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Caption:
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), is positioned on the ship's flight
deck waiting to be launched during the next cycle of flight
operations. 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. (RELEASED)
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