May 9, 1998 (Above) --Aviation Electrician's Mate Airman David Blethen from Deluth, GA gets training on firehose handling from Aviation Electronics Technician Second Class Robert Canar from Charlottesville, VA aboard the aircraft carrier USS Independence (CV 62). Independence is forward deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. Photo by U. S. Navy Photographer's Mate Third Class (AW) David Levy.

May 9, 1998 (Above) -- A CH-46 Sea Knight of HC-8 Dragon Whales brings supplies aboard the aircraft carrier USS Independence (CV 62). Independence is forward deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. Photo by U. S. Navy Photographer's Mate Airman Chris Howell.  

May 9, 1998 (Right) -- Internal Comunicationsman Third Class James Johnson from Greenville TN., performs a soder on an internal communications station while aboard the aircraft carrier USS Independence (CV 62). Independence is forward deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. Photo by U. S. Navy Photographer's Mate Airman Mahaya Jordan.

May 6, 1998 (Above) -- Lance Corporal Stan Williams from Mt. Vernon, IL, takes aim during small fire arms training with the Marine Detachment from Charlie Company, First Battalion, Third Regiment aboard the aircraft carrier USS Independence (CV 62). Independence is forward deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. Photo by U. S. Navy Photographer's Mate Airman John Sullian.

  May 9, 1998 (Below) -- Aviation Ordnanceman First Class Gary Justice from Pelkie, MI radios for permission to move ordnance across the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Independence (CV 62). Independence is forward deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. Photo by U. S. Navy Photographer's Mate Airman Chris Howell.

May 9, 1998 (Left) -- Internal Communicationman Fireman Christopher Vickers from Douglas, GA takes reading from the aft interior communications switch board aboard the aircraft carrier USS Independence (CV 62). Independence is forward deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. Photo by U. S. Navy Photographer's Mate Airman Mahaya Jordan.

May 9, 1998 (Below) --Seaman Jole Dean from Brownsville NJ., takes some time to himself on the fantail aboard the aircraft carrier USS Independence (CV 62). Independence is forward deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. Photo by U. S. Navy Photographer's Mate Airman Mahaya Jordan.

May 6, 1998 (Left) -- Marine Detachment from Charlie Company, First Battalion, Third Regiment conduct small fire arms training aboard the aircraft carrier USS Independence (CV 62). Independence is forward deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. Photo by U. S. Navy Photographer's Mate Airman John Sullivan.