020923-N-1280S-001 (20127360109)

020923-N-1280S-001 At sea aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) Sept. 23, 2002 -- An E-2C "Hawkeye" from the Tigertails of Airborne Early Warning Squadron One Two Five (VAW-125) and an EA-6B "Prowler" from the Scorpions of the Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron One Three Two (VAQ-132) stand ready on the flight deck at night. The "Hawkeye" is an all-weather, tactical warning and control system aircraft that provides command and control functions for the battle group. The "Prowler" is a twin-engine aircraft used to provide an umbrella of protection for strike aircraft by jamming enemy radar, electronic data links and communications. VAW-125 and George Washington are based in Norfolk, Va. VAQ- 132 is based in Whidbey Island, Wa. The George Washington is participating in Exercise Mediterranean Shark during a scheduled six-month deployment, which has included combat missions in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Southern Watch. Exercise Mediterranean Shark is a bilateral training exercise conducted in Morocco by a U.S. Marine Expeditionary Unit MEU/SOC (Special Operations Capable), to show the effectiveness of the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF). The MAGTF allows commands to task organized surface and air assets for use in meeting specific ends. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Lindsay Switzer.