The Wandering Disciple

An MH-60 Seahawk from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 40 turns final for Naval Station Mayport. HSM-40 also known as the Airwolves are a fleet replacement squadron responsible for training pilots to succeed in missions at sea. The squadron operates the MH-60R Seahawk, a naval variant of Black Hawk helicopter made by Sikorsky. (Photo: December 30, 2020)

There's a motto that was instilled on me early on in my public safety career, " Don't train till you get it right, train till you don't get it wrong".  That can easily transition into the military sector as their units are constantly training and preparing themselves for whatever comes their way.  Like the crew of this MH-60R Seahawk flying low along the St Johns River as they practice flight maneuvers at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville.  (Photo: December 30, 2020)

An F/A-18 Super Hornet from the Strike Fighter Squadron 122 has its gear down and locked on approach to Runway 6 at Southwest Florida International Airport. Based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, VFA-122 is also known as the Flying Eagles was activated in 1999 and serves as Hornet Fleet Replacement Squadron. Their primary role is to transition Navy and Marine Corp pilots from the legacy Hornet to the F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-35 Lightning II. (Photo: June 16, 2020)

An F-5 Tiger II from VFC-111 is cleared for the option by the tower at Southwest Florida International on a sunny Tuesday afternoon. Fighter Squadron Composite 111, also known as the Sun Downers, is a US Navy adversary squadron based out of the Key West Naval Air Station. The primary responsibility of the Sun Downers is to replicate enemy aircraft during fighter combat simulations. The squadron operates F-5 Tiger II, a supersonic light fighter manufactured by Northrop. (Photo: June 16, 2020)

The US Navy’s Patrol Squadron 8 is a land based patrol squadron from Naval Air Station Jacksonville.   The Fighting Tigers of VP-8 fly the P-8 Poseidon manufactured by Boeing.   The squadron is tasked with maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.   (Photo:   January 13, 2020)

US Navy aviators are known for its ability to take the fight to the enemy without needing a runway. That is because the Navy has improvised its attack to use aircraft carriers and specially modified aircraft to accommodate the mission. Launching off a shorter runway, the planes are sent airborne thanks to a catapult system that helps the planes achieve flight. Then when it comes time to return to the carrier, the plane deploys a tailhook that catches a catch wire and safely retrieves the aircraft. The Navy showcases this technology as part of their Navy Legacy Flight like the one performed here at Sun ‘n Fun featuring the T-2 Buckeye and the T-45 Goshawk. (Photo: April 6, 2019)

They may be forged by the sea, but the US Navy can also go airborne as seen here during a demonstration by the US Navy Leap Frogs.  The Leap Frogs are an aerial demonstration team consisting of Navy Seals and their primary mission is to aid in recruitment for the US Navy.  Performing at air shows across the country, the Leap Frogs demonstrate their ability to work as a team as they jump from an aircraft 6,000 feet above the ground.  Jumpers spend three years on tour with the Leap Frogs before returning to their normal operational unit.  (Photo: May 12, 2018)

The F/A 18 Hornet of Blue Angel #4 sits on the flight line at the Florida International Airshow in 2012.  The legendary Blue Angels are the premier flight demonstration team of the US Navy.  They perform that high adrenaline performance in front of millions of spectators coast to coast, demonstrating the air superiority of the United States Navy.  (Photo: March 25, 2012)

Donten Photography would like to thank the members of our Armed Forces for their sacrifices in keeping our country safe.  In honor of our Armed Forces, today's Photo of the Day is from the US Navy Blue Angels as they perform over Punta Gorda.  (Photo: March 25, 2012)

The USS Hué City docked along the Savannah River prior to the city's St Patrick's Day celebration. The naval crew is in town to participate in the celebration. The ship is a Ticonderoga class guided-missile cruiser and is assigned to Carrier Group Six at Naval Station Mayport. (Photo: March 14, 2014)

A Lockheed P-3 Orion from US Naval Station Jacksonville performs a touch and go maneuver at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. The Orion is used by the United States Navy for anti-submarine patrols and maritime surveillance. It joins the B-52 Stratofortress and the KC-135 Stratotanker as the only three aircraft to be used for over 50 years by the military. (Photo: December 23, 2013)

An F/A 18 Hornet performs during the 2012 Florida International Air Show in Punta Gorda.  This Hornet is from the VFA-106 "Gladiators" located the NAS Oceana.  (Photo: March 25, 2012)

Today we celebrate the men and women of our Armed Forces during National Armed Forces. Thank-you to the men and women of all branches of our armed forces for everything they do to ensure our freedoms. To commemorate this day, today's photo of the day is a US Navy F-18 Hornet from the "Gladiators" Strike Fighter Squadron 106 at Naval Air Station Ocean as it performs during the 2012 Florida International Air Show. (Photo: March 25, 2012)

A T-45C Goshawk from the Naval Air Station Pensacola makes a stop at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport during a recent training flight. The T-45 is a member of the VT-86 SaberHawks Training Squadron of the US Navy. The squadron provides Naval Flight Officer training for carrier based aircraft. (Photo: May 1, 2012)