The ultimate tool for global power projection, the modern supercarrier is a self-contained air base at sea, unfettered by geographical location. Capable of deploying virtually anywhere in the world, the CV/CVN is both a powerful tool for peace and an irresistible force during conflict. This volume features the best in modern “Blue Water Ops”, uniquely focusing on assets of the world` s last naval superpower, the US Navy. Veteran naval aviation photo-journalist Tony Holmes has visited carriers both off the coast of southern California and deep in the Persian Gulf to obtain the photography to illustrate this volume. Complementing these action-packed images are many first-hand accounts from the crews that have gone “over the beach” into Iraq as part of Operation Southern Watch. Finally, a concise appendix gives a full BuNo listing for all aircraft embarked aboard each of the vessels featured in Supercarriers-Naval Aviation in Action.