Keywords: US Navy 060901-N-0361G-304 An S-3B Viking assigned to the Shamrocks of Sea Control Squadron Four One (VS-41) prepares for launch aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).jpg en Pacific Ocean Sept 1 2006 - An S-3B Viking assigned to the Shamrocks of Sea Control Squadron Four One VS-41 prepares for launch aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz CVN 68 The S-3B Viking is an all weather carrier-based jet aircraft providing protection against hostile surface combatants while also functioning as the Carrier Battle Groups primary overhead/mission tanker The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is gradually replacing the Viking with squadrons being disestablished as Super Hornet aircraft join the respective Air Wings The Nimitz is currently underway off the coast of Southern California conducting sea trials after successfully completing a six-month Planned Incremental Availability PIA period U S Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ashley Gayton RELEASED 2006-09-01 060901-N-0361G-304 Navy http //www navy mil/view_image asp id 38768 U S Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ashley Gayton PD-USGov-Military-Navy S-3B Viking Sea Control Squadron 41 United States Navy USS Nimitz CVN-68 flight deck |