USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)

[Matt Ottosen]

So, what do a Congresswoman, an Astronaut, an Actress, and a Photographer all have in common?

Not really anything at all, other than we shared a D/V Embark to the USS Carl Vinson together.  When we had to reschedule our embark to the next day, we ended up joining another group of D/Vs.  This other group included Gabby Giffords, Captain Mark Kelly, Olivia Munn, and their entourage.  There was definitely a buzz aboard the ship because of this group of D/Vs, but I think it was mostly because of Olivia Munn.

Bolter

Boeing EA-18G Growler
Electronic Attack Squadron 129 (VAQ-129) "Vikings"

[Matt Ottosen]

Lockheed Martin F-35C Lightning II
Strike Fighter Squadron 147 (VFA-147) "Argonauts"

[scottcolbath]

So, what do a Congresswoman, an Astronaut, an Actress, and a Photographer all have in common?

Not really anything at all, other than we shared a D/V Embark to the USS Carl Vinson together.  When we had to reschedule our embark to the next day, we ended up joining another group of D/Vs.  This other group included Gabby Giffords, Captain Mark Kelly, Olivia Munn, and their entourage.  There was definitely a buzz aboard the ship because of this group of D/Vs, but I think it was mostly because of Olivia Munn.

I wouldn't know Olivia Munn if I tripped over her. Did you get to meet any of the VIPs?

S.C.

[Matt Ottosen]

I wouldn't know Olivia Munn if I tripped over her. Did you get to meet any of the VIPs?

S.C.

I had never heard of her and had no idea who she was, it was Wikipedia that introduced me to who she is.

Gabby Giffords came over and introduced herself to us, but Captain Mark Kelly, Olivia Munn, and their entourage kept to themselves.

[Matt Ottosen]

Here it is, the O-Photo Blog on my recent embark to the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), if you're interested in reading it.

https://www.ottosenphotography.com/blog/2018/12/uss-carl-vinson-cvn-70

[Matt Ottosen]

Sikorsky MH-60S Knighthawk
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 (HSC-23) "Wildcards"

[Matt Ottosen]

There were four photographers invited by the CNAF PAO for this embark, and they were an awesome group to be a part of.  The one photographer that isn't in any of the photos is Katsuhiko "Katsu" Tokunaga, as he refused having his photo taken.  But, it was an honor to finally be able to meet the infamous Katsu, and be part of this embark with him.

Myself with Michael "Mike" Heilman


Myself with Susumu "Toksans" Tokunaga and Michael "Mike" Heilman


"The COD Father"

[Anna M. Wood]

Really enjoying your posts about your embark Matt.  What a cool trip.  You got some awesome images.

[Matt Ottosen]

Really enjoying your posts about your embark Matt.  What a cool trip.  You got some awesome images.

Thank you, Anna!

[Brian Corbett]

Fantastic posts and one helluva great experience, Matt! Thanks so much for sharing!

[Matt Ottosen]

Fantastic posts and one helluva great experience, Matt! Thanks so much for sharing!

Thanks Brian, and you're right, it was one helluva great experience!

[Matt Ottosen]

This embark was mainly about capturing VFA-147 doing the work to obtain their Carrier Qualifications (CQ).  So, here is one more of the Argonauts working hard to get another pilot his CQ.  Within the next few days, the entire squadron would obtain their CQ, and get one step closer to Initial Operational Capability (IOC).

Lockheed Martin F-35C Lightning II
Strike Fighter Squadron 147 (VFA-147) "Argonauts"

[Matt Ottosen]

Here's a few more from this amazing embark.
I have been on the fence about these three for quite some time, but I have decided it's finally time to release them.

[mrblujet]

These are great shots.

[Matt Ottosen]

These are great shots.

Thank you, Sir!