USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)

[Matt Ottosen]

On July 6, 2023, I was able to take part in a 24-hour, Distinguished Visitor (DV)/media embark aboard the US Navy aircraft carrier, USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). I boarded the ship pierside in San Diego at Naval Air Station North Island, and flew off the next day onboard a Bell/Boeing CMV-22B Osprey. I was able to see much of the ship, and also spend many hours taking photos on their active flight deck. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget!

[Matt Ottosen]

Here's a few more from that afternoon.

[Anna M. Wood]

Like being on the white line of death at El Centro.... 

[Matt Ottosen]

Like being on the white line of death at El Centro.... 

Yes, but with steam and while wearing a float coat, cranial, and goggles.

[Matt Ottosen]

Here are some photos that were taken inside:

From the Bridge


Level 03 (at night)


Forecastle

[Matt Ottosen]

Here's a couple of videos from this embark.

[Matt Ottosen]

A few embark and sailing out of San Diego photos.  Over the past few years, I have embraced my cellphone as a true backup imaging device.

CVN 70 Lookin' Good as we get Ready to Embark


The Red Padeye

Operation Neptune Spear was "a kill-or-capture" mission for Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks.  After the mission, the body of Osama bin Laden was flown to the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson in a V-22 Osprey escorted by two US Navy F/A-18s.  The padeye, that was closest to where the Osprey landed on the flight deck, was later painted red as a reminder of the USS Carl Vinson's role that night in what was a historic mission.

Haze Gray and Underway