A pilot assigned to the Ace of Spades of Marine Attack

A pilot assigned to the Ace of Spades of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 231 begins his descent from bow to stern during flight deck qualifications aboard the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1). The exercise, while conducted on the flight deck of an LHD, is designed to give AV-8B Harrier pilots practice landing on a carrier. Wasp is currently underway conducting routine operations in the Atlantic Ocean. (U.S. Navy Photo by Seaman Andrew B. Church)