US Navy 030118-N-0413R-001 An F-A-18C prepares to land on the flight deck aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68)

At sea aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Jan. 18, 2003 -- An F/A-18C assigned to the "Mighty Shrikes" of Strike Fighter Squadron Nine Four (VFA-94) prepares to land on the ship's flight deck. Nimitz is currently undergoing a Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX) off the coast of San Diego, Calif. A COMPTUEX is an exercise designed to forge a battle group into a cohesive fighting force. When successfully completed, the COMPTUEX qualifies the carrier battle group for open ocean operations. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Shannon Renfroe. (RELEASED)