FRIDAY FOTO (August 31, 2012)

Three Helos on Deck

(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Terry Matlock)

An Aviation boatswain’s mate prepares for flight operations aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). The Bonhomme Richard is the lead ship in the only forward-deployed amphibious ready group now in the East China Sea.

This photo shows three different Navy helicopters from left to right: The CH-53 Super Stallion; the SH-60 Seahawk and the CH-46 Sea Knight.

In addition to five Harrier AV-8B jump jets, the Bonhomme Richard carries four Sea Knights and six anti-submarine warfare helos — either the the Sea Stallion or the Seahawk. Both of those aircraft can also serve as  transport for personnel or supplies from one vessel to another in the ready group.