A pilot salutes before he prepares to take off in an F/A-18C Hornet from the Golden Dragons of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 192 on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CN 74). John C. Stennis is returning to U.S. 7th and 5th Fleet areas of responsibility four months ahead of schedule in order to maintain combatant commander requirements and Navy assets in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Justin A. Johndro/Released)