An F-35C Lightning II carrier variant joint strike fighter successfully completes the first carrier launch from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The F-35 Lightning II Pax River Integrated Test Force from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 is conducting initial at-sea trials aboard Nimitz. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Huey D. Younger Jr./Released)