An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Dambusters of Strike Fighter Squadron 195 launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington. Valiant Shield is a U.S.-only exercise integrating an estimated 18,000 Navy, Air Force, Army and Marine Corps personnel, more than 200 aircraft and 19 surface ships, offering real-world joint operational experience to develop capabilities that provide a full range of options to defend U.S. interests and those of its allies and partners.