170408-N-JH929-371 PACIFIC OCEAN (April 8, 2017) Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment) 2nd Class Ryan O'Neil, left, a native of Mount Vernon, Wash., and Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Miguel Laureanogaribaldi, a native of San Diego, launch an F/A-18E Super Hornet, from the "Blue Diamonds" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146, off the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is currently underway conducting Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) with the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group in preparation for an upcoming deployment. COMPTUEX tests a carrier strike group's mission-readiness and ability to perform as an integrated unit through simulated real-world scenarios. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Cole Schroeder/Released)