160618-N-YB023-220 ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 18, 2016) - Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 2nd Class Frederick Thompson, from Atlanta, awaits approval to launch an F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23, from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). Washington, homeported in Norfolk, is underway conducting carrier qualifications in the Atlantic Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Clemente A. Lynch/Released)