ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 29, 2022) Sailors assigned to the air department of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) prepare to launch an E2-D Hawkeye attached to the "Bear Aces" of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 124 in the Atlantic Ocean, March 29, 2022. Gerald R. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting flight deck certification and air wing carrier qualifications as part of the ship's tailored basic phase prior to operational deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zachary Melvin)