One of the most secret aircraft in the US Navy inventory is the EP-3E version of the Orion. Two squadrons, VQ-1 and VQ-2 (pictured), are based at NAS Whidbey Island and have 12 of these aircraft at their disposal, with a further four to be converted from P-3Cs. It was an EP-3E which made the headlines after colliding with a Chinese fighter and making an emergency landing on Hainan.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed EP-3 - СШАUSA - 1983

An F-16B (foreground) and an F-16A of the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center. These aircraft are used to provide adversaries - hence the non-standard US Navy camouflages - for carrier air wings working up at NAS Fallon.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: General Dynamics F-16A/C/E Fighting Falcon - СШАUSA - 1974General Dynamics F-16B/D Fighting Falcon - СШАUSA - 1977

Lockheed P-3C Orions in the US Navy are continuing to receive a number of upgrades. The most capable variant are the AIP aircraft which can fire AGM-64 Maverick and AGM-84 SLAM-ER air-to-surface missiles. Under the nose of the aircraft pictured can be seen the L-3 WESCAM MX-20 Advanced Imaging Multispectral Sensor, which is one of the systems that has led to these aircraft also being in demand for overland surveillance.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed P-3 Orion - СШАUSA - 1958

Four helicopter types are used by the US Navy at its land bases to provide search and rescue. One of these is the Bell HH-1N which is in use at NAS Fallon and NAS Point Mugu.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bell UH-1D Iroquois / Model 205 - СШАUSA - 1961

A unique aircraft in the US Navy inventory is DC-130A, c/n 570497, which is operated by VX-30 from NAS Point Mugu. It took part in Operation Iraqi Freedom launching Firebee drones, which dropped chaff to entice the Iraqis to reveal their air defence positions.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed C-130 Hercules - СШАUSA - 1954

NAS Patuxent River is the home of the US Naval Test Pilot School, which operates a diverse range of aircraft. A type that is more commonly used by the USAF is the Northrop T-38 Talon.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Northrop T-38 Talon - СШАUSA - 1959

North American Rockwell Sabreliners are a very rare sight these days, and examples still in military service even more so. This T-39D is operated by VX-31 from NAWS China Lake. The unit's remit includes air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons testing as well as some electronic warfare work.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American T-39 Sabreliner - СШАUSA - 1958

Boeing E-6B Mercury aircraft are operated by VQ-3 and VQ-4 for communication with ballistic-missile submarines and airborne command posts. In the latter role the aircraft replaced USAF EC-135Cs.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing E-6 Hermes, Mercury - СШАUSA - 1987

A long-time servant of the US Navy has been the Beech Super King Air. This UC-12F is assigned to NAF Misawa Base Flight in Japan, and - like the UC-12B and UC-12M - is used for transport duties.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Beechcraft Model 200/300 Super King Air / C-12 - СШАUSA - 1972

An F/A-18E (foreground) and an F/A-18F of VX-31 Dust Devils which are based at NAWS China Lake. This unit was extensively involved in weapons testing for the Super Hornet.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas F/A-18E Super Hornet - СШАUSA - 1995McDonnell Douglas F/A-18F Super Hornet - СШАUSA - 1995

A dramatic shot of a VX-31 Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas F/A-18F Super Hornet - СШАUSA - 1995

Boeing is to supply the replacement for the P-3C in the form of the P-8A, a modified 737-800ERX. The Navy plans to buy 108 of these aircraft, with it to enter operational service in 2013.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing P-8 Poseidon - СШАUSA - 2009