F-14 Tomcat launches from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz in the Persian Gulf. Navy Lt. Michael Stone from Valley Center, Calif., completes signal instructions to launch a F-14 Tomcat fighter from one of the four powerful steam driven catapult systems onboard the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) on Nov. 4, 1997. The Nimitz and Carrier Air Wing 9 are currently operating in the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch, enforcing the UN No-Fly Zone over Southern Iraq. SHARE: Download: Full Size (0.02 MB) Credit: VIRIN: 881756-T-BSM21-065.jpg Photo Gallery