Today’s Photo Of The Day brings us back to the sea.

We watch from the super-carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), one of the largest warships in the World, as they conduct various machine gun live-fire exercises. The Nimitz is now the oldest U.S. aircraft carrier in service, but it looks that she is still going strong.

Top image: PACIFIC OCEAN (May 25, 2019) Nimitz conducts an MK-38 machine gun live-fire exercise aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is currently conducting normal operations underway. The MK-38 is the naval version of the M242 Bushmaster in 25×137 mm. Note the radar. I would probably call it more of an auto-cannon than a machine gun.

(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher Jahnke)

Below: The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) sails through the Pacific Ocean. Nimitz is currently underway conducting routine operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kyle Merritt)

Below: Nimitz Sailors participate in various live-fire exercises aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Greg Hall)

 

Below: Sailors listen to a safety brief on the fantail aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).  (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Olivia Banmally Nichols)

Below: A Sailor fires an M2HB .50-caliber machine gun fantail of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).  (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Olivia Banmally Nichols)

Below: I notice a smile on the shooter’s face.

Below: Hold on to your helmet when the .50 BMG goes wild.

Below: The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) tests its Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Keenan Daniels)

Below: A video of the MK-38 (from another event).