A mission for the history books: On Saturday 17 May 2008, at 6:12 PM local time, this Viking is taxiing towards Hato's runway. A few hours later, the aircraft strayed into Venezuelan airspace. The pilots, realising their mistake, quickly returned to international airspace, but the damage was already done, causing a diplomatic row between the US and Venezuela. CNN covered the story two days later after a Venezuelan diplomatic protest, which ultimately let to an untimely end of VS-32's deployment to Hato.

'MAULER 700' S-3B at the NASNI transient line

Vikings, Super Hornets and a Prowler in the early sunrise over the Persian Gulf. The aircraft were awaiting action. Clearly seen is the right Super Hornet, equipped with large buddy-buddy fueltanks. The Super Hornet took over the Vikings refueling task within a Carrier Air Wing.

Night operations on board of the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) during a deployment in the Persian Gulf. The light on board the carrier turns in a relaxing yellow color.

Lockheed S-3B Viking of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 32 "Maulers" is seen here catching the planned number three wire on board the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) while sailing through the Arabian/Persian Gulf. This photo was made during the sundown cruise (the very final deployment) of the S-3B.

Lockheed S-3B Viking of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 32 "Maulers" is seen here scratching its tailhook over the deck of the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). Next step of this manoeuvre is catching the cable and come to a brute stop. The Big E was sailing through the Arabian/Persian Gulf when taking this picture. This photo was made during the sundown cruise (the very final deployment) of the S-3B.