English: The Arabian Gulf (Apr. 5, 2003) -- An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the 'Fist of the Fleet' of Strike Fighter Squadron Twenty Five (VFA-25) prepares to launch from the flight deck of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), while an F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the “Stingers” of Strike Fighter Squadron One Thirteen (VFA-113) lines-up behind a jet blast deflector (JBD) awaiting to launch. Lincoln and Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) are conducting combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Operation Iraqi Freedom is the multi-national coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Elizabeth A. Bartneck. (RELEASED)