Many do not know this, but on the 16th of August 2006, I was actually in the United States of America.

Joining me were colleagues, including smashpOp.

Clockwise from top-left: The journey to Westport, Port Klang; the USS Enterprise, the world’s oldest nuclear-powered aircraft carrier; hangar entrance; the companion ships.

Gee Todd, kinda nifty, y’think?

Clockwise from top-left: Pilots are given codenames, like “Shag”; these guys get “Dirt” and “Sticky”; plane ol’ hangar round; sign of the times.

Aircraft carriers are rushed to the scene, because quite simply, planes would not have enough fuel to be immediately deported to a situation.

Clockwise from top-left: What reaction would you give to eight nuclear reactors?; this was also where Top Gun was shot; nosing around; the walk down from the flight deck.

In other unrelated pictures on the same day, while waiting for the bus to take us in with security clearance, we spotted this naturally-cooled lorry…

…and had time for panning shots, too.

Oh, and a morning sun, much earlier.