The ubiquitous, indispensible and hard charging Tow Tractor

[HeyJoe]

081229-N-9900B-005 GULF OF OMAN (Dec. 29, 2008) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Logan Judd mans the hot tractor station as an F/A-18 Hornet assigned to the "Valions" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 15 launches from the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Theodore Roosevelt and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Remus Borisov/Released)

081024-N-4236E-026 PERSIAN GULF (Oct. 24, 2008) Sailors and Marines participate in a tractor pull competition during physical training aboard the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7). Iwo Jima is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Chad R. Erdmann/Released)

080918-N-1635S-002 GULF OF OMAN (Sept. 18, 2008) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Herbert Smith, from Long Beach, Calif., uses a tractor to transfer an SH-60F Sea Hawk assigned to the "Black Knights" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4 to the "Helo-hold" on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Scott/Released)

080605-N-1038M-087 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 5, 2008) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Michael Bramlett, of Moreno Valley, Calif., watches flight operations from an aircraft tow tractor aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Kitty Hawk is returning to the United States for decommissioning after 47 years of service and will be replaced by the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). U.S. Navy photoh by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Anthony R. Martinez (Released)

 

[HeyJoe]

080513-N-5384B-036 PERSIAN GULF (May 13, 2008) An aircraft director signals a tractor driver during flight operations aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Lincoln is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility supporting maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Justin R. Blake (Released)

070113-N-5345W-030 Atlantic Ocean (Jan. 13, 2007) - An air department tractor driver waits for the command to move an F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the "Red Rippers" of Strike Fighter Squadron One One (VFA-11) into position on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Truman is currently underway conducting flight deck certifications in the Atlantic Ocean. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kristopher Wilson (RELEASED)

070213-N-2953W-002 Arabian Sea (Feb. 13, 2007) - Sailors compete in a tractor pull during a steel beach picnic aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Eisenhower and embarked Carrier Air Wing Seven (CVW-7) are on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO). MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Adrian T. White (RELEASED)

060825-N-8604L-092 Indian Ocean (Aug 25, 2006) - Aviation Boatswain's Mate Handling Airman Louis Perez watches as an F/18C Hornet is taxied to catapult two aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Aviation Boatswain's Mate Handlers direct aircraft on the flight deck and in the hangar bay before and after recovery, use tow tractors to position planes and operate support equipment to start aircraft. Currently under way in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility, Kitty Hawk demonstrates power projection and sea control as the world's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, operating from Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joshua Wayne LeGrand (RELEASED)

 

[HeyJoe]

051114-N-9866B-055 Pacific Ocean (Nov. 14, 2005) - An Aviation Boatswain's Mate directs the driver of a tow tractor as he backs a U.S. Marine Corps UH-1N Huey helicopter to its parking space on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5). Peleliu is currently underway for a 10-day Expeditionary Strike Group exercise in preparation for an upcoming scheduled deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Zack Baddorf (RELEASED)

050530-N-3241H-004 Persian Gulf (May 30, 2005) - An aviation Boatswain's Mate stands next to his assigned aircraft towing tractor on the flight deck aboard the Nimitz class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) while observing a moment of silence to honor all fallen soldiers and sailors, past and present, while commemorating Memorial Day. The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is currently deployed in support of multi-national forces in Iraq and maritime security operations in order to set the conditions for security and stability in the region. Vinson will end its deployment with a homeport shift to Norfolk, Va., in support of a three-year refuel and complex overhaul. U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Dusty Howell (RELEASED)

050110-N-8801B-300 Persian Gulf (Jan. 10, 2005) - Aviation Boatswain’s Mates guide a tow tractor driver as they park an MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter, assigned to the “Blackhawks” of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Fifteen (HM-15), on the flight deck aboard USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex is undergoing preparations to support Operation Unified Assistance, the humanitarian operation effort in the wake of the Tsunami that struck South East Asia. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Travis M. Burns (RELEASED)

 

[HeyJoe]

030426-N-0295M-009 Indian Ocean (Apr. 26, 2003) - A tow tractor driver gives the hand signal warning personal of the tractor's powerful turbine exhaust as the sun sets on the Indian Ocean. Constellation and embarked Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2) are on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), the multinational 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 2nd Class Daniel J. McLain (RELEASED)

041118-N-0057P-008 Pacific Ocean (Nov. 18, 2004) - Flight deck personnel guide a tractor used to help rig a barricade during a runaway plane drill on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). In emergency situations, the barricade is stretched across the carrier deck to stop distressed aircraft unable to return safely to shore. Lincoln and embarked Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2) are currently deployed to the Western Pacific Ocean on a regularly scheduled deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Seth C. Peterson (RELEASED)

 

[HeyJoe]

040425-N-9742R-001 Atlantic Ocean (Apr. 25, 2004) - Airman Adam High, from Roanoke Rapids, N.C., hauls a motor whaleboat and the Captain's Gig, in the hangar bay aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65), using a specially designed tow tractor for use on Navy ships. These boats are used to transfer the ship’s Commanding Officer and crew from ship to shore. Enterprise is underway conducting Carrier Qualifications (CQ) in the Atlantic Ocean. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Milosz Reterski. (RELEASED)

 

[Flugelman]

100724-N-6362C-194 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (July 24, 2010) Flight deck crew members manually move an F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Checkerboards of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312 into position aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Manually pushing the Hornet a short distance is common on aircraft carriers when a tow tractor is not practical. VMFA-312 is deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Tyler Caswell/Released)

Looks to me like the canopy is closed and there is no brake rider. Is this common practice aboard ship? Inquiring minds want to know...

 

[HeyJoe]

040411-N-4953E-016 Atlantic Coast (Apr. 11, 2004) - Airman Joshua Mckinney, assigned to Air Department's V-1 Division as a tow-tractor driver, prepares to move an aircraft on the flight deck aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Truman is currently undergoing a Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) exercise off the Atlantic coast. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Danny Ewing Jr. (RELEASED)

030731-N-6213R-160 Pacific Ocean (Jul. 31, 2003) -- Aviation Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Miguel Gutierrez looks over his shoulder as he backs up a tow tractor on the flight deck of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Stennis is conducting pilot carrier qualification exercises off the Southern California coast. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Mark J. Rebilas. (RELEASED)

030626-N-2385R-002 The Arabian Gulf (Jun. 26, 2003) -- Aviation Support Equipment Technician 2nd Class Keyon Jenkins from Los Angeles, Calif., performs maintenance on an aircraft towing tractor in the hangar bay aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and Carrier Air Wing Eleven (CVN-11) are deployed 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 Yesenia Rosas.

030406-N-1810F-012 The Arabian Gulf (Apr. 6, 2003) -- An F-14A Tomcat fighter aircraft is pulled into position on the flight deck by a tow tractor aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Kitty Hawk and Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) are deployed with coalition forces 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 Todd Frantom. (RELEASED)

 

[HeyJoe]

030127-N-4965F-504 At sea aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Jan. 27, 2003 -- An aircraft tow tractor moves an S-3B "Viking" assigned to the "Scouts" of Sea Control Squadron Two Four (VS-24) into position on the ship’s flight deck. Roosevelt is conducting training exercises in the Caribbean Sea, while preparing to deploy to the Central Command Area of Responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 1st Class James Foehl. (RELEASED)

020814-N-2147L-001 At sea aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) Aug. 14, 2002 -- Aviation Support Equipment Technician 3rd Class Douglas Bodnar from Muskeegan, Mich., sands an aircraft tractor in hangar bay one. The Washington and her battlegroup are on a regularly scheduled deployment conducting combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Corey Lewis. (RELEASED)

030227-N-5027S-001 At sea aboard USS Saipan (LHA 2) Feb. 27, 2003 -- Repair Division crewmembers pull Command Master Chief Abraham Jackson from Powhatan, La., in a 12,000-pound tow tractor 50 feet in the winning time of 16 seconds. The event was part of Saipan's steel beach picnic celebrations marking the amphibious assault ship’s 45th day at sea. Saipan is on deployment conducting missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, part of a seven ship Amphibious Task Force East (ATF-E). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Robert M. Schalk. (RELEASED)

 

[HeyJoe]

100801-N-4135M-013 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Aug. 1, 2010) An EA-6B Prowler assigned to the Zappers of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130 is towed across the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) after completing flight operations. VAQ-130 is deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Zachary D. Montgomery/Released)

 

[HeyJoe]

100719-N-9196S-088 ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 19, 2010) T-45C Goshawk training aircraft assigned to Training Wing (TRAWING) 1 and 2 line the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). George H.W. Bush is conducting training in the Atlantic Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua D. Sheppard/Released)

 

[Alpha_Echo_606]

100813-N-1226D-070 NORTH ARABIAN SEA (August 13, 2010) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class Andre Hardin, drives a tractor as he prepares to move an aircraft aboard USS Peleliu (LHA 5). The Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group will support the Pakistani government and military disaster relief efforts with heavy lift capabilities in flooded regions of Pakistan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Omar A. Dominquez)

 

[CAMike]

Or you could use something a bit more stylish.

 

[Alpha_Echo_606]

Or you could use something a bit more stylish.

Sweet, as a gear head I like it! Any idea what it runs in the 1/4 mile?