Today's Photos - Friday, February 17th, 2012

[Nickchios]

Sailors laugh on the catwalk as they wait to refuel a helicopter on board the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) as it patrols the Arabian Gulf during a Strait of Hormuz transit February 14, 2012.

Sailors from the VFA-2 maintenance team stand near aircraft in the hangar bay on board the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) as it patrols the Arabian Gulf during a Strait of Hormuz transit February 14, 2012.

Aviation Electronics Technician Calvin Dean (R) has his hair cut at the barber shop on board the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) as it patrols the Arabian Gulf during a Strait of Hormuz transit February 14, 2012.

Watchstanders inside the Flag Bridge of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) stand by during a look out for surface and air contacts during a transit through the Strait of Hormuz, February 14, 2012.

Sailors work out at a gym on board the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) as it patrols the Arabian Gulf during a Strait of Hormuz transit February 14, 2012.

Lieutenant commander (LCDR) Matt Driskill of CVW-2 gestures inside the paraloft containing flight gear for pilots on the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during a transit through the Strait of Hormuz, February 14, 2012.

Sailors clean windows for the watchstanders inside the Flag Bridge of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) looking for surface and air contacts during a transit through the Strait of Hormuz, February 14, 2012.

Lieutenant commander (LCDR) Matt Driskill of CVW-2 gestures next to a photo of Abraham Lincoln at the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during a transit through the Strait of Hormuz, February 14, 2012.

Sailors walk in the hangar bay of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during flight operations in the Gulf, ahead of a transit through the Strait of Hormuz, February 13, 2012.

Flight deck personnel run to receive a helicopter preparing to land on the flight deck on board the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) as it patrols the Arabian Gulf during a Strait of Hormuz transit February 14, 2012.

A security patrolman keeps watch at the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during a transit through the Strait of Hormuz, February 14, 2012.

Sailors in Pri Fly (Primary Flight Control) study for the EAWS (enlisted aviation warfare specialist) pin while keeping watch at the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during a transit through the Strait of Hormuz, February 14, 2012.

A helicopter from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) patrols the Arabian Gulf during a Strait of Hormuz transit, February 14, 2012.

A Chief Petty Officer gestures near the "Ouija board" , a central tool for monitoring an aircraft carrier's flight deck, at the flight deck control station of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during a transit through the Strait of Hormuz, February 14, 2012.

Photographs are seen on a mirror as a sailor (L) waits to have her hair cut at a barber shop on board the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) as it patrols the Arabian Gulf during a Strait of Hormuz transit February 14, 2012.

HM2(SW/AW) Castille (R) gestures to a Lieutenant from VAQ-131 Lancers Squadron on the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during a transit through the Strait of Hormuz, February 14, 2012.

Flight deck personnel walk on the flight deck on board the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) as it patrols the Arabian Gulf during a Strait of Hormuz transit February 14, 2012.

The Hangar Bay is seen on board the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) as it patrols the Arabian Gulf during a Strait of Hormuz transit February 14, 2012.

The Sterett Destroyer escorts the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during a transit through the Strait of Hormuz, February 14, 2012.

[Nickchios]

Hellenic Air Force SAR Super Puma AS332C1 training flight and landings in an airfield during exercises in Aegean Sea.
The Super Puma helicopter is a common project shared between EUROCOPTER GROUP-AEROSPATIALE and DASA. It is a twin-engine, single rotor, multi-role helicopter considered ideal for combat missions, due to its great resilience, reliability and flexibility. Hellenic Super Pumas have a crucial social contribution as they are also used for search and rescue missions. It is yet another aircraft based in 112 Combat Wing, 384 Squadron "Puma", in the Air Force Base of Elefsis.

[emp3ror86]

I didn't know that Denzel Washington is in the Navy.

Great pics!

[budgie]

I didn't know that Denzel Washington is in the Navy.

Great pics!

Never saw Crimson Tide?

[bd popeye]

Excellent pix.. more for the World's Greatest Navy!


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ARABIAN SEA (Feb.16, 2012) An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Vigilantes of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151 and an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Kestrels of VFA 137 launch from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle R. Henley/Released)

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ATHENS, Greece (Feb. 15, 2012) A Sailor assigned to Naval Special Warfare, U.S. Special Boat Team, jumps out of the MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter "Ghostrider 53", assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28, Det. 1, as it flies over Megara Army Airfield as during the final day of a multi-week joint exercise. HSC-28, Det. 1, based out of Naples, Italy, is participating in joint combined exchange training with Special Operations Command Europe and the Hellenic armed forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Naval Air Crewman 2nd Class Brandon Dewey/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 16, 2012) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Kestrels of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137 approaches the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan P. Idle/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 16, 2012) An aviation ordnanceman rests on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan P. Idle/Released)

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AYASE, Japan (Feb. 14, 2012) Airman Douglas Shearer, assigned to the "Gauntlets" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 136, directs an EA-6B Prowler to the flightline on Naval Air Facility Atsugi. The aircraft are being replaced by the EA-18G Growler of the ¨Shadow Hawks" of VAQ-141 which will occur in early spring 2012. VAQ-136 has been part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 for nearly 32 years. (U.S. Navy photo Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin Smelley/Released).

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HAKODATE, Japan (Feb. 15, 2012) Lt. Cmdr. Suzanne Schang, commanding officer of the mine countermeasures ship USS Patriot (MCM 7), reads the inscription on the gravesite of Seaman James G. Wolfe, one of two American Sailors who perished during the 1854 U.S. expedition to Hakodate, Japan, led by Commodore Matthew Perry. Patriot is in Hakodate on a goodwill port visit. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Devon Dow/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 11, 2012) Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class Floyd Watson swings a gold club on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), as part of a steel beach picnic. Makin Island and embarked Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11the MEU) are deployed 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 2nd Class Alan Gragg/Released)

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STRAIT OF HORMUZ (Feb. 14, 2012) A Sailor manning a small craft attack team post aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) watches the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sterett (DDG 104) travel in formation as the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group transits the Strait of Hormuz. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher S. Johnson/Released)

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GULF OF OMAN (Feb. 15, 2012) Sailors participate in a 5-kilometer fun run on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Joshua E. Walters/Released)

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GULF OF OMAN (Feb. 14, 2012) Helicopters deliver supplies to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during a replenishment at sea. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Carlos M. Vazquez II/Released)

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ANDAMAN SEA (Feb. 10, 2012) The Royal Malaysian Navy offshore patrol vessel KD Kelantan (175) is underway alongside the guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) during a passing exercise. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 13, 2012) Leading Seaman Clearance Diver 2nd Class YK Sharma, from the Indian navy, prepares to dive off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii aboard the Military Sealift Command fleet ocean tug USNS Sioux (T-ATF 171) during Salvage Exercise (SALVEX) 2012. SALVEX is part of a recurring diving exchange between U.S. and Indian navy divers to enhance interoperability and to share best practices. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sean Furey/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 13, 2012) Indian navy Leading Seaman Clearance Diver 2nd Class Rajeev Kumar helps Indian navy Petty Officer Clearance Diver 1st Class Mukesh Singh, aboard the Military Sealift Command fleet ocean tug USNS Sioux (T-ATF 171) while diving off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii during Salvage Exercise (SALVEX) 2012. SALVEX is part of a recurring diving exchange between U.S. and Indian navy divers to enhance interoperability and to share best practices. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sean Furey/Released)

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CAMP SHELBY, Miss. (Feb. 9, 2012) U.S. Navy Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 74's Convoy Security Element attack a simulated insurgent compound. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Michael Lindsey/Released)

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 9, 2012) An MV-22 Osprey assigned to the Fighting Griffins of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 266 makes a historic first landing aboard the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5). The Osprey landed aboard Robert E. Peary while conducting an experimental resupply of Marines during exercise Bold Alligator 2012. Bold Alligator, the largest naval amphibious exercise in the past 10 years, represents the Navy and Marine Corps' revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on today's fight with today's forces, while showcasing the advantages of seabasing. This exercise takes place Jan. 30 through Feb. 12, 2012 afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina. #BA12 (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Michael Sheehan/Released)

[bd popeye]

Some pix from Taiwan and China..from the last few days..

ARLINGTON, VA - FEBRUARY 14: Escorted by U.S. Army Col. David Anders (L), Commander of the 3rd Infantry Regiment, Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (R) inspects the honor guard February 14, 2012 outside the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta welcomed Xi, who is set to become the President of China later this year, for his visit to the United States with a full honors arrival ceremony.

A Tibetan pro-independence activist is removed by police officers as Beijing mayor Guo Jinlong arrives at Taiwan's Taoyuan International Airport, February 16, 2012. Guo, with a delegation of Beijing officials, is on a six-day trip to Taiwan to promote cultural exchanges between Taiwan and China.

Chinese police pose with their new motorcycles & patrol vehicles at an early morning parade after receiving their new vehicles in Beijing on February 10, 2012. Beijing authorities are stepping up security ahead of the annual parliamentary session, the National People's Congress (NPC) next month.

This photo taken on February 11, 2012 shows a Chinese policeman (L) reprimanding a villager who is looting a truck filled with household goods after it was involved in an accident along a highway in Chongqing.

Chinese police, Paramilitary personnel and miners gather at the entrance to the mine near Leiyang city in central China's Hunan province on February 16, 2012, after fifteen miners died and another three were injured when a tramcar derailed in a coal mine in central China, in the latest accident to hit the dangerous industry. Latest figures show that 2,433 people died in coal mining accidents in the country in 2010, according to official statistics -- a rate of more than six workers per day.

[Nickchios]

An animal vendor rides with rabbits strapped on the backseat along a street in downtown Shanghai February 16, 2012.

Somali families flee on foot and tracks from al-Shabaab held towns to Mogadishu following al Qaeda's declaration last week that the Somali militant group al-Shabaab was joining its ranks February 16, 2012.

Prison guard Miguel Barrios emerges onto a sidewalk after inspecting a tunnel that was dug by inmates of the Tacumbu high security prison in Asuncion February 16, 2012. Guards discovered the 8-metre-long (26 feet) tunnel that connects a wing of the jail with the outside, preventing an attempt by as many as 50 prisoners to escape from the country's highest security penitentiary, a police spokesman told the media.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez gestures as he welcomes U.S. actor Sean Penn at Miraflores Palace in Caracas February 16, 2012. Penn is visiting Chavez to talk about Haiti's reconstruction plans.

Palestinian firefighters stand atop an overturned schoolbus at the scene of an accident near the Qalandiya checkpoint, outside the West Bank city of Ramallah, February 16, 2012. At least five Palestinian children were killed on Thursday when their schoolbus overturned and caught fire after colliding with a truck in the occupied West Bank, emergency services said.

Garbage collectors look for recyclable waste at a dump site in Tikrit, 150 km (93 miles) north of Baghdad, February 16, 2012. The collectors search and sell metals, plastics, cardboard and papers, and earn about $2 per day.

Clothes worn by late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's aides and security forces are displayed in an exhibition on Tripoli street in Misrata February 15, 2012.

Los Angeles fire-fighters battle a house fire from an adjacent building, that began as a shooting call with four victims, in the east Hollywood area of Los Angeles, California February 16, 2012. Two victims were found inside the charred remnants of the home; authorities believe one of the victims to be the shooter, according to local media.

Soldiers from the Kazakhstan Army's Air Mobile Force look out from their Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) during a drill at Koktal range, some 300 km (186 miles) east of Almaty February 15, 2012. Picture taken February 15, 2012

Syrian children who fled Idlib in Syria walk during a hailstorm outside the refugees camp near the Turkish-Syrian border in the southeastern city of Yayladagi February 16, 2012.

News photographers hoisted up by cranes view the home of former Hong Kong Chief Secretary Henry Tang, a potential candidate for the upcoming Chief Executive election, in Hong Kong February 16, 2012. Inspectors from the Buildings Department are to examine unauthorised building work in the basement of the Kowloon Tong property owned by Tang's wife, neighbouring their home, with calls for Tang to withdraw his bid for the top job if he's found to be in the wrong, local media reported.

A Tibetan exile shouts slogans after being detained by police during a protest in front of the Chinese embassy in New Delhi February 16, 2012. Dozens of Tibetan exiles on Thursday held a protest against the visit of Luo Huining, acting governor of northwest China's Qinghai province, to India, protesters said.

Los Angeles police keep their guns drawn to protect Los Angeles city firefighters at a house were a gunman shot at least three people in East Hollywood at a residence that erupted in flames February 16,2012. Emergency personnel were dispatched and crews were limited to fighting the blaze from a distance because the suspect was not in custody.

[Nickchios]

The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, in conjunction with the Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Benning, will host the 2012 U.S. All-Army Small Arms Championships March 1-10. The “All-Army” competition is open to all Soldiers of any rank in the entire Army formation, including West Point and college ROTC cadets, Army Reservists and National Guardsmen.

A CH-47 Chinook helicopter raises a white out of blowing snow as it lands at a remote landing zone in Shah Joy district, Zabul province, Afghanistan, Feb. 8. Helicopters provide an efficient and reliable means of transporting personnel and cargo to rural areas of Afghanistan.

[Nickchios]

Today morning Hellenic Air Force Super Puma rescued 8 sailors from Aegean Sea.

[Nickchios]

U.S. Marine Lance Cpls. Ryan Snyder, a 21-year-old team leader from Kapolei, Hawaii, and David Lambert, a 21-year-old mortarman from Granbury, Texas, assigned to the 81mm Mortar Platoon, Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, talk while providing security from their defensive position as the sun sets during Operation Shahem Tofan (Eagle Storm) here, Feb. 11. After arriving in the desert on helicopters and an armored convoy, Afghan Border Police and the Weapons Marines scoured dusty highways for smugglers and insurgents moving across the eastern desert into Helmand province, Feb. 10-13. The mission was a shift from the ABP's current assignment in Garmsir district, where they keep watch over its southern population centers. Under the coalition mentorship, they are returning to their core capability of interdicting insurgent activity across Helmands border.
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Reece Lodder)

During a cultural exchange, a Royal Thai Marine demonstrates his kicking ability he uses for Muay Thai boxing at the training area here Feb. 15. Royal Thai Marines, Republic of Korea Marines and U.S. Marines with Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, conducted multilateral training during Cobra Gold 2012. Cobra Gold is an annual Royal Thai and U.S. co-hosted multinational exercise designed to advance security throughout the Asia-Pacific region and enhance interoperability with participating nations.
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brandon Saunders)

[goat89]

Nice pics today! Thx!

[Ceriy]

Nice photos gents. Thanks for posting.

USAF E-4B trains above Lincoln, Nebraska.

[bd popeye]

A Mexican soldier destroys weapons seized from alleged drug traffickers, during an operation at a military zone on the outskirts of Ciudad Juarez February 16, 2012. The army destroyed 3,091 rifles, 3,697 guns,21 grenades and 456,308 bullets of different calibres.

Mexican President Felipe Calderon (2nd R) and his wife Margarita Zavala (R) look at a tank destroying weapons seized from alleged drugs traffickers, during an operation at a military zone on the outskirts of Ciudad Juarez February 16, 2012. The army destroyed 3,091 rifles, 3,697 guns,21 grenades and 456,308 bullets of different calibres.

A soldier stands guard in front of a banner of Mexican soccer teams, Monterrey Rayados and Tigres, near a crime scene in Monterrey February 16, 2012. A man was shot dead and a woman injured when armed men stormed a bar. The assailants tried to burn the place as they were leaving, but the fire was put out by firefighters, according to local media.

"Comrade Artemio" (C) of Peru's Shining Path rebel group, walks without shoes, escorted by members of the Peruvian army in the jungle of Tocache in the San Martin department, after his capture in the Huallaga Valley, in this February 12, 2012 handout picture. Artemio, the leader of Peru's leftist Shining Path insurgency was captured on Sunday, after being shot in a remote jungle rife with drug trafficking, giving President Ollanta Humala his first major victory against what remains of the rebel group. Picture taken February 12.

A Libyan soldier holds a red rose during celebrations in Tripoli on February 16, 2012, on the eve of the first anniversary of the revolt against slain dictator Moamer Kadhafi. The bloody uprising started in a protest on February 17, 2011 and rapidly spread across the north African country and ended with the killing of Kadhafi at his hometown in Sirte on October 20, 2011.

An armed Free Syrian Army rebel walks in front of a wall at the entrance to the north Syrian city of Binnish on February 15, 2012. Syrian armour moved on the main hubs of an 11-month uprising on February 16, 2012, with at least 22 killed in clashes, monitors said, a day after President Bashar al-Assad set a vote for a new constitution.

Masked Free Syrian Army rebels stand next to the rebel-adopted, pre-Baath party flag in a deserted street at the entrance to the north Syrian city of Binnish on February 15, 2012.

Armed Free Syrian Army rebels gather in the north Syrian city of Idlib on February 16, 2012. Syrian armour moved on the main hubs of an 11-month uprising with at least 22 killed in clashes, monitors said, a day after President Bashar al-Assad set a vote for a new constitution.

An Israeli soldier questions a Palestinian youth as troops searched houses in the village of al-Tabaqa, near Dura in the southern West Bank region of Hebron, for stone throwers on February 16, 2012. Palestinian protesters usually throw stones at Israeli troops during demonstrations and confrontations in the occupied territories.

An Indian Air Force (IAF) member stands besides a newly inducted Mi-17 V5 helicopter at Air Force station in New Delhi on February 17, 2012. India on February 17 formally inducted its latest Mi-17 V5 armed helicopters from Russia to enhance its operational capabilities including carrying troops and cargo to high altitude areas. India has placed orders for 80 such helicopters from Russia, the first batch arrived in September 2011.

[bd popeye]

Never saw Crimson Tide?

..Or Antwone Fisher..I worked on the set of this film as a security guard

Derek Luke and Denzell Washingtion in Antwone Fisher 2002(release)..Fox Seachlight Pictures

Now some Friday fluff..

Zhou Weitong shoots a group of photos.She's a successful model, actress, host and singer in China.[Photo/QQ]

Irina Shayk

Kelly Brook[

[GREEK71AIRBORNE]

Today morning Hellenic Air Force Super Puma rescued 8 sailors from Aegean Sea.

The photos (By @Savio)

Sailors on board a luxury cruising yacht had a lucky escape today after a Greek helicopter rescued them from their sinking vessel. The terrified crew had scrambled to the highest point on the 60 metre (196 ft) French-flagged boat to await rescue as it flooded with water earlier this morning. The boat had suffered mechanical failure in gale-force winds off the coast of the Aegean island of Skyros, Greece.
Two Air Force helicopters and a Navy frigate, as well as coast guard vessels and four commercial ships headed to the assistance of the yacht, registered as Yogi, after the captain sent out a distress signal Friday morning.