120627-N-RU628-236PACIFIC OCEAN (June 27, 2012) An E/A-6B Prowler from Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142 pours smoke from its exhaust as it prepares to launch from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) as an F/A-18C Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146 prepares to be next for launch. Nimitz is underway conducting carrier qualifications in preparation for Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012, the worldÕs largest international maritime exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jacob Milner/Released)