A U.S. Navy destroyer steams alongside the carrier battle group built around USS Ticonderoga during Vietnam War-era Pacific operations, its silhouette cutting through the water as it maintains station in the escort screen. Destroyers like this one served a critical dual role during carrier flight operations - guarding against submarine threats while standing ready as 'plane guards' to rescue aircrew in the event of a water landing or ditching near the carrier. Project: 218071