An Aviation Boatswain?s Mate gives the signal indicating the holdback bar is secured to an EA-6B Prowler just prior to its launch. The holdback bar keeps the aircraft "in tension" --- locked in place as the shuttle of the catapult exerts a forward force. When the catapult is "fired," a piece of metal, designed to do so, snaps and the aircraft is launched. Kitty Hawk is the Navy?s only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier and operates out of Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer?s Mate 3rd Class Todd Frantom.