Every helicopter and plane aboard a US aircraft carrier explained

Though it looks almost identical to the F-18, the E/A-18G Growler has a totally different role.

"Anytime a radar sets off any type of signal, this airplane is able to pick up that signal, classify it, locate it, and hopefully target it if it needs to," Brophy explains.

Brophy describes the E-2 as the "quarter back in the sky." The large, propeller driven plane carries a giant radar on top, and shares that information with the entire strike group.

"They help link one warfare commander to the other commanders and really help ensure that the picture is fused across all the various warfare commanders," said Brophy.

The C-2's main role is as a transport plane. These planes bring in much-needed supplies and personnel on and off board.

Brophy says the C-2 is "vital for what we do, logistics is key to the success of an air wing."

The MH-60 Sierra can be used as a utility helicopter, bringing people and freight where they need to be, or it "can also be heavily outfitted as well."

Brophy says the Sierra can be armed with door-mounted machine guns, rockets, guided or unguided, forward firing weapons in the case that SEALs need to be deployed or a downed aviator needs to be picked up.

The other helicopter variant aboard the carrier is the MH-60 Romeo, primarily used for anti-surface warfare.

"It's got a phenomenal radar that can see vast ranges, locate, classify, identify, and then ultimately target any type of ship that's out there," said Brophy.

Additionally, the MH-60 can hunt submarines by spotting periscopes from incredible distances and placing listening devices above or below the surface of the sea.