The guided missile cruiser USS Cowpens (CG 63) operates as Plane Guard in support of the conventionally powered aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) during evening flight operations. Used primarily at night, the mission of the Plane Guard ship is to aid and rescue aircrew if they have to eject from their aircraft upon landing on the aircraft carrier. Cowpens and Kitty Hawk are currently operating in the Coral Sea in support of the combined exercise Talisman Sabre 2005. - DefenseLINK