Hmmm....looks like this was taken near the LSO pit or close to it on the catwalk...this is the design the Navy REALLY wanted for the Hornet- a real workhorse of an aircraft that can perform more than just strike and air combat duties...it also can perform ECM in the configuration known as "The Growler"
It's configured as a tanker. The center "tank" is actually a buddy store, the same one the KA-6 and S-3 carried. It trails a drogue and other Hornets can take gas from it.
Really nice shot. Are you in the navy? I can never seem to find decent photos of this plane it's SOOO my latest favourite, after the SU27 after the F22 raptor.