For all my SEMilcom buddies.By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Hendrick L. Dickson, USS Enterprise Public Affairs
ABOARD USS ENTERPRISE (NNS) -- USS Enterprise (CVN 65) (Big E) completed two weeks of carrier qualifications (CQ) when the ship returned to its homeport of Norfolk, Va., April 1.
During the two-week underway, Big E conducted fleet replenishment carrier qualifications with training squadrons from Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA), headquartered at Naval Air Station (NAS) Corpus Christi, Texas. The training provided an opportunity for pilots to become certified in landing on a carrier at sea.
Enterprise is currently in a “surge” ready status in support of the Navy’s Fleet Response Plan (FRP). FRP enables the Navy to respond to unpredictable and complex situations worldwide, especially threats to the United States and its coalition partners.
Enterprise Capt. Larry Rice said the crew is focused on maintaining combat readiness and being ready able to answer the call when needed.
“The crew is dedicated and ready to respond to the needs of our leaders,” said Rice. “Maintaining readiness is our number one priority. Whether we are embarked with CNATRA or our normal strike group air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, the goal is still the same – being able to maintain prompt and sustained combat operations.”
During this current underway, Big E was joined by the “Flying Eagles” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122, stationed at Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore, Calif.; the “Gladiators” of VFA-106, stationed at NAS Oceana, Va., the “Rough Raiders” of VFA-125, stationed at NAS Lemoore, Calif., and the “Sharpshooters” of Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 101, stationed at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar, Calif., all flying the F/A-18 Hornet.
Also joining the Big E are the “Tridents” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 3 flying the SH-60 Seahawk, stationed at NAS Jacksonville, Fla.; the “Greyhawks” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 120 flying the E-2C Hawkeye, stationed at Naval Station Norfolk, Va.; the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 flying the C-2A Greyhound, stationed at Naval Station Norfolk, Va.; the “Checkmates” of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 22 flying the S-3B Viking, stationed in NAS Jacksonville, Fla.; the “Eagles” of Training Squadron (VT) 7, the “Tigers” of VT-9, the “Redhawks” of VT-21, and the “Golden Eagles” of VT-22, all flying the T-45A/C Goshawk and all stationed at NAS Corpus Christi; and the “Vikings” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 flying the EA-6B Prowler, stationed at NAS Whidbey Island, Wash.
Big E is the centerpiece of the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, which also includes the guided-missile destroyers USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51), USS Stout (DDG 55), USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98), and USS James E. Williams (DDG 95); the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64); the fast-attack submarine USS
Philadelphia (SSN 690); and the fast combat supply ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 6).
In addition to being the flagship of the strike group, Enterprise is also the home to CVW 1. The air wing is comprised of the “Checkmates” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211, flying the F/A-18 Super Hornet, and the “Knighthawks” of VFA-136; the “Sidewinders” of VFA-86; the “Thunderbolts” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251, all flying the F/A-18 Hornet. Also joining CWV 1 are the “Dragonslayers” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 11, flying the SH-60 Seahawk; the “Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137, flying the EA-6B Prowler; the “Maulers” of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 32, flying the S-3B Viking; the “Screwtops of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123, flying the E-2C Hawkeye; and the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40, flying the C-2A