Roosevelt CSG Underway for COMPTUEX - Latest Update 3 Feb 2015

Latest frequency update 3 Feb 2015:
From Mike Comer and Jack Nesmith in Central Florida:

8971.0 kHz USB TSC Jacksonville Fiddle Clear voice/ANDVT
8974.0 kHz USB CWC Tango Whiskey Air Defense Net
18795.0 kHz USB CWC Tango Whiskey Air Defense Net

120.950 FACSFAC Jax - Sealord North
133.950 FACSFAC Jax - Sealord South
134.650 FACSFAC Jax
136.775 Air-Air - TR OPFOR
136.875 Air-Air - TR OPFOR

225.350 Pinecastle Range Targets
226.725 TR CSG Silent Warrior (OPFOR) / Warrior Control / Mustang
229.625 Air Ops - Cobra 12 w Mustang / Bullet 13 w Sapphire
233.325 Darkstar with Corvette
234.750 Air Ops
235.350 Pinecastle Target
235.500 TR CSG Link 11 Data
236.500 TR CSG Tango Whiskey
240.550 Air Ops - AIC Tiger E-2D VAW-125242.625 Air-Air - Tron ## (F/A-18G, VAQ-137)
242.750 Secure - Glock
243.375 Air-Air - Tron ## (F/A-18G, VAQ-137)
246.800 Air-Air - OPFOR / Link 11
260.200 Aerial Refueling Boom - Bolt ##
261.250 Pinecastle Range (R-2907) Lake George Targets
262.900 NAS Jax - Mako Base 
264.625 Avon Park North Tac Range
267.500 FACSFAC Jax Sealord South
268.525 Red Talon 21
275.650 Air-Air - River ## Tac VFA-204 (NAS New Orleans)
277.800 Fleet Common
281.150 TR Tango Zulu (Surface Warfare Commander)
283.500 Secure
284.300 Magic / Victor calling Tango Foxtrot
284.500 FACSFAC Jax Sealord North
285.000 NAS Jax TOC Fiddle
288.775 TR CCA Final B (Button 17)
289.200 Pinecastle Range
291.900 Aerial Refueling Boom - Bolt ##
292.200 Avon Park Range Control
292.225 TR Strike
293.275 Air-Air - VFA-211 Nikel ##
293.375 Air-Air  - VFA-11 Ripper ##
296.875 Exercise Guard? - Dart 51
298.475 TR FAD 2
298.725 Air Ops - TBolt Tac
299.475 Air-Air - Rook ##
303.000 Air Ops - Helo Unid
308.750 Air Ops
309.300 Air-Air
312.150 NAS Jax TDY Rawhide Base / VFA-204 River Base
313.700 FACSFAC Jax - Sealord North
314.375 Secure - Tiger / Glock AIC / Red Talon 11 / Cutlass / Nikel 22
318.325 TR Departure
318.600 Jax NAS W-158 Discrete - Ivan Control
320.425 Air Ops
320.525 Aerial Refueling
323.725 TR CCA Final A (Button 15)
324.750 Air Ops
326.825 RESCORT Frequency
328.425 TR Marshal
333.300 Aerial Refueling Boom - Omega
336.025 Air Ops - Ruger 11 / Slayer 01 / Red Talon 12 / Cutlass / Chill 21-22
340.100 Air-Air - VFA-136 Hawk ## F/A-18E (Button 13 Green)
340.125 Aerial Refueling Boom - 601, 602, Tiger 31/41 air-air Talon 22 / Tiger/Skull 21 calling Corvette
342.075 TR Tango Papa (CWC Strike Warfare)
342.325 Air-Air - Mako 31/32 air-air (not 93^rd FS), Nickel 73, Sweep 51
348.925 Air Ops - Button 13 - 602 going secondary Tac
349.150 Air Ops - Arrow ## (Unid OPFOR aircraft)
349.450 Air Ops
351.800 Jax Intl App/Dep
354.875 TR Tower
357.000 Pinecastle Range
357.375 Warrior Control
361.100 Air Ops
363.650 Air-Air - Overhead AR (Tentative)
363.775 TR FAD 1
363.825 Air Ops - (Button 14?) 212 calling Tango Sierra (Surface Warfare Commander) / Tango (E-2D, VAW-125) with Tango Zulu

365.925 Vanguard Control / Trial 23 (possible P-8A) calling for radio check

369.175 Air-Air - Ripper ##
370.750 Air Ops
371.050 TR CSG Red Crown - PIRAZ (Positive Identification Radar Advisory Zone)
371.175 Tiger / Magic
371.600 Air-Air VFA-211 TBolt ## F/A-18C / Shark ## Tac
374.000 TR Rep

376.900 NAS Jax W-157 Discrete
377.050 Jax Intl App/Dep
377.425 Dragon Slayer 615/616 wkg unid Control
384.100 Air-Air - OPFOR

Confirmed that the FACSFAC Jax airspace areas within W-157, W-158 have been renamed. Each area is now its own Warning area with a new number and letter. W136 begins closest to the coast and goes east to W140 and letters start at A and go south to G.

ALPHA BRAVO 5## - VAQ-137 F/A-18G
BOLT ### - KC-135, 6th AMW
CHAOS # - Tactical F/A-18 callsign
CHILL ## - B-52H, 5th BW
CORVETTE - Unid surface unit
COURAGEOUS WARRIOR
CUTLASS 4##/## - HSL-46 SH-60B
DART ##  - L-3 Communications Lear 35A
DELTA - CWC unid surface unit
DRAGON - Probable F-21 Kfir (Airborne Tactical Advantage Inc (ATAC)
DUSTY ## - F/A-18 Aircraft
FIDDLE - TSC Jacksonville
GLOCK - E-2D tactical call sign
GOLF - CWC unid surface unit
HAWK ## - VFA-136 F/A-18E
HOTEL - CWC unid surface unit
JULIET -  CWC unid surface unit
KILO - CWC unid surface unit
MAGIC - NATO AWACS backend
MAKO ## - A-18 Aircraft
MIKE - CWC unid surface unit
MOTHER 51/52 - Helicopters (Dragon Slayer 615/616)
MUSTANG
NIKEL ## - VFA-211 F/A-18/F
OPFOR - Opposing Forces
OMEGA 10 - KC10 N974VV
OMEGA 74 - KC135 N624RH
RAWHIDE ## - VRC-40 C-2A
RED CROWN - PIRAZ (Positive Identification Radar Advisory Zone)
RED TALON ## - VP-16 P-8A
RIPPER ## - VFA-11 F/A-18F
RIP TIDE 51 - L-3 Communications Lear 35A
RIVER - VFA-204 (OPFOR) F/A-18A+
RUGER ## - MAGIC tactical call sign
SHARK ## - F/A-18 Aircraft
SILENT WARRIOR (OPFOR)
SKULL 21 - B-52H, 96th BS
SLAYER - HS-11?
SWEEP ##
TALON ## - P-8A
TANGO - VAW-125 E-2D CWC call sign
TANGO FOXTROT - CWC Force Track Coordinator
TANGO PAPA - CWC Strike Warfare Commander
TANGO SIERRA - CWC Surface Warfare Commander
TANGO WHISKEY - CWC Air Defense Commander
TANGO ZULU - CWC Sea Combat Commander
TARBOX ##
TBOLT ## - VMFA-251 F/A-18C
TIGER 6##/## - VAW-125 E-2D
TIGER TAIL
TORINO - Unid surface unit
TRIAL ## - Possible VX-1 P-8A
TRIBE
TRON - VAQ-137 F/A-18G tactical call sign
VANGUARD CONTROL
VICTOR - VAW-125 E-2D CWC call sign
VIPER - Unid OPFOR aircraft (probable VFA-204)
VULTURE - E-8C 461ACW Backend
WARRIOR CONTROL

The aircraft carrier USS Theodore  Roosevelt (CVN 71) and embarked Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12 staff  departed Naval Station Norfolk to begin Composite Training Unit Exercise  (COMPTUEX), January 8. The naval units completed their TSTA training in October 2014.

Theodore Roosevelt will join the rest of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG) to conduct COMPTUEX, which tests TRCSG's ability to effectively react to real-world scenarios and perform as an integrated unit.

"Carrier Strike Group 4 is evaluating how the battle group defends itself, how it projects power and how well they execute pre-planned responses to multiple types of scenarios," said Master Chief Cryptologic Technician (Technical) Todd Womack, CSG 4's senior enlisted advisor, from Cottonwood, Ala.

Throughout COMPTUEX, Theodore Roosevelt will face training scenarios that simulate real-world situations the ship could encounter during its upcoming deployment.

"TR and her crew will be conducting numerous flight operations, identifying contacts and displaying the information to the entire strike group," said Operations Specialist 2nd Class Jeffery Lain, tactical data coordinator aboard TR.

"We will be as tactical as possible while performing in a carrier environment during a realistic wartime scenario," said Lt. Jeffery Mayer, an F/A-18F Super Hornet pilot from the Red Rippers of Strike Fighter Attack Squadron (VFA) 11.

Following the successful completion of COMPTUEX, CSG 4 will declare TR capable of worldwide operations and ready for its upcoming deployment.

TRCSG is comprised of Carrier Strike Group 12 staff, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2 staff, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, and the DESRON 2 ships; the guided-missile destroyers USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98), USS Farragut (DDG 99) and USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), as well as the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60).

There are eigh squadrons assigned to CVW-1:

VFA-11 Red Rippers 
VFA-136 Knighthawks 
VFA-211 Checkmates 
VMFA-251 Thunderbolts 
VAQ-137 Rooks 
VAW-125 Tigertails 
HS-11 Dragonslayers 
VRC-40 Rawhides 

During the TSTA training evolution in October the Carrier Strike Group used 8974.0 kHz USB for their HF CWC Voice Air Warfare Coordination Net (NCS Tango Whiskey). Other HF frequencies we have seen them on in the past include 5281.0 5714.0 6700.0 6703.0 and 8188.0 kHz.

As this training operation steps up here on the east coast, I hope to have further updates on the frequencies being used by the TRR CSG.

Theodore Roosevelt Completes Flight Deck Certification

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Heath Zeigler, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs

USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, successfully completed flight deck certification, Sept. 14, fulfilling an important milestone of getting the ship and its embarked airwing combat ready.

The Red Rippers of Fighter Attack Squadron (VFA) 11, Knighthawks of VFA 136, Checkmates of VFA 211, Screwtops of Carrier Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123, and Dragonslayers of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 11 all took part in the certification, and were instrumental in the success and safety of the flight operations.

The flight deck certification consisted of 160 total carrier landings, during both the day and night. Certification drills included rigging the emergency barricade, flight deck firefighting and crash and salvage operations.

"We worked hard to make sure that all expectations were met," said Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Frank E. Gardner, flight deck leading chief petty officer. "We out performed what was expected of us."

This is a monumental achievement for Theodore Roosevelt since it is the first time it has landed aircraft on its deck in four years.

"It's amazing to see so many Sailors who have never seen a deployment come together to accomplish this task," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class Terry Keyes. "It took a lot of work and long days to get things done and accomplished, but the end result was more than what we expected."

Before the flight deck crew left the shipyard, they spent many hours training on all aspects of how the flight deck operates under all conditions.

"We spent long hours training our crew," said Gardner. "We wanted to make sure that everything could go as smoothly as we could possibly make it."

Time management and teamwork were both keys to the success of the flight deck certification process.

"We have to manage our time while on station," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class Raymond Gross, leading petty officer of fly two, a division of Air department. "We have to work with other sections of Air Department to be able to take breaks and get food because our job requires us to be on deck when jets are moving about."

Keyes added that flexibility was also important in the event of last minute changes, such as catapult repairs or aircraft reorganization for launch.

"No matter how well we worked together, we had to remain flexible because anything could happen," said Keyes. "Equipment may go down or a jet may need fuel, so we had to constantly make changes in a safe but efficient manner."

The success of flight deck certification marks one step closer for Theodore Roosevelt to becoming, once again, a ready-for-tasking carrier.

Theodore Roosevelt will continue carrier qualifications during the current underway period.

HS-11 Arrives Aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)

  

NORFOLK (Aug. 29, 2013) The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) returns to homeport at Naval Station Norfolk for the first time in four years. Theodore Roosevelt was redelivered to the U.S. Navy today following successful sea trials that tested the ship's systems after its refueling and complex overhaul at Newport News Shipbuilding. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Huntington Ingalls Industries by Ricky Thompson/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kris R. Lindstrom, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs   

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 11 (HS-11) from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, known as the Dragonslayers, arrived aboard aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Sept. 11.

HS-11 is part of Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) and is the first squadron of CVW-1 to come aboard Theodore Roosevelt for flight operations.

HS-11's capabilities include combat search and rescue (CSAR), special warfare, anti-submarine warfare, vertical replenishment, anti-ship missile defense and passenger and cargo transfer.

The Dragonslayers operate two variations of the Sea Hawk helicopter to carry out their various missions. They are SH-60F (Foxtrot) and HH-60H (Hotel) helicopters.

"The Foxtrot has a dipping sonar system that is used to find submarines and the Hotel can carry HELLFIRE missiles on it for force protection," said Lt. Daniel Foose, a pilot for the Dragonslayers.

HELLFIRE stands for Helicopter Launched, Fire and Forget missile. It is a short-range, laser or radar-guided, air-to-ground missile system.

With the helicopters now aboard the Big Stick, HS-11 will focus on flight deck qualifications needed for CVW 1 to be fully operational.

"Each mission is different," said Senior Chief Aviation Machinist's Mate Charwin Carrington, acting command master chief of HS-11. "We have to get all of our aircrew and aircraft on the same page as far as having our systems up at all times."

Carrington said that it takes everyone, from the lowest ranking airman to the commanding officer, for the Dragonslayers to be operational.

"I'm excited to be aboard the [Theodore] Roosevelt," said Carrington. "I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead."

Among the previous commands that HS-11 has been a part of, the most recent was with USS Enterprise (CVN 65) which is similar to a number of other Sailors aboard from the same command.

The Dragonslayers are just one squadron of the air wing to bring their aircraft aboard. Other aircraft may include F/A-18 Super Hornets, F/A-18 Hornets, E2-C Hawkeyes and E/A-18G Growlers.

CVW-1 Conducts Aerial Change of Command

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 held an aerial change of command ceremony in the skies above the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Aug. 15.

Capt. Robert D. Boyer relieved Capt. Jeffrey L. Trent as Commander. During the ceremony, Boyer flew in an F/A-18C Hornet, assigned to the Thunderbolts of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251, while Trent flew in an E2-C Hawkeye, assigned to the Screwtops of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 123.

After both aviators read their orders, Trent gave the formation lead to Boyer as they flew over Enterprise.

Boyer, the former deputy commander of CVW-1, said he looks forward to his role as the air wing's final commander aboard Enterprise.

"To become commander of the air wing aboard this ship and to be a part of the namesake of Enterprise is a tremendous feeling," said Boyer.

The current deployment is the final time any air wing will operate aboard Enterprise. The carrier is slated to be inactivated following its return to homeport in Norfolk, making this the final change of command CVW-1 will hold while attached to the legendary Big E.

There will be two more squadron changes of command.

"It has been a real pleasure to be a part of this historic ship and this historic cruise," said Trent. "I'm honored to be a part of Enterprise and the entire team."

Trent's next assignment will be with the Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group in Newport, R.I.

"It was great working for Capt. Trent," said Boyer. "He was always a very humble, teamwork oriented-leader and just an awesome guy to work for."

Boyer also said that his motivation comes from the Sailors and Marines of CVW-1. To Boyer, their hard work and dedication are an inspiration.

"The crewmembers of the air wing are really who this day is for," said Boyer. "It is their sweat, their work and their effort that get the aircraft off of the flight deck. I am truly humbled to be a part of this air wing."

Following deployment, CVW-1 is scheduled to transition to aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) as the carrier completes it refueling complex overhaul in Newport News, Va.

"The future is bright with another deployment in a couple of years," said Trent. "The air wing will continue to do great things as a part of another team."

Enterprise is currently on its 25th and final deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security operation efforts and support missions as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Enterprise, CVW-1 Support Operation Enduring Freedom

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Smith, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- Aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 began flying combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), May 1.

Through these missions, the Navy and Marine Corps squadrons aboard Enterprise are providing direct support to coalition forces on the ground in Afghanistan.

The missions include close-air support, electronic warfare, reconnaissance, and airborne command and control.

In Afghanistan, these missions degrade terrorist activities, diminish Taliban influence and improve security, which leads to stability and economic prosperity.

CVW-1 spent months preparing for these missions, and is ready to join coalition forces in the region.

Enterprise joins the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group in the region. Thus far, Abraham Lincoln has flown more than 1,400 sorties, totaling more than 8,700 flight hours in support of coalition efforts in Afghanistan, according to the Lincoln's Public Affairs Office.

Over the course of May 1, their first day supporting OEF, CVW-1 aircraft flew 29 sorties.

According to Capt. Jeffrey Trent, commander, CVW-1, the number of sorties flown on the first day will be the standard throughout much of the time CVW-1 is supporting OEF.

"That will be a very standard number," said Trent. "This is a marathon. We're going to be here for a number of months, and we're in it for the long haul, and getting jets on and off the deck is no easy task."

Accomplishing this task falls on the shoulders of the Sailors and Marines working aboard Enterprise every day.

"It's not just the airplanes flying. It's the Sailors and Marines working on the flight deck; it's the men and women working in the engineering plant, and those working everywhere in between, that support this mission," said Trent.

Enterprise should fly approximately 170 OEF sorties per week.

Commander U.S. 5th Fleet reported U.S. Navy aircraft have averaged about 5,000 close-air support missions per year in support of OEF, since 2009. As they did in 2011, Enterprise and CVW-1 will directly contribute to that total in 2012. During last year's deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, Enterprise and CVW-1 supported OEF with a total of 1,450 combat sorties.

"During this deployment we get to capitalize on all the experience gained last year," said Trent. "However, training is happening every flight and every event improves overall readiness."

Enterprise and CVW-1 will not be the only Navy assets supporting operations in Afghanistan during the carrier's final deployment. Sailors serve throughout all 34 Afghan provinces and in the six Navy-led Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs), promoting governance, enhancing security and aiding in reconstruction efforts.

CVW-1 is comprised of the "Red Rippers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, the "Checkmates" of VFA 211, the "Knighthawks" of VFA 136, the "Thunderbolts" of Marine Attack Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 251, the "Rooks" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137, the "Screwtops" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123, and the "Dragonslayers" of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 11.

Enterprise is deployed on its 22nd and final deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, conducting maritime security operation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom.

CVW-1 Wraps-up Underway, Departs Enterprise

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Kristin L. Grover, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines from Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW-1) departed aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) after successfully completing a 30-day underway period in the Atlantic Ocean Feb. 9.

CVW-1 and Enterprise spent the past month participating in a Composite Training Unit Exercise, a joint task force exercise and Bold Alligator 2012 (BA12) in preparation for the 50 year-old ship's upcoming 22nd and final deployment.

During these exercises, the ship and air wing team were presented with a variety of scenarios that could potentially occur during a regular deployment, including launching aircraft in support of ground operations and protecting the strike group from surface, submarine and air threats. These scenarios required expert coordination between all elements of Enterprise Carrier Strike Group to achieve mission success.

"This is the only chance we get as a strike group to work and train together," said Capt. Robert D. Boyer, deputy commander of CVW-1. "This was a big deal because it's a tough and constant scenario and everybody across the board pulled together and made it come off really well."

During this intense training period, CVW-1 completed 3,830 flight hours, 2,052 arrested landings and received a 96 percent sortie completion rate. During portions of their most recent underway, CVW-1 averaged nearly 60 sorties a day, an accomplishment that led directly to both Enterprise and CVW-1 earning their qualifications and reaching their training goals.

CVW-1 Command Master Chief John T. Lery, along with the 48 other CVW-1 staff members, focused their efforts on making sure the individual squadrons and Enterprise integrated effectively and worked together as a cohesive unit.

"The carrier and the air wing are dependent on one another," said Lery. "It is a one-hundred percent team effort and everyone works together toward the successful execution of the overall mission."

Sailors and Marines worked day and night training, practicing interoperability procedures and completing necessary certifications for deployment. They learned how to safely operate aboard the ship and work together toward a common goal.

The ongoing scenario provided CVW-1 with a rigorous flight schedule that, on three separate occasions, required the air wing to surge to more than 100 sorties in a day.

This robust air plan provided CVW-1 the opportunity to train approximately 175 aircrew personnel in air wing operations. Despite training so many new personnel, the CVW-1 team was consistently able to maintain a high operational tempo throughout the exercises.

"None of this effort would have been possible without the dedicated support of over 1,500 air wing maintenance and administrative personnel," said Cmdr. Daniel Orchard-Hays, operations officer for CVW-1. "They performed exceptionally well and received very high marks from Commander, Strike Force Training, Atlantic on strike operations."

In the brief deployment turnaround since their return July 15, 2011, CVW-1 and Enterprise were able to successfully reintegrate and work toward new accomplishments. They took the embarkation to the next level by participating in BA12, the largest naval amphibious exercise in the past 10 years.

"Bold Alligator 2012 was an excellent opportunity for us to integrate command and staff relationships between the Carrier Strike Group and the Expeditionary Strike Group to ensure we can operate as an effective fighting force," said Orchard-Hays.

"The amphibious assets involved in Bold Alligator are geared more to offensive operations with the helos, harriers and some Marine Corps fixed-wing assets from the shore," said Boyer. "So, to be able to come in here and be part of their overall task force and protect them from the sea as they go ashore, and go with them as they go ashore, is really important. It's unique to us as a naval service and something that the armed forces in other nations can't do."

During CVW-1's BA12 support to the ESG, 75 percent of their sorties were flown in support of the combined force and ESG. The air wing flew strike, close air support, defensive counter-air, and surface patrol missions to protect the ships at sea and the Marines going ashore.

CVW-1, based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Va., has served aboard 20 different aircraft carriers, made 42 major deployments and has been in commission since July 1, 1938.

CVW-1 is comprised of Strike Fighter Squadron 11, Strike Fighter Squadron 211, Strike Fighter Squadron 136, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251, Electronic Attack Squadron 137, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 123 and Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 11 and VRC 40 Det 1.

Enterprise Completes First Underway Replenishment on 21st Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jesse L. Gonzalez, USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Enterprise (CVN 65) safely completed an underway replenishment (UNREP) Jan. 16 on the fourth day of its 21st deployment.

Enterprise completed the UNREP while steaming ahead towards the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet Areas of Responsibility.

During an evolution such as an UNREP, safety plays a key role in bringing supplies across to Enterprise, says Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class (AW) Vincent A. Filpi, the Safety Department's leading petty officer.

"Safety is the name of the game for all Sailors involved," Filpi said. "Our department is always close at hand throughout the course of the entire process. We ensure all Sailors participating in the UNREP adhere to the proper safety guidelines."

From the shot-line thrown across, to the cables that bring on the supplies, the UNREP presents many dangers, not to mention bringing on hazardous materials, jet fuel, and rounds of ammunition.

Being aware of these dangers can help Sailors avoid losing a limb or even one of their shipmates.

"Whether you're on the flight deck or the hangar bay, any number of things can go wrong when you're pulled alongside another ship like this," Filpi said. "One of our biggest safety concerns is snapback, the force generated when a line breaks can cause serious injury or even death.

In addition, Filpi stressed the importance of donning proper safety gear, one of the most common violations of safety rules.

"We do our best to ensure safely executed underway replenishments by completing an operational risk management assessment," said Lt. Cody Schaal, the ship's assistant safety officer. "This helps us anticipate and mitigate safety hazards to reduce the risk of a personnel or equipment casualty."

Thanks to the efforts and careful monitoring by the Safety Department and the rest of the crew, Enterprise took on more than 1.3 million gallons of jet fuel, received about 25 pallets of supplies, and off-loaded 30 empty pallets with the combined efforts of Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8).

"We conducted this UNREP really well, and we did it safely, I'm very proud of how our Sailors performed in this evolution," said Capt. Dee L. Mewbourne, Enterprise's commanding officer.

Enterprise Strike Group consists of Enterprise, the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), the guided-missile destroyers USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Barry (DDG 52) and USS Mason (DDG 87), Arctic, Carrier Air Wing 1 and Destroyer Squadron 2.

Carrier Air Wing One Conducts Carrier Qualifications Aboard Enterprise

Sailors man the rails of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) as the ship departs Naval Station Norfolk. Enterprise is part of the Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CCSG) 12 on deployment supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleets areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua D. Sheppard/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jared M. King, USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At sea (NNS) -- Aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW-1) continued to arrive and conduct carrier qualifications aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Jan. 15 as she heads east for her 21st deployment.

A total of 61 aircraft from eight squadrons based out of Naval Station Norfolk, Va., Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Va., Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Oak Harbor, Wash., and Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., comprise CVW-1, enabling the Enterprise Strike Group to carry out missions in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.

The mission of CVW-1 is to conduct carrier air warfare operations and assist in the planning, control, coordination and integration of eight air wing squadrons in support of combat operations. Following extensive training at their respective air stations, the aircrews and pilots embarked Enterprise in August to complete shipboard qualifications before deployment.

"CVW-1 returned from our last deployment in Dec. of 2007 and since then, we have upgraded our technology, trained to the most demanding scenarios and studied the enemy as they have evolved their tactics," said Capt. Kenneth Whitesell, commander, CVW-1. "There is no better prepared air wing to go into combat and support the coalition fighters on the ground."

Updated radar technology, called active electronic scanned array, in two of the air wing's F/A-18 Super Hornet squadrons is just one of the many technology upgrades made to air wing aircraft.

"Our nation has made huge investments in advanced technology in order to provide us with the most capable and lethal aircraft possible," said Cmdr. Jason Velivlis, executive officer of the "Knighthawks" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136. "The F/A-18E Super Hornet is a multi-role, strike-fighter aircraft, which can be configured for a wide variety of combat and combat support missions, including air-to-air, air-to-ground and most recently, aerial refueling."

CVW-1 has been in commission longer than any other Navy air wing. Since July 1, 1938, CVW-1 has served aboard 20 different aircraft carriers and has made more than 40 major deployments.

Velivlis said that teamwork, pride and professionalism are the keys that will help each squadron achieve its goals and successfully contribute to CVW-1's mission.

"Our most important goal is to arrive in the theater of operations prepared for combat and to be ready to provide critical close air support to friendly troops on the ground," said Velivlis. "VFA-136's long-term goal is to complete the deployment safely and effectively and bring the entire "Knighthawk" team back to Oceana for a happy reunion with our friends and family."

As the squadrons of CVW-1 fly on board the Enterprise's flight deck, they round out the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, providing the force with the ability to complete their mission.

Enterprise Strike Group consists of Enterprise, the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), the guided-missile destroyers USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Barry (DDG 52) and USS Mason (DDG 87), USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8), Carrier Air Wing 1 and Destroyer Squadron 2.

Enterprise Strike Group to Deploy

NORFOLK , Va. (NNS) -- Commander, Second Fleet announced Jan. 7, that Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (ENT CSG) will deploy for operations in the U.S. Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet areas Jan. 13.

This deployment is part of an ongoing rotation of U.S. forces supporting maritime security operations in international waters around the globe. Working with allied and partner maritime forces, ENT CSG units will focus heavily on maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts which help establish conditions for regional stability.

"I'm extremely proud of the men and women of the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group," said Rear Adm. Terry B. Kraft, commander of ENT CSG. "These sailors and Marines have exceeded all expectations in a very short amount of time. We are trained and ready to go over the horizon and support our joint and coalition partners in the execution our nation's maritime strategy."

ENT CSG consists of approximately 6,000 sailors who, over the last four months, have successfully completed refresher training and certifications to ensure they operate effectively and safely together.

"Enterprise returned to the waterfront last spring ready to tackle her upcoming deployment. The strike group spent most of October at sea training during a challenging Composite Training Unit Exercise, and after a successful Joint Task Force Exercise in December, we spent our time ensuring the ship, our Sailors, and our families were ready for this deployment," said Kraft.

This is the third deployment leading an aircraft carrier into combat operations over the last three years for Capt. Dee L. Mewbourne, who assumed duties as commanding officer of USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Tuesday. Mewbourne most recently commanded USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and while in command he completed two successful combat deployments supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

"It is clear Team Enterprise is trained and ready to accomplish the missions that lay ahead. I am honored to be joining such a professional crew and to be a part of the legacy and heritage of Enterprise," Mewbourne said.

ENT CSG is made up of Commander, Carrier Strike Group 12, the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2, the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), and the guided-missile destroyers USS Barry (DDG 52), USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), and USS Mason (DDG 87). The squadrons of CVW 1 embarked in Enterprise are Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11 "Red Rippers," VFA 136 "Knighthawks," VFA 211 "Fighting Checkmates," Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251 "Thunderbolts," Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123 "Screwtops," Carrier Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 137 "Rooks," Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 "Rawhides," and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 11 "Dragonslayers."

Enterprise Departs for Training Assessments

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Robert Guerra, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Enterprise (CVN 65), Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2 and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 began their tailored ship's training assessment (TSTA)/final evaluation period (FEP) Aug. 3.

The operations are being conducted in conjunction with carrier qualifications for CVW-1 and mark the beginning of the official work-up phase for Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12.

TSTA is a training regiment designed to prepare a ship for prompt and sustained combat operations at sea while also developing and enhancing the ability to self-train and evaluate.

"We begin our work-up cycle today," said Capt. Ryan Scholl, Big E's executive officer. "This is the 'preparing for battle' part of all that we have been working on to date."

While the TSTA/FEP exercise is conducted during a single underway period, there are actually three distinct phases. The first phase focuses on navigation, seamanship, engineering and damage control.

The second phase assesses the capabilities of the flight deck crew and increases scrutiny on combat systems, engineering and the ship's damage control efforts.

The final phase of TSTA requires increased integration of the air wing through complex exercises. Once TSTA is complete, Enterprise will move directly into the FEP portion of the underway period.

FEP is a two-day event which serves as the final exam. It is designed to evaluate CSG-12's ability to fight as a cohesive unit.

Upon completing the work-up cycle, the strike group will be "surge" capable, ready to deploy in support of national tasking.

Afloat Training Group Atlantic is also aboard during the underway period, providing training and evaluating various systems and processes throughout each event.

"Screwtops" Return from Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Tyler Jones, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Atlantic


Just in time for the holidays, the "Screwtops" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123 returned home to Naval Station Norfolk Dec. 18, ending five months aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65).

VAW-123 is part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 and was deployed alongside the "Knighthawks" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136 and the Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211 "Fighting Checkmates" who also returned Dec. 18 to their home at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Va.

During the deployment, VAW-123 provided airborne command, control and communications using their E-2C Hawkeye fixed-wing aircraft.

"This deployment was very successful, both for the squadron and the air wing," said Cmdr. Terry Morris, commanding officer of VAW-123. "We helped play a part in (U.S. Central Command), but most importantly, we got everyone home safely."

Through the duration of the deployment, CVW 1 participated in strikes against enemy targets in both Iraq and Afghanistan in support of operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. In total, more than 7,500 missions were flown, 1,676 of those were combat missions.

Collectively, the aircraft delivered 36,500 pounds of air-to-ground ordnance and fired more than 4,000 rounds of 20mm ammunition. Crews flew a total of 20,300 hours and completed more than 6,500 arrest landings.

With VAW-123's mission complete, Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Downey, a flight officer attached to VAW-123, said he is relieved to be home with his family just as the holiday season hits full swing.

"This is a long-awaited day for me and my family," said Downey. "It feels awesome to be home, and I can't wait to go on vacation with my family."

The deployment was the second for CVW 1 in the past two years.

ATFLIR: CVW-1 Gets New Targeting System

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph R. Wax, USS Enterprise Public Affairs/Fleet Public Affairs Center, Atlantic

Military technology serves many purposes including keeping our Sailors, Marines, Soldiers and Airman safe. USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 are currently deployed with a new targeting system for its F/A-18s designed to do just that.

The ASQ-228 Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared (ATFLIR) system is an upgrade from the (targeting) TFLIR system previously used. It increases the altitude that the pilots can safely and effectively use their weapons.

"It operates at 25,000 feet," said Chief Aviation Electronics Technician (AW/SW) Terry Brown, a branch leading chief petty officer for Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD). "The older version had a lower ceiling. The higher altitude keeps the pilots safer."

The new system is also an upgrade to the targeting view finder, which allows the pilots to more accurately hit their targets.

"The new view mode isn't just infrared," said Marine Cpl. Giovanni Velasco, a FLIR tech in AIMD's IM-3 shop. "It has a TV mode allowing the pilot to watch it as it happens."

The troops on the ground have access to the same picture the pilots are looking at to ensure the right targets are being hit.

According to Velasco, when infantry call calls for back-up now, troops on the ground can watch the same thing as the pilots. The higher resolution allows for more effective identification of the intended target.

Enterprise was the second carrier to deploy with the new targeting system. There are currently 38 pods on board active with the new system. The technicians in the radar and FLIR shop spend countless hours ensuring they are ready to go.

"It takes about 12 hours to take apart[the pod], and 12 more to put it back together," said Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class (AW) Darryn Lubonski, an AIMD FLIR technician. "Total it takes about one week to get online."

The length of time spent working on the new systems is directly related to how detailed and delicate a process it is.

The new ATFLIR system has one screw that literally takes two hours to put in according to Lubonski. "Because of its location, we can only turn it one-eighth of a turn each time, he said"

The technicians in Enterprise's Radar and FLIR shop aren't just making the pilots jobs safer and more effective; they are saving the Navy millions of dollars.

According to Velasco, the Enterprise technicians have saved the Navy more than $5 million doing the work on the new systems themselves instead of having them shipped off to be worked on by civilian contractors.