USS George Washington Participates in Joint Service Training with U.S. Air Force

PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 23, 2013) An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Eagles of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115 takes off from the the flight deck of the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ricardo R. Guzman/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ramon G. Go   

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, completed a large-force exercise with the U.S. Air Force, Sept. 25.

George Washington and CVW 5 coordinated eight days of joint service, air-to-air combat training with the U.S. Air Force's 18th Wing to include 27th Fighter Squadron (27 FS), currently deployed to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, and the 44th Fighter Squadron (44 FS) stationed at Kadena Air Base.

"Our goal in the exercise is to train our capabilities and tactics against a capable opponent in the U.S. Air Force," said Lt. Jeffrey Drewiske, CVW 5's strike warfare officer. "It's important to train with joint services for an interoperable and mission capable force within the U.S. 7th fleet area of operations."

The training exercise consisted of numerous scenarios, some of which included more than 60 aircraft in the air at one time.

"We practiced fighter integration, where we mix together fourth and fifth generation fighter aircraft to familiarize ourselves with each other's methods and tactics," said Air Force Capt. Kevin Heath, an F-22 Raptor instructor pilot mission commander assigned to the 27 FS. "It's a great experience to fly with Navy pilots, and to see different aircraft platforms and how they operate."

Aircraft that participated in the exercise included the Air Force's F-22 Raptor; F-15C Eagle, KC-135 Stratotanker and E-3 Sentry, and the Navy's F/A-18 Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler and E-2C Hawkeye.

"Many of the exercises were air-to-air engagements; both in offensive counter for air power projection and defensive counter to protect George Washington and its vital assets," said Drewiske. "It was a memorable learning experience to work with the Air Force because almost no other air wing gets a chance to train with them on a large scale."
Exercises are an important element to a successful training program.

"Everything we gain and learn from this exercise, we can apply to future missions from a small-level exercise to a real-world scenario because we have gone through a similar motion before and know how to do it," said Heath. "It's important to train with other joint services because we are going to fight alongside each other if we go to war. It's vital for us to know how a Navy pilot flies and vice versa."

George Washington and CVW 5 provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Carrier Air Wing 5 Reunites with George Washington for 2013 Patrol

PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 14, 2013) Landing signal officers observe an E-2C Hawkeye from the Liberty Bells of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 115 as it lands aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during the Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 fly-on. George Washington and its embarked air wing, CVW 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paolo Bayas/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ramon G. Go, USS George Washington Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) welcomed aboard Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 to continue its 2013 patrol, Sept. 14.

Carrier Air Wing 5 is the nation's only "911" air wing and is a critical combat strike element of Battle Force 7th Fleet, the only forward-deployed carrier strike group in the U.S. Navy.

"Our goals are to support our operational chain of command's engagement strategy in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations while remaining ready to dissuade or react to any adversary that may threaten our interests in the region," said Capt. Michael Boyle, CVW-5's commanding officer.

During the first half of George Washington's patrol, CVW-5 participated in exercise Talisman Saber (TS), which is a biennial training event aimed to improve Australian Defence Force and U.S. combat readiness and interoperability as a Combined Joint Task Force.

"The combined work the carrier strike group [CSG] and the Australians accomplished during Talisman Saber helped promote greater international relations and train our aircrew for a variety of missions," said Lt. j.g. Eric Valdez, an aviator assigned to the "Liberty Bells" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 115. "As we progress into our patrol, we will continue to support and train with the CSG and our allied forces."

CVW-5 is comprised of nine squadrons with approximately 1,900 Sailors and 67 aircraft, which complete the full capacity of operations and manning for George Washington.

"We will initially focus on night landing currency," said Boyle. "Each pilot needs two-days of landings before landing at night, and each night recovery has to be accomplished within 29 days of the last night carrier landing or field carrier landing practice would be required at Iwo To."

CVW-5 commenced their first day of flight operations soon after their return.

"CVW-5 will conduct air-to-air and air-to-surface training exercises with our allied forces," said Boyle. "The air wing will continue to support these evolutions and demonstrate the capabilities of a carrier at sea."

CVW-5 is a collection of aircraft designed to perform various functions and exercises. The aircraft are attached to: the "Diamondbacks" of Strike Fight Squadron (VFA) 102 flying the F/A-18F Super Hornet; the "Royal Maces" of VFA-27, the "Eagles" of VFA-115 and the "Dambusters" VFA-195 each flying the F/A-18E Super Hornet; the "Shadowhawks" of Electronic Attack Squadron 141 flying the EA-18G Growler; VAW-115 flying the E-2C Hawkeye; the "Providers" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30, Detachment 5, flying the C-2A Greyhound; the "Golden Falcons" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12 flying the MH-60S Seahawk; and the "Saberhawks" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 77 flying the MH-60R Seahawk.

George Washington and CVW 5 provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Carrier Air Wing 5 Welcomes HSM-77

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shannon Heavin, Commander, Task Force 70 Public Affairs

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- The "Saberhawks" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77 moved into the Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 neighborhood, as the newest addition embarked on board Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) prior to their 2013 patrol.

The Saberhawks' missions are to conduct Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Surface Warfare (SUW,) as well as Search and Rescue (SAR), Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP), Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC), Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS), and Communications Relay (COMREL).

"We spend the majority of our time flying over the horizon, away from the Strike Group, to expand the radar search range and look for surface and submerged contacts," said Cmdr. Rich Whitfield, commanding officer of the Saberhawks. "We fly MH-60 Romeo's; not to be confused with the Sierras. We can fit two personnel in the back when fully loaded."

Whitfield explained that MH-60 Romeos bring the tactical maritime mission capability to an entire new level, surpassing previous fleet capability. MH-60R Seahawk helicopters have a high-tech avionics, mission systems, and cockpit, making it one of the world's most capable naval helicopter.

The aircraft features a glass cockpit and significant mission system improvements over the SH-60B helicopter, which gives the MH-60R unmatched capability as an airborne multi-mission naval platform. The MH-60R is tasked with Over-the-Horizon Targeting (OTH-T) on board George Washington and Navy surface combatant ships.

HSM-77 has five MH-60R helicopters on board George Washington and two helicopters on the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54).

The Saberhawks packed up their helicopters, gear, and family members in a hurry to meet their next mission attached to the 7th Fleet area of operation. Saberhawks are proud to be the first 'bravo to sea' squadron, establishing the Navy's Helicopter Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for deploying two helicopter squadrons, with Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) 12, within a single Carrier Air Wing and providing the momentum necessary for the transition to carrier based operations.

"I think we're adjusting pretty well," said Chief Aviation Ordnanceman James Botting, leading chief petty officer of HSM-77. "A lot of that has to do with the interaction we face on the ship. We came originally from San Diego, not knowing how it was going to turn out; however, since arriving it's been nothing but outstanding."

Botting said that with his experience attached to HSM-77, there has been a great mentality.

"The personalities here and the mindset of the crew help us succeed in every aspect. We've had a good integration along with great morale," added Botting.

Saberhawks were commissioned Sept. 25, 1987 at Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado, Calif. Later, HSM-77 was renamed from Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 47 in April of 2009.

"Transferring here was different," said Naval Aircrewman (Tactical Helicopter) 3rd Class Mark Mendoza.

"It was a lot of work. Especially, since Japan is so different than San Diego. I'm actually from San Diego, so for me I was more excited to be in a new place. We've done a good job interacting with all the squadrons and getting accustomed to how George Washington runs things verses [our previous aircraft carrier], USS Abraham Lincoln," said Mendoza.

Prior to this patrol the Saberhawks were deployed with CVW-2 on board Abraham Lincoln in June 2012.

"This is my third time being new to an Air Wing, and I can tell you what the difference is," said Whitfield. "Air Wing Five, from Sailors on the flight deck to the Handler all the way up to the Air Boss, and Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) in the hangar bay, have received us with ridiculously open arms. It's absolutely phenomenal."

The Saberhawks cannot go unnoticed without the mention of the Department of Defense winner of the 2012 Phoenix Award. The Phoenix Award honors military maintenance organizations for outstanding performance.

"We're just doing what we're supposed to do," said Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 1st Class David Gonzalez, maintenance leading petty officer of HSM-77. "Everything really fell into place because we have the right team and the right attitude."

Saberhawks' skipper concluded that the success of the squadron lies in the crew's core as a one family.

"This squadron has a long history of being pretty close-knit and having one heck of family atmosphere," said Whitfield. "You don't get to pick your brothers and sisters. You don't get to pick your shipmates, but you've got them and you find the best in each one. We make the best of it."

Saberhawks are one of the nine squadrons of CVW-5 embarked on U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier George Washington to provide a combat-ready force that protects the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its partners and allies in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Carrier Air Wing 5 Departs George Washington

PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 22, 2013) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class Katrina Vong, from Seattle, directs an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Dambusters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195 on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paolo Bayas/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ricardo Guzman

PHILIPPINE SEA (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington's (CVN 73) embarked air wing flew off the ship, Aug. 22, after two months at-sea.

Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, based at Naval Air Facilities Atsugi, accumulated 5,800 flight hours, 3,003 sorties, and 2,500 successful traps during the first half of its 2013 patrol.

"I'm very pleased with the air wing's performance during the first half of the patrol," said Command Master Chief Jason Eckard, CVW 5's command master chief. "We accomplished a lot of good training for both aircrew and maintainers. I'm grateful for the outstanding support that George Washington has provided the air wing."

CVW5 participated in exercise Talisman Saber (TS), a biennial training exercise aimed to improve Australian Defence Force nd U.S. combat readiness and interoperability as a Combined Joint Task Force.

"Working with the Australians was extremely productive and it gave us an opportunity to operate in areas that are new to us," said Lt. Cmdr. Adam Klein, a pilot assigned to the "Diamondbacks" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102. "We usually operate in the islands of Guam or Okinawa where there isn't a lot built up. Working in an unknown area gave us some challenges but it allows us to employ our latest and greatest tactics."

This patrol also marked the first time the "Golden Falcons" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12 and the "Saberhawks" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77 have gone underway with the strike group since joining CVW 5.

"It's been great coordinating with the new air wing," said Lt. Michael Feay, a pilot and the personnel officer from HSC 12. "We got a great amount of training done. We've been able to assist the fixed-wing squadron in their bombing runs, and strafing runs and we've trained our pilots and aircrew to be fully mission-capable."

CVW 5 consists of HSC 12, HSM 77, VFA 102, the "Royal Maces" of VFA 27, the "Eagles" of VFA 115, the "Dambusters" of VFA 195, the "Shadowhawks" of Electronic Attack Squadron 141, the "Liberty Bells" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron 115, and the "Providers" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30, Detachment 5.

"It's been a very successful patrol thus far and I'm looking forward to the second half," said Eckard. "There's definitely going to be a lot going on during the upcoming months and we're going to have some great training opportunities."

George Washington and CVW 5 provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

CVW 5 Continues Capability Upgrades with Arrival of New Hawkeye 2000

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brock A. Taylor, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West Det. Japan

ATSUGI, Japan (NNS) -- Three new E-2C Hawkeye 2000 aircraft arrived at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan to join Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 115 Feb. 28.

The improved E-2C Hawkeye 2000 carries advanced capabilities over its predecessor in the areas of detection, processing, identification, communication and navigation.

Their arrival, along with 24 newer F/A-18E Super Hornets in the past two months, is part of several recent upgrades to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 making it the most powerful and capable airwing in the Western Pacific region and the U.S. Navy.

According to Capt. Ross Myers, commanding officer of CVW 5, this upgrade goes beyond increasing just the battle group's efficiency.

"The capability that the Hawkeye 2000 brings to Carrier Air Wing 5 is more than just the squadron," said Myers. "It brings to the entire air wing capabilities that we have never had before and in a greater scope it brings to the joint security cooperation between the United States and the Government of Japan in defense of Japan and Japanese self defense forces a greater capability and lethality for the strike fighters."

Key among the advances is the cooperative engagement capability upgrade which enables the Hawkeye to serve as the fleet's information hub, fusing and distributing information from sources such as satellite and ship-borne radar. This enhanced technology provides better data links to ships conducting ballistic missile defense operations at sea, expanding the reach of U.S. Navy maritime operations in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

VAW 115's maintenance officer and naval flight officer Lt. Cmdr. Bill Selk has worked with the E-2C Hawkeye for over a decade and feels this new upgrade will play a vital role in CVW 5's mission.

"From the outside both airplanes look almost identical, but from the inside it brings a whole new level of capability for us," said Selk. "It has a few new displays and a few new systems that will really enhance our situational awareness and will help us convey that to the battle space."

The Hawkeye 2000's arrival was no surprise to the squadron. According to Cmdr. Chris Martin, VAW 115's commanding officer, the squadron had an ample amount of resources to make the transition a simple one.

"We started about six to eight months ago. We started looking at our training requirements and began planning," Martin said. "Also we have maintenance training teams coming from the U.S. and as well as our fleet replacement squadron to help us transition to the new airplane."

As for the maintainers, the transition shouldn't place too much change in how they handle required maintenance.

"Most of the systems are the same with the exceptions of the electricians and avionics technicians," said Selk. "There will be some new systems for them to learn and I know they are excited to get their hands on them and show us what they can do with them."

George Washington Begins ANNUALEX 21G

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) John J. Mike, USS George Washington Public Affairs

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At sea (NNS) -- USS George Washington (CVN 73) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 began their participation in military exercise ANNUALEX 21G Nov. 10.

A yearly, combined-training exercise between the U.S. military and Japan Self Defense Force, ANNUALEX fosters interoperability and teamwork between the two nations.

According to George Washington Operations Officer Cmdr. Anthony Calandra, the ship's participation is important because it is permanently-forward deployed to Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan (CFAY).

"One of the reasons GW (George Washington) operates from Japan is to aid in their defense," Calandra said. "Through exercises like ANNUALEX, our countries can learn from each other and operate better as a team."

George Washington will be involved in multiple scenarios that include anti-submarine, air-to-surface and air-to-air warfare training.

"ANNUALEX runs the gamut as an exercise, and in the end, practicing these procedures will help us interoperate with the Japanese to maintain peace in the Pacific region," Calandra said.

As part of ANNUALEX, CVW 5 will work closely with the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) by practicing strike training in the Okinawa and Okino Daito Jima region.

"We learn valuable lessons working with each other, which allows us to operate at our full potential during a time of conflict," said CVW Commander, Capt. Ross Myers.

"Having JASDF pilots on board helps us gain a greater understanding of each other's capabilities and increase the interoperability between our two great countries," said Myers.

George Washington is participating in its second ANNUALEX since becoming the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier in 2008.

George Washington is commanded by Capt. David A. Lausman, the flagship of the George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GW CSG), which is commanded by Rear Adm. Kevin M. Donegan. George Washington departed its forward-deployed port of Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan Oct. 6 on its second fall deployment as the Navy's forward-deployed carrier presence. The GW CSG includes CVW 5, Destroyer Squadron 15 and the guided missile cruisers USS Shiloh (CG 67) and USS Cowpens (CG 63).

GW, CVW-5 Finish COE, Ready for Summer Deployment

An F/A-18F Super Hornet from the "Diamondbacks" assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 launches from the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington, the Navy's only permanently forward deployed aircraft carrier, is underway conducting a combat operations efficiency evaluation in the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Rachel N. Clayton/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John J. Mike, USS George Washington Public Affairs

ABOARD USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (NNS) -- USS George Washington (CVN 73) and embarked Carrier Airwing (CVW) 5 successfully completed a combat operations efficiency (COE) evaluation June 2.

The COE certification, sometimes called a "blue-water certification," allows the ship and airwing team to launch and recover aircraft without the requirement for a divert airfield if operationally necessary.

"The Airwing 5, George Washington team came together to complete this evaluation better and sooner than anyone expected following our extended maintenance period," said GW Commanding Officer Capt. David A Lausman. "That success is truly a testament to the hard work and professionalism of all of the 5,000 Sailors on board, from the aircraft directors on the flight deck to the helmsmen steering the ship and from the maintainers keeping our aircraft flying to the culinary specialists preparing our food in our galleys.

"That teamwork is what makes us America's 911 strike group, fully ready to go anywhere in the world to execute the orders of the president of the United States."

The certification process began May 23, with the evaluation phase beginning May 31, according to GW Air Officer Cmdr. Mark Stoops. The GW/CVW-5 team was required to meet established criteria of efficiency and safety during aircraft launch and recovery operations throughout two consecutive days.

Stoops said the two major criteria involved in a successful COE evaluation are event factors and combat boarding rates. Event factor represents the average amount of time it takes GW to launch and recover aircraft per cycle, and combat boarding rate is the average amount of attempts it takes an aircraft to land on board.

"We did very well in both of those areas, which are hard to meet," Stoops said. "It's a big hurdle — a fun hurdle to face and a good hurdle to get over."

Cmdr. Steve Blasch, GW's assistant air officer, pointed out that the safe and efficient launch and recovery of aircraft requires teamwork at every level.

"The guys on the deck are phenomenal, and the work they do on a daily basis is amazing," he said. "But you can't overlook all the other Sailors, from those in the superstructure navigating the ship to the engineers below decks making us steam and getting wind over the deck."

The qualification is the last test for GW and CVW-5 before their upcoming deployment.

"This initial qualification gets us started as we begin our exercises through the summer on deployment," said CVW-5 Commander, Capt. Michael S. White.

"The real element we've been working for is to build the CVW-5 and GW team," White said. "The good part is everyone is very professional. They know what they're doing in their jobs, and it's just a matter of building communication lines so we work better together."

GW is the flagship of the George Washington Carrier Strike Group, commanded by Rear Adm. Kevin M. Donegan and comprised of CVW 5, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, and guided missile cruisers USS Shiloh (CG 67) and USS Cowpens (CG 63).

Following COE, GW will continue this underway in the western Pacific Ocean conducting advanced cyclic flight operations in preparation for its first summer deployment from Fleet Activities Yokosuka since becoming the Navy's only permanently forward deployed aircraft carrier.

GW, CVW 5 Get Underway for COE

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- USS George Washington (CVN 73), with nearly 5,000 Sailors, departed its forward-deployed port of Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka May 20 to conduct its combat operations efficiency (COE) evaluation in the Western Pacific.

The ship and crew, along with Sailors from embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, are now underway to conduct advanced cyclic flight operations to return the ship to full combat readiness following its first selective restricted availability which wrapped up earlier in May.

"COE measures our ability to land and recover aircraft with certain efficiency according to Navywide operational standards," said Cmdr. Vincent Aiello, CVW 5 operations officer.

COE certification is an important milestone because it proves that the ship and air wing team meets established criteria of efficiency and safety during aircraft launch and recovery operations. Successful completion of COE would allow CVW-5 and Washington to fly over open ocean without the requirement for a divert airfield if necessary.

The air wing also expects to conduct some air-to-ground strike training while at sea. This is a good test of the ship and air wing's ability to handle weapons, load them onto aircraft and employ them on over-land targets.

Commanded by Capt. David A. Lausman, George Washington is the flagship of the George Washington Carrier Strike Group, commanded by Rear Adm. Kevin M. Donegan and comprised of CVW 5, Destroyer Squadron 15 and guided missile cruisers USS Shiloh (CG 67) and USS Cowpens (CG 63).

CVW 5, commanded by Capt. Michael S. White, has operated from Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, since 1973, and is the Navy's only forward-deployed, co-located air wing. CVW 5 has called George Washington home since the aircraft carrier's arrival in Japan last September when it replaced the recently decommissioned USS Kitty Hawk as the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier.

Following the COE evaluation, George Washington expects to conduct its first summer deployment supporting security and stability in the Western Pacific region.

Kitty Hawk-CVW 5 to Participate in Pac Exercise

Aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 fly in formation above the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Kitty Hawk and CVW-5 will be taking part in exercise Rim of the Pacific off Hawaii in July with units from the United States, Australia, Chile, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands, Peru, South Korea, Singapore and the United Kingdom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau)

CVW 5 Conducts FCLP at Iwo To, Japan

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew R. White, Fleet Public Affairs Center Det. Japan

The lights of a F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 streak past the Landing Signal Officer's shack during night field carrier landing practice (FCLP) on the island of Iwo To. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew R. White)

IWO TO, Japan (NNS) -- Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 conducted night field carrier landing practice (FCLP) on the island of Iwo To (formerly Iwo Jima), March 14 to sharpen their landing skills prior to embarking USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63).

"Landing on a ship isn't exactly the easiest thing to do in the world," said Lt. Raymond Bieze, an F/A-18 E Super Hornet pilot for the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27.

"We don't get a lot of practice to do that in Japan because of the pattern restrictions. That's why we come down here to Iwo To," he added.

Conducting night FCLP at Iwo To provides pilots with a more realistic training environment than if they were practicing at Naval Air Station Atsugi.

"They turn off all the runway lights," Bieze said. "You get kind of a sense of what it's like to land on a ship [because] there's no cultural lighting at all."

"At Atsugi you have the opposite problem," he added. "The cultural lighting is so strong that the runway is the darkest area around, which isn't realistic to carrier landing at all," Bieze continued.

Beside lighting conditions, practicing at Iwo To allows pilots use the same landing pattern they'd use for an actual carrier landing. Bieze noted the landing pattern at Atsugi is much higher than at Iwo To due to the large population of the surrounding community.

"It's not the same landing at Atsugi," he said. "It's a lot more advantageous to practice at Iwo To."

Bieze and other pilots know FCLP is not only a requirement, but a very helpful tool to keep them sharp and prepared.

"FCLP is done every time before you embark on a ship," said Beieze. "It gets you in the mindset to be able to land aboard the ship and gets pilots back into the groove."

FCLP isn't just for the pilots. Ground crews play a vital role in keeping the aircraft in the air and the pilots safe.

"I am the squadron's first line to notice if anything is wrong with the aircraft," said Aviation Machinist's Mate Airman Michael Martin, a plane captain for Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102. "The plane captain is in charge of the jet," he said.

"If I find something I report it as quick as possible so they can get it fixed before it goes back up or down it so they can get another jet ready," Martin said.

Martin said the biggest part of his job is safety. He added that it's a good feeling to know he is responsible for the aircraft.

VFA 27 and VFA 102 are two of CVW 5's eight squadrons. CVW 5 is the Navy's only forward deployed air wing.