Eisenhower, CVW-7 Commence OEF Missions

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nathanael Miller, Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, At Sea (NNS) -- Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, embarked aboard aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), began flying the first combat sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Aug. 9.

These missions will provide direct support to coalition forces on the ground in Afghanistan. The support includes electronic warfare, close-air support, airborne command and control, and reconnaissance.

"Air-support missions are intended to degrade terrorist activities, diminish the influence of the Taliban and improve security to encourage economic prosperity in the region," said Capt. Samuel J. Paparo, CVW-7 commander. "We bring a wide range of capabilities to coalition forces in Afghanistan and take pride in the fact that we are working with them to establish security and stability there. Every squadron has trained thoroughly for these missions, and now it is time to execute."

Since 2009, U.S. Navy aircraft have averaged about 5,000 close-air support missions per year in support of OEF.

Eisenhower joins the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (CSG), led by aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65), which has been operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility since April.

While air support will be the primary focus in support of OEF, Eisenhower and other CSG surface ships can also achieve a robust set of missions in support of regional maritime security.

"Our mission is to set the conditions for economic prosperity, which encompasses ensuring maritime security of all commercial sea lanes," said Rear Adm. Michael Manazir, commander, Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group. "The versatility of our capabilities and vitality of our Sailors allows us to be flexible and agile at all times."

Manazir stressed how critical every Sailor of the carrier strike group is to mission success, from flight deck personnel, to the pilots, to the engineers.

"Everyone has a role and everyone does it exceptionally well," said Manazir. "I am extremely proud of the Sailors that compose this strike group and I am certain that each will perform at the highest caliber possible."

CVW-7 is composed of the "Bluetails" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 121, the "Patriots"of Electronic Attach Squadron 140, the "Rampagers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83, the "Jolly Rogers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103, the "Wildcats" VFA 131, the "Puking Dogs" of VFA 143, and the "Nightdippers" of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 5.

Eisenhower is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, conducting maritime security operations and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom.

Oceana Hornet pilots to perform Super Bowl flyover

By Meredith Kruse, The Virginian-Pilot
http://hamptonroads.com/2011/01/oceana-hornet-pilots-perform-super-bowl-flyover

Local Navy pilots have been tapped to perform a four-plane flyover at Super Bowl XLV in Dallas on Feb. 6, the Navy announced.

The aircraft and air crews are from Strike Fighter Squadrons 83 (the Rampagers), 131 (the Wildcats), 103 (the Jolly Rogers) and 143 (the Pukin’ Dogs). All are part of Carrier Air Wing Seven and based at Oceana Naval Air Station. The flight will be led by Cmdr. Ben Hewlett, who heads the Wildcats.

Ike Launches First OEF Sorties

USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, At Sea (NNS) -- The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group launched its first sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom Jan. 28 and also assumed duties as Commander, Task Force (CTF) 50.

Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 departed the decks of the strike group's flagship, the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) bound for the skies over Afghanistan to support coalition ground forces.

"We are the first strike group to deploy in this historic year," said Capt. Roy J. Kelley, commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7. "Our mission is to help the troops on the ground in Afghanistan defeat the insurgency and protect the Afghan people."

The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment to the region and will conduct Maritime Security Operations (MSO) along with providing support to Operations Enduring Freedom.

"Every individual on the ship contributes to this mission, from the aircrew who the fly missions to the culinary specialists who sustain them," said Kelley. "We all contribute to this mission and support our brethren in arms on the ground."

Eisenhower relieved USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the Gulf of Oman on Jan. 25 as part of a normal rotation of forces and marked the end of the Nimitz Strike Group's deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).

Eisenhower CSG is made up of Commander, CSG 8; the aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower (CVN 69), homeported in Norfolk, Va.; CVW 7; Commander, Destroyer Squadron 28; the guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74), homeported in Norfolk; and the Mayport, Fla.-based ships, the guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66) and the guided-missile destroyers USS Carney (DDG 64) and USS Farragut (DDG 99).

The squadrons of CVW-7, led by Capt. Roy Kelley, include the "Jolly Rogers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103, the "Pukin' Dogs" of VFA 143, the "Rampagers" of VFA 83, the "Wildcats" of VFA 131, the "Patriots" of Electronic Attack Squadron VAQ 140, the "Bluetails" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, and the "Nightdippers" of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 5.

Eisenhower is supporting Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet AOR. MSO help develop security in the maritime environment. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. MSO complements the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

Ike Stops at Mayport After Successful Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Elisha Dawkins, Navy Public Affairs Support Element Detachment Southeast

MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 stopped at Naval Station Mayport to drop off members of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 5 and to pick up family members for their transit back to Naval Station Norfolk July 28.

The ship is returning to its homeport following completion of a successful five-month deployment.

"This is my seventh deployment and first with HS-5" said Cmdr. Mark Leavitt. "This is my first time on Eisenhower. The Sailors kept me very busy; it was a great experience."

Ike and the other units assigned to Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 8 deployed to the 5th and 6th Fleet Areas of Responsibility in support Operation Enduring Freedom
conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation operations.

"I think everyone had a fulfilling deployment; it was challenging at times and difficult to operate where we were at in the North Arabian Sea," said Leavitt. "The temperature was extremely hot; the humidity was extremely high, and the Sailors on the flight deck routinely were in a heat index over 115 and 120 degrees. But they worked very hard and should be very proud of what they did."

While deployed, CVW 7 provided combat support to coalition troops on the ground in Afghanistan flying, more than 4,700 combat sorties and 17,000 combat flight hours.

"I couldn't be more proud of the nearly 6,000 men and women of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group," said Rear Adm. Kurt W. Tidd, commander, Carrier Strike CSG 8. "Our Sailors have upheld the timeless traditions of our Navy when called upon. They delivered, providing persistent U.S. naval power, in perfect partnership with our joint and allied partners, delivering security and stability in uniquely important and remarkable parts of the world."

USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) and USS Halyburton (FFG 40) also assigned to CSG 8, assisted in the rescue of Capt. Richard Phillips, the master of U.S. Motor Vessel Maersk-Alabama, following a pirate attack on board.

"I'm getting all choked up; I am very proud of my son and all the guys on the trip. We just don't know the price of freedom," said Ralph Balcom, father of Chief Warrant Officer Michael Balcom.

Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group participates in military operations around the world in support of building partnerships with other navies and countries in an effort to maintain freedom of the seas.

Eisenhower Resumes Flight Operations After a Historic Visit

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Adam Prince, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Public Affairs

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 resumed flight operations today in support of Operation Enduring Freedom after a completing a historic port visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

CVW-7 resumed close air-power support and reconnaissance missions supporting U.S. and to International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops on the ground in Afghanistan.

"I look forward to seeing the air wing executing its primary mission and the many parts that it takes working together that make the mission possible," said Cmdr. Bryan Williams, CVW-7 operations officer. "We get daily updates on individual actions, stopping enemy fire, and protecting our troops."

CVW-7 integrates closely with multinational coalition forces to prevent and counter Taliban attacks. Carrier aircraft provide close air-power support and deliver ordnance on enemy positions designated by ground forces. In many cases, the show of presence and the sound of military aircraft overhead deter Taliban forces from carrying out attacks on coalition forces.

Since deploying, CVW-7 has flown 3,370 sorties accumulating nearly 10,500 flight hours. Since arriving in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, CVW-7 has flown 6,750 hours in support of coalition forces operating on the ground in Afghanistan.

While in port, the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group hosted the King of Bahrain, His Majesty the King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa; the United States Ambassador to Bahrain J. Adam Ereli; Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, as well as other dignitaries and guests.

During the four-day port visit, Sailors participated in community relations (COMREL) projects and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) events.

"COMRELs during deployment enhance the Navy's relationship with the host nation," said Chief Petty Officer Michael W. Music, who organized the project at the Ali Primary School in Bahrain.

The last carrier to moor pier side in Bahrain was the 11,373-ton Commencement Bay-class escort aircraft carrier USS Rendova (CVE 114) in 1948. During her stay in Bahrain, Rendova hosted the current king's grandfather Sheikh Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa, Emir of Bahrain.

Visits by U.S. Navy ships symbolize the continued friendship and partnership between countries and military services, increasing cooperative engagement and exemplifying commitment to building trust and confidence among friends worldwide.

The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations as part of a regularly scheduled deployment in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom as well as maritime security operations. Operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet are focused on reassuring regional partners of the United States' commitment to security, which promotes stability and global prosperity.

Eisenhower Launches OEF Sorties

USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, At Sea (NNS) -- The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group launched its first sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom today, and assumed duties as Commander, Task Force (CTF) 50.

Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 departed the decks of the strike group's flagship, the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) bound for the skies over Afghanistan to support coalition ground forces.

"Over the last several months, the men and women of this strike group have drilled relentlessly in realistic training scenarios to prepare for the full spectrum of maritime security operations," said Rear Adm. Kurt W. Tidd, commander of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group.

Eisenhower relieved USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) in the Gulf of Oman as part of a normal rotation of forces and marked the end of the Theodore Roosevelt Strike Group's deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO). Theodore Roosevelt operated in theater since October supporting Coalition forces operating on the ground in Afghanistan.

"We have received amazing support from Theodore Roosevelt which will enable us to provide seamless support to coalition forces operating on the ground in Afghanistan," said Capt. Dee L. Mewbourne, commanding officer, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.

During the Theodore Roosevelt's deployment to the region, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 flew more than 3,100 sorties into Afghanistan and has dropped more than 59,500 pounds of ordnance providing vital close air support to coalition forces operating as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

"Our Strike Group Sailors did a great job over the past five months of combat operations: projecting airpower to support our troops on the ground in Afghanistan, extending maritime security in the Arabian Gulf by working with coalition partners, and deterring piracy off Africa alongside international forces," said Rear Adm. Frank C. Pandolfe, Commander, Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group. "Thanks to their tireless efforts, security and stability have been strengthened in this critical region of the world."

USS Theodore Roosevelt Commanding Officer, Capt. Ladd Wheeler, praised the team for their work during the five-plus months in this AOR.

"The TR/Air Wing EIGHT team has performed superbly," said Capt. Wheeler. "I could not be more proud of the men and women who serve our country in this critical operation. This crew has consistently demonstrated the execution excellence our Navy strives for daily around the world. We wish the crew of IKE the smoothest of seas and continued success as they assume the OEF watch."

The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is on a routine deployment to the region and will conduct Maritime Security Operations (MSO) along with providing support to Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

"Like the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group before us, our presence here is a visible message to allies that we are committed to enhancing security across the maritime environment, which promotes regional stability," said Tidd.

CSG-8 ships including USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) and USS Halyburton (FFG 40); the fast attack submarine USS Scranton (SSN 576); and the Mayport, Florida-based ships USS Vicksburg (CG 69) and USS Gettysburg (CG 64) will help deter destabilizing activities and ensure a lawful maritime order in the Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman and Gulf of Aden.

The squadrons of CVW-7, led by Capt. Calvin Craig, include the "Jolly Rogers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103, the "Pukin' Dogs" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, the "Rampagers" or Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83, the "Wildcats" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131, the "Patriots" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, the "Bluetails" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, and the "Nightdippers" of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 5.

Eisenhower is supporting Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of operations. MSO help develop security in the maritime environment. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. MSO complements the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

NAS Jacksonville Hosts COMPTUEX

By Clark Pierce, Jax Air News

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville flight line hosted several aircraft representing "simulated hostile air forces" intent on penetrating the defenses of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Strike Group during the annual Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) in January.

The exercise represented a critical training opportunity that evaluates how well its ships and aircraft operate together to nullify threats from air, surface, submarine and information warfare.

"You won't see a more interesting mix of military and civilian aircraft outside of an air show," said Bill Meyer, NAS Jacksonville airfield facilities manager. "We're hosting Super Hornets, Skyhawks, NATO E-3 AWACS, Hawker Hunters, Kfir F-21s, E-2 Hawkeyes, some Lear jets, a Gulfstream G-1, and C-2 Greyhounds."

Through its 21-day series of graded exercise scenarios, COMPTUEX measures the battle readiness of the strike group for its upcoming deployment. Key to the strike group's work-up cycle, it means long days (and nights) of flight operations on board both NAS Jacksonville and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69).

The strike group is comprised of Dwight D. Eisenhower, Destroyer Squadron 28, guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68), guided-missile destroyers USS Ramage (DDG 61) and USS Mason (DDG 87), Los Angeles-class submarine USS Newport News (SSN 750) and fast-combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8).

Carrier Air Wing 7 includes Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 125 "Tigertails," Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103, VFA-131 "Wildcats," VFA-143 "Pukin' Dogs," VFA-83 "Rampagers," Electronic Attack Squadron 140, "Patriots," and HS-5 "Nightdippers" from NAS Jacksonville.