Eisenhower Strike Group Sustaining Readiness if Called Upon

An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Gunslingers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105 prepares to make an arrested landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike). Ike and its carrier strike group are underway participating in a sustainment exercise designed to maintain deployment readiness as part of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan (OFRP). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Anderson W Branch (Released) 170409-N-KK394-234

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Approximately 6,000 Sailors from the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (Ike CSG) are conducting a sustainment exercise (SUSTEX) to maintain their readiness and capability to deploy anywhere in the world on short notice should the need arise.

"Ike CSG is doing a great job on SUSTEX. Sustaining the readiness of this strike group--so it is ready to respond to a crisis anywhere on the planet--is a bargain and an important part of what our Navy's Optimized Fleet Response Plan does for the nation," said Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces.

SUSTEX is designed to test and train the carrier strike group's ability to perform and effectively respond as an integrated team during scenarios the group may encounter while deployed or during high-end warfare.

"Since returning in December 2016 from our combat deployment to the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea and Eastern Mediterranean, our tasking has been to remain deployment-ready in all respects," said Rear Adm. Jim Malloy, commander of Ike CSG. "The Navy has invested and focused its limited resources to keep us fully manned, trained and equipped in case we are needed for a crisis."

The exercise consists of a variety of training evolutions including anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, strike warfare, irregular warfare and maritime interdiction scenarios.

"SUSTEX provides a realistic and challenging at-sea opportunity to refresh those skills, apply what we learned on deployment and integrate any new personnel who might have rotated in since we deployed," explains Malloy.

Capt. Marc Miguez, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 commander, said the underway period, the air wing's first extended underway aboard Ike since completing the 2016 deployment, has proven to be a seamless re-integration as the Ike-Battle Axe team.

"This team learned how to effectively work together and execute the missions necessary to successfully complete our last deployment. We are back together now, honing our skills, processes and procedures to ensure we are combat ready to respond if called upon again," said Miguez.

Ike CSG comprised of its flagship, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike), embarked CVW-3, staffs of CSG-10 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 and its associated ships: the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) and guided-missile cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and USS Monterey (CG 61), are participating in the SUSTEX as part of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan (OFRP).

The squadrons of CVW-3, include Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32 "Swordsmen," VFA-86 "Sidewinders," VFA-105 "Gunslingers," and VFA-131 "Wildcats;" Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130 " Zappers;" Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123 "Screwtops;" Carrier Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 "Rawhides;" Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 "Swamp Foxes;" and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7 "Dusty Dogs."

VFA-113, NAS Lemoore Say Goodbye to the F/A-18C Hornet

 An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22, flown by Lt. Cmdr. Warren Tomlinson and Lt. j.g. Josh Raymond, and an F/A-18C Hornet assigned to VFA-113, flown by Cmdr. Craig Sicola, join a formation of aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 during a mission flown from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and CVW 17 are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Evans/Released)

By Ensign Timothy Cole, Strike Fighter Squadron 113 Public Affairs Officer

LEMOORE, Calif. (NNS) -- The "Stingers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113 conducted the last flight of a fleet F/A-18C Hornet based at Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore Feb. 17.

 The flight was conducted by VFA-113's Maintenance Officer Lt. Cmdr. Kristen "Dragon" Hansen.

 VFA-113 completed the transition from the A-7E Corsair II to the F/A-18A Hornet Dec. 14, 1983, making the Stinger's the Navy's first fleet operational combat ready strike fighter squadron, and establishing the squadron motto of "First and Finest." In 1989, VFA-113 accepted delivery of the upgraded F/A-18C hornet. In March, VFA-113 will begin transitioning to the F/A-18E Super Hornet.

 In August 2014, the squadron embarked on its final combat deployment with the F/A-18C and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). The Stingers performed exceptionally on deployment, flying 367 combat missions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

 "The legacy F/A-18 has served the Navy brilliantly as a supersonic fighter for over 30 years," said Cmdr. Eric C. Doyle, the commanding officer of the Stingers. "While we remain proud of all the good work we have done with the F/A-18C, we are excited to begin transitioning to some brand new F/A-18E super hornets."

 "It has been an honor and a privilege to fly the F/A-18C Hornet across the Lemoore flight line for the last 10 years," said Hansen. "Although I am excited about receiving our new jets, the 'Charlie' has served me and the majority of the Lemoore Hornet community well over the course of our careers. Our maintainers have done a spectacular job of keeping these aging aircraft combat ready despite the many challenges associated with high-flight hour jets. I'll appreciate the extra gas, but admit that I'll be a little sad when I have to say 'Rhino Ball' vice 'Hornet Ball' behind the boat!"

 After the completion of carrier qualifications for the pilots of VFA-113, the final step in the transition process to the F/A-18E being certified as "Safe-for-Flight." Part of that process involves the loading and delivery of live ordnance. Strike Fighter Weapons School Pacific will conduct the Conventional Weapons Technical Proficiency Inspection (CWTPI) for VFA-113 at the beginning of June. Following the completion of CWTPI, the Stingers will become the newest member of the Super Hornet community, making NAS Lemoore an all super hornet flight line.

 Aviation Electrician's Mate Second Class David Shimizu is looking forward to the benefits of the transition as well.

 "As we think of the word 'transition,' we think of strenuous and difficult times, but in reality, it is our opportunity to purge and rethink our priorities and be intentional about new habits," said Shimizu. "As individuals we set out new goals to be our personal best whether if it is in the work environment, or life in general. We as a team have always pushed ourselves to strive to be the best at any task put forth. Now as we close one chapter of our lives and open a new one, we have the opportunity to make our new normal anything we want."

USS Nimitz CSG Operating in the 5th Fleet AOR

An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Tophatters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14 launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John Philip Wagner Jr./Released)

Team Argo Takes to the Skies Once Again

By Lt. j.g. Richard Jensen, Strike Fighter Squadron 147 Public Affairs



LEMOORE, Calif. (NNS) -- Marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new one, the "Argonauts" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 completed their transition from F/A-18C Hornets to newer, advanced F/A-18E Super Hornets.

"The Argos have been flying the Hornet for almost twenty years," said Lt. Jesse Reed, a squadron pilot and aircraft division officer. "It is a great platform and I am glad to have had the chance to fly it, but I'm really looking forward to working with the Super Hornet."

After returning home from an eight-month deployment in September, the Argonauts transferred their old jets to VFA-125 and VFA-106 in order to make room in the hangar for their new F/A-18Es. VFA-147 borrowed jets from other squadrons as they gradually received their own aircraft.

"It seems like forever since we've had our own jets to fly," said Lt. Steven Neebe, pilot. "I'm really looking forward to utilizing all the Super Hornet's advanced systems to further hone my tactical skills."

Lt. Cmdr. Chuck Stahl, squadron maintenance officer, said he considers this experience one of the most rewarding things he's been associated with in his career.

"Watching a squadron transition from one aircraft to another and seeing the Sailors come together to get the command ready for action, it's been just absolutely incredible," he said.

In order to be cleared "Safe for Flight" in their new aircraft, the squadron had to undergo rigorous training at all levels.

"It's about the Sailors," said VFA-147's commanding officer, Cmdr. Daniel Cheever. "We are all excited to have the new Super Hornets, but greatness comes from the motivation and dedication of our Sailors, and Team Argo is great! It is truly impressive to watch this team work."

Super Hornet Launch Off Ike in the Persian Gulf

An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the "Pukin Dogs" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, launches from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 are conducting a dual-carrier exercise with John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9. This marks the first time the Stennis and Eisenhower strike groups have operated together in a joint exercise while deployed to 5th Fleet. This exercise demonstrates the importance the ability for both strike groups to plan and conduct dual task force operations as part of the Navy’s commitment to maintaining maritime security and stability in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Travis Alston)