Eisenhower Strike Group Completes First OFRP SUSTEX

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (Ike CSG) completed the first sustainment exercise (SUSTEX) under the Navy's Optimized Fleet Response Plan (OFRP), April 11.

Prior to OFRP, carrier strike groups disaggregated following deployment and did not reintegrate until the work up cycle for the next deployment. Under OFRP, the carrier strike group remains intact throughout the integrated and sustainment phases.

The sustainment phase includes pre-deployment, deployment and post-deployment timelines, ensuring forces remain ready to deploy and surge if necessary. This maximizes the Navy's forward presence with available ship capacity.

Ike and its carrier strike group are underway participating in the sustainment exercise designed to maintain deployment readiness as part of the Navy's OFRP.

"OFRP balances forward presence requirements with maintenance and operational tempo in a way that ensures forces are ready to deploy, or in our case surge forward, if needed, with the right capabilities," said Rear Adm. Jim Malloy, commander of Ike CSG. "By having the CSG maintained at peak material readiness while continuing to train and operate together, we remain ready."

The two-week, live event driven exercise consisted of staffs, air wing and ships that deployed together, including the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, CSG-10, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26, guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87), and guided-missile cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and USS Monterey (CG 61).

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

CSG-10 worked in conjunction with CSG-4 to ensure the most realistic training evolutions including simulated opposing forces in anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, strike warfare, irregular warfare, and maritime interdiction scenarios.

The lessons learned and best practices will be incorporated into future CSG SUSTEX.

"Our successful SUSTEX has set the initial framework for other carrier strike groups to adopt and modify to their own post-deployment training plan," Malloy said.

At the conclusion of the exercise, Malloy said, "The strike group's outstanding performance in this complex and challenging exercise speaks volumes about the skill and dedication of the officers and Sailors in our ships and squadrons, as they rapidly integrated for the first time in three months and quickly regained fighting form, honing warfighting readiness and maintaining the edge that made our deployment so successful."

Ike and its carrier strike group are underway participating in the sustainment exercise designed to maintain deployment readiness as part of the Navy's Optimized Fleet Response Plan.

Mishap Aboard Ike Injures Sailors

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 9, 2015) An E-2C Hawkeye assigned to the Screwtops of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123 performs an arrested recovery on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Dwight D. Eisenhower and embarked Carrier Air Wing 3 are underway preparing for their upcoming deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Taylor L. Jackson/Released)

From Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Eight Sailors aboard the Norfolk-based aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) were injured this afternoon when an arresting gear parted during a routine landing by an E-2C Hawkeye aircraft.

 

 There were no fatalities and the Sailors are listed in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.

 

 The injured Sailors were working on the flight deck at the time of the mishap. Six have been transported to Norfolk Sentara General Hospital for treatment. Two remain aboard IKE.

 

 The names of the injured personnel will not be released. Their families are being (have been) notified.

 

 The aircraft regained flight and returned safely to its base at Norfolk Naval Station Chambers Field. Initial reports are the aircraft was not damaged and no aircrew members were injured.

 

 The ship is off the Virginia coast conducting carrier qualifications for Composite Training Unit and Joint Task Force Exercises (COMPTUEX/JTFEX) in preparation for their upcoming deployment.

 

 An investigation is underway to determine the cause.

 

Ike Successfully Completes INSURV Material Inspection

From USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69)(Ike) successfully completed the Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) Material Inspections (MI), Feb 25.

 Due to operational requirements, this was Ike's first INSURV in nearly 10 years with more than 1,400 of those days spent at sea.

 INSURV is an inspection mandated by Congress to observe and report on the material readiness of Navy ships and to ensure all systems are functioning at the intended level. A successful inspection depends on the combined effort of the entire crew, in all departments, and the guidance and experience of officers and enlisted leaders.

 "I can't begin to describe how proud I am of this crew," said Capt. Paul C. Spedero Jr., Ike's commanding officer. "The demands and sacrifices our Sailors and their families made to get the ship ready for INSURV were tremendous, and their pride and professionalism was evident during the inspection."

 Inspectors examine how the crew conducts preventative maintenance, identifies discrepancies and the steps they take to fix them, executes a meaningful Zone Inspection program with maximum involvement, and takes ownership in and responsibility for their equipment and spaces. The four-day inspection covers eight functional areas ranging from habitability to material readiness.

 "I have been thoroughly impressed by the teamwork of this crew and the cooperation across departments to get us ready for INSURV," said Capt. Robert Aguilar, Ike's executive officer. "I'm proud of this crew for what they have accomplished under our compressed work-up schedule."

Ike Underway Conducting InSurv Inspection

 

Sailors on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) retrieve ammunition delivered by an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Tridents of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9 during an ammo onload with the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS William McLean (T-AKE 12). Dwight D. Eisenhower is currently underway preparing for the upcoming Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Taylor L. Jackson (Released)

 

Eisenhower, Enterprise Sail Together in Atlantic Ocean

The aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) passes the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) as Enterprise returns to homeport after completing a six-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. Dwight D. Eisenhower is underway conducting carrier qualifications. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Shonna L. Cunningham/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zach Martin, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Public Affairs

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The nuclear-powered aircraft carriers USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) crossed paths in the Atlantic Ocean off the East Coast July 14.

Enterprise, on its way home from a regularly-scheduled seven-month deployment to the 6th and 5th Fleet areas of responsibility, had just picked up its crew's family members from Mayport, Fl., for a Tiger Cruise. Eisenhower was off the Southeastern Coast conducting a carrier qualification (CQ) for squadrons around the country.

The common link between the two ships was Capt. Dee L. Mewbourne, Enterprise's commanding officer (CO), who was returning home from his third deployment as CO of a carrier in three years. Mewbourne had previously commanded Eisenhower during two deployments in 2009 and 2010.

The ships spent some time alongside each other, and photos were snapped from helicopters in the air and from Sailors and their families on both ships.

"To our embarked Tigers, it provided the extremely rare opportunity to witness flight operations from a uniquely powerful perch while also seeing a truly magnificent ship and crew in action. For me, it provided a moment of utter humility and supreme thankfulness for the blessings I was given in command of both ships [and] to work with incredibly dedicated and talented people in making America proud," said Mewbourne.

Capt. Marcus A. Hitchcock, Eisenhower's commanding officer, said the opportunity for the two ships to meet, exchange greetings and say 'welcome home' to returning heroes was an important event for both ship's crews.

"We flew some of our Sailors off the ship to Norfolk to visit their spouses and family members who are returning from deployment on Enterprise," Hitchcock said. "To be able to do that for both crews was a great demonstration of our commitment to the morale of our Sailors."

The two meeting occurred safely even with Eisenhower conducting flight operations for CQ during the entire evolution.

Enterprise's family members were able to not only see their ship's air power demonstration earlier in the day, but Eisenhower pilots conducting flight operations.

"Being able to come alongside the Enterprise was amazing," Hitchcock said. "Capt. Mewbourne took most of this crew through two deployments. Giving him the opportunity to see Eisenhower in action one more time was a poignant moment for everyone and we are very proud of him and the entire Enterprise team."

Eisenhower Completes Flight Deck Certification

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zach Martin, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Public Affairs

USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, Atlantic Ocean (NNS) -- USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 Sailors completed carrier flight deck certification, July 6.

The CVW 7 squadrons to take part in Dwight D. Eisenhower's flight deck certification were the "Rawhides" of Fleet Logistics Squadron (VRC) 40, the "Rampagers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83, the "Wildcats" of VFA 131, the "Pukin' Dogs" of VFA 143, the "Jolly Rogers" of VFA 103, the "Bluetails" of Aircraft Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121 and the "Nightdippers" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 5.

Other embarked squadrons, including from CVW 3, were the "Bulls" of VFA 37, the "Gunslingers" of VFA 105, the "Swordsmen" of VFA 32, the "Blue Blasters" of VFA 34, Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23, and the "Seahawks" of VAW 126.

The squadrons' arrival marked the first flight operations since Dwight D. Eisenhower returned from its 2010 deployment to the Arabian Sea in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Senior Chief Information Systems Technician Louis Decesare, CVW 3 senior enlisted advisor, brought four squadrons including 84 officers and enlisted personnel aboard to assist with the deck certification and to certify their pilots.

"We were thoroughly impressed with the services we received onboard Dwight D. Eisenhower," said Decesare. "We were glad to help with the certification because everyone on Dwight D. Eisenhower bent over backwards to help us during our stay."

Dwight D. Eisenhower's crew, along with the embarked squadrons, helped qualify more than 150 pilots; accumulating more than 670 flight hours and logging more than 930 touch-and-go's, aircraft launches and arrested landings. The ship also completed more than 170 internal graded exercises to finish the final certification.

The ship's underway period arrived after completing a nine-month planned incremental availability at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Va.

"I know everyone will continue to work hard and strive for excellence," said Capt. Marcus Hitchcock, Dwight D. Eisenhower's commanding officer.

As part of the ship's final assessment for carrier qualifications, flight deck certifications are required for the ship to deploy and successfully complete the aircraft carrier's mission overseas. Evaluators from Naval Air Forces Atlantic came aboard to review and evaluate the ship's ability to perform flight operations safely. The review included tests on the arresting gear systems used for aircraft recovery as well as catapult systems that launch aircraft.

The certification also included a full survey of the ship's flight deck personnel. Dwight D. Eisenhower's air department Sailors were assessed on their ability to maintain a fully operational flight deck and respond to simulated mishaps.

"I cannot express how proud I am of all [the crew] accomplished and continue to accomplish," Hitchcock said.

AP source: US Navy has encounter with Iranian jet

According to an AP report, a US Navy jet from the Ike had a close encounter with an Iranian maritime patrol aircraft.

By ANNE FLAHERTY
The Associated Press

WASHINGTON — A U.S. military official says the Navy had a close encounter with an Iranian surveillance jet last week in the Gulf of Oman.

The official says the jet buzzed a Navy aircraft carrier, the USS Eisenhower, coming within about 1,000 yards of the ship. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter, said the April 21 incident occurred in international waters.

The jet was described as a maritime patrol aircraft generally used for surveillance.

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.

Eisenhower CSG Underway in Atlantic

The guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69) takes on fuel during an underway replenishment on Jan 10 with the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Big Horn (T-AO 196). (U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Marc D. Schron/Released)

As my friends down south already know and have been reporting for several days now, the USS Eisenhower CSG is conducting ops off the Florida coastline and in the inland opareas such as Pinecastle.

The Vicksburg above is probably part of that operation.

USS Eisenhower to conduct CQ Ops

The USS Eisenhower (CVN-69) will be underway August 15-19, 2007 in the FACSFAC Jax Operating Areas. Looks like they will be conducting CQ Quals for the CNATRA student pilots.

Look for the Charlie Delta tails on the following freqs while working with the Ike off the Florida east coast:

227.875 236.450 237.800 257.000 260.325 261.350 279.450 290.550 316.400 336.500 336.550 357.000 362.425 362.475 377.250 MHz.

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)

Ike Returns to Persian Gulf to Support OIF, MSO

An F/A-18C Hornet, assigned to the “Wildcats” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131, launches from Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Travis Alston)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathaniel Moger, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), flagship of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (Ike CSG), entered the Persian Gulf on March 15, accompanied by the guided-missile destroyer USS Anzio (CG 68).

Starting March 17, Ike and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 began conducting missions in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and maritime security operations (MSO) in the Gulf.

Providing support to U.S. and multinational ground forces in Iraq helps set the conditions for security and stability within the region and establishes an environment that allows the Iraqi people to have the opportunity to determine their own future.

Ike and CVW-7 squadrons are ready to take on the challenges OIF presents.

“The whole squadron work-up cycle prepares us for this,” said Command Master Chief (SW) Jon Echols, from the “Jolly Rogers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103. “They’re professionals and will keep the jets flying in whichever environment they work in.”

CVW-7 had been flying missions into Afghanistan since the beginning of February. From Feb. 17 to March 14, the air wing flew more than 4,000 hours and more than 1,400 sorties providing close-air power support and reconnaissance to International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops.

The Ike CSG departed Naval Station Norfolk on Oct. 3, for a regularly scheduled deployment in support of maritime security operations and entered the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations Oct. 30, 2006.