F—35C Completes First Arrested Landing aboard Aircraft Carrier

A F-35C Lightening II carrier variant Joint Strike Fighter conducts it's first arrested landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is underway conducting routine training exercises. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kelly M. Agee/Released)

 

From Naval Air Forces, Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Navy made aviation history Nov. 3 as an F-35C Lightning II carrier variant Joint Strike Fighter conducted its first arrested landing aboard an aircraft carrier off the coast of San Diego.

 

 Navy test pilot Cmdr. Tony Wilson landed F-35C test aircraft CF-03 at 12:18 p.m. aboard USS Nimitz's (CVN 68) flight deck.

 

 The arrested landing is part of initial at-sea Developmental Testing I (DT-I) for the F-35C, which commenced Nov. 3 and is expected to last two weeks.

 

 "Today is a landmark event in the development of the F-35C," said Wilson, a Navy test pilot with Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23. "It is the culmination of many years of hard work by a talented team of thousands. I'm very excited to see America's newest aircraft on the flight deck of her oldest aircraft carrier, the USS Nimitz."

 

 Commander, Naval Air Forces, Vice Adm. David H. Buss, was aboard Nimitz to witness the milestone event.

 

 "What a historic day today is for Naval Aviation. With the first traps of the F-35C Lightning II aboard an aircraft carrier, we begin the integration of the next generation of warfighting capability into our carrier-based air wings," said Buss. "This important milestone is yet another indicator of Naval Aviation's ongoing evolution to meet future threats and remain central to our future Navy and National Defense Strategy."

 DT-I is the first of three at-sea test phases planned for the F-35C. During DT-I, the test team from the F-35 Lightning II Pax River Integrated Test Force (ITF) has scheduled two F-35C test aircraft from Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Patuxent River, Maryland to perform a variety of operational maneuvers, including various catapult takeoffs and arrested landings. ITF flight test operations also encompass general maintenance and fit tests for the aircraft and support equipment, as well as simulated maintenance operations.

 

 As with the initial testing of any new aircraft, the goal is to collect environmental data through added instrumentation to measure the F-35C's integration to flight deck operations and to further define the F-35C's operating parameters aboard the aircraft carrier.

 

 The ITF test team will analyze data obtained during flight test operations, conduct a thorough assessment of how well the F-35C operated in the shipboard environment, and advise the Navy to make any adjustments necessary to ensure that the fifth-generation fighter is fully capable and ready to deploy to the fleet in 2018.

 

 "Our F-35 integrated test team has done an amazing job preparing for today. This will be one landing out of thousands more that will happen over the next few decades," said Lt. Gen. Chris Bogdan, F-35 Program Executive Officer. "For months, we've been working with the Nimitz crew, Naval Air Forces, and our industry partners, Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney, as well as their suppliers, to prepare and train for this event. We plan on learning a lot during this developmental test and will use that knowledge to make the naval variant of the F-35 an even more effective weapons platform."

 The F-35C combines advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fused targeting, cutting-edge avionics, advanced jamming, network-enabled operations and advanced sustainment. With a broad wingspan, reinforced landing gear, ruggedized structures and durable coatings, the F-35C is designed to stand up to harsh shipboard conditions while delivering a lethal combination of fighter capabilities to the fleet.

 

 The F-35C will enhance the flexibility, power projection, and strike capabilities of carrier air wings and joint task forces and will complement the capabilities of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, which currently serves as the Navy's premier strike fighter.

 

 By 2025, the Navy's aircraft carrier-based air wings will consist of a mix of F-35C, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers electronic attack aircraft, E-2D Hawkeye battle management and control aircraft, MH-60R/S helicopters and Carrier Onboard Delivery logistics aircraft.

 

 The successful recovery of the F-35C represents a step forward in the development of the Navy's next generation fighter and reinforces Navy-industry partnership goals to deliver the operational aircraft to the fleet in 2018.

Se video of the first landing at  http://youtu.be/STVAM85y3i0
 

Nimitz Traps 300,000th Plane on Flight Deck

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Winn, USS Nimitz Public Affairs

USS NIMITZ, At Sea (NNS) -- Two pilots attached to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129, landed their E/A-18G Growler on the number three arresting gear bringing the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) to a monumental 300,000 traps, Aug. 15.

Nimitz is one of only two active ships to achieve this milestone, the other being the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). This comes just over a month after that same wire passed the 120,000 trap mark.

"A lot of work, maintenance and man hours went into this trap," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 2nd Class Eric Gonzales. "A lot of different faces went into it. This will be something we remember for a long time."

Lt. Sergion Armas and Lt. Cmdr. Dan Boyer, on board for fleet replacement squadron carrier qualifications, had no idea they would be here for such an event.

"I always thought an honor like this would go to a senior officer like the commanding officer," said Armas. "I'm quite surprised and flattered I was able to participate."

"We had no idea that Nimitz was this close to a huge milestone," said Boyer. "It's a great honor to have this unique opportunity."

Not expecting the trap at all due to the high placement of their indicator on the visual landing aid, Armas and Boyer were informed of their accomplishment by Nimitz air boss Cmdr. Charles Hayden over the flight deck public address system.

Primary flight controller of arresting gear Aviation Boatswain's Mate (equipment) 3rd Class Daniel Borja said he felt like a part of history.

"I was here for both 120,000 [on arresting engine 3] and now the 300,000th trap for the ship," said Borja. "It was really cool giving everyone the countdown to 300,000. I really felt a part of the event."

"I'll always remember I was a part of the 300,000th trap," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (equipment) Airman Nicholas Ortiz. "When the ship gets decommissioned with a number of traps greater than 300,000, I can tell everyone that I was on Nimitz operating engine three when this trap took place."

Gonzales said this milestone catch is a good way to remember Nimitz' long and proud history.

"Every trap was a different mission, from before desert storm through now," said Gonzales. "There's a lot of history and memories here and probably a lot more in the future."

Nimitz Completes DPIA, Sets Sail

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Vanessa David, USS Nimitz Public Affairs

BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) departed Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton March 5, to conduct sea trials and complete its homeport shift to Naval Station Everett, Wash.

The ship has been in Bremerton for the past 15 months conducting a Docked Planned Incremental Availability where the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Intermediate Maintenance Facility and Ship's crew completed a $239 million maintenance package that included upgrades to the carrier's self-defense, combat, navigation and potable water systems.

"The talent and professionalism this crew demonstrated in getting our ship underway is a testament to the hard work, training and dedication of all hands during our maintenance period," said Nimitz Commanding Officer, Capt. Paul O. Monger. "This crew is confident in their abilities and in the work the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard/Nimitz team accomplished over the last year. We are ecstatic to be at sea again, and Nimitz is even more capable and effective than any time in her 37 years of service."

While underway for sea trials, Nimitz is scheduled to test its equipment and procedures to include conducting high-power steering evolutions, testing the ship's weapons and combat systems and conducting damage control drills.

"The most important thing about sea trials is to go out to sea, shake the Nimitz up and make sure that repairs that we completed were done correctly," said Master Chief (SW) James Webster, Nimitz' Engineering leading chief petty officer. "We went through DPIA and we've had so many new systems installed on board to make the equipment operate more efficiently, and the personnel have received adequate training on the new systems in place."

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Brent Hammond said the sea trials get junior Sailors up to speed. "It makes us more functional as a unit. We'll know what's expected of us, and we'll be less likely to have any incidents, as a result. After we arrive in Everett, we'll have a normal routine, and that's a really good thing. "

Nimitz Reaches One Year in Yards

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jaquelyn Childs, USS Nimitz Public Affairs

BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- USS Nimitz (CVN 68) marked one year since it officially began its docking planned incremental availability (DPIA) at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF) in Bremerton, Wash., Jan. 11.

Nimitz entered dry dock DPIA Jan. 11, 2011. During the past year, Nimitz has been busy working alongside PSNS & IMF workers to install and replace vital systems on the ship to keep them operational. The maintenance done while in the shipyard and following months will enable Nimitz to fully perform their duties at sea.

The work began at a meeting 24 months before the scheduled DPIA when officials met to discuss primary overhaul plans. After reviewing an extensive checklist, the team began making official preparations 18 months prior to the shipyard period. These preparations included figuring out what needed to be done and scheduling it to fit in the allotted time.

During the maintenance period, the ship went in and out of dry dock to remove and overhaul both rudders as well as work on the propellers. Workers also replaced some main shafting; installed new sleeving on the sea chest; inspected and preserved numerous tanks, voids, and JP5 fuel tanks; overhauled forward and aft refrigeration plants; and preserved the hull and other areas around the catwalks.

While this work was being done primarily by PSNS & IMF civilian workers, with the help of Sailors here and there, ship's company also spent the shipyard period overhauling a lot of their spaces. Sailors gutted out and rebuilt 30 berthing spaces, tiled and resurfaced hundreds of decks, and repainted hundreds of spaces. Altogether ship's force, PSNS & IMF personnel and contractors logged almost 700,000 man-days worth of work costing over $260 million dollars.

"Obviously you have to work as a cohesive team to complete that amount of work," said John Simpson, project engineering planning manager for Nimitz' 2011 DPIA. "The ship's crew was an integral part of that."

Ship's crew and PSNS & IMF workers have been working especially hard to take complete advantage of the DPIA. During the past year, they have completed even more work than what was originally planned and scheduled.

"I am extremely proud of the work that has been accomplished," said Lt. Cmdr. Charles Jones, ship's maintenance manager. "We did 25 to 40 percent more work than expected. The work that was completed between Puget Sound Naval Shipyard [and Intermediate Maintenance Facility] and Nimitz ship's force will help us get to the end of ship's life."

Today's carriers are designed with a 50-year life span but some significant maintenance is required at specific intervals during the ship's life. Most of the work done this past year falls under this preventive maintenance. Other maintenance includes updates to weapons systems to increase security on board.

Dry-dock availabilities like the one Nimitz recently completed are less frequent. This was Nimitz' first dry-dock availability in 12 years.

"This was the first Nimitz class carrier to go 12 years between dry dock availabilities as opposed to the original six to nine years," said Simpson.

Now that Nimitz is done with its scheduled maintenance the crew is busy testing systems and preparing for what lays ahead in dock and sea trials.

"Ship's force is at its end of the maintenance period," said Jones. "Shipyard personnel are still working on the weapon system and contractors are putting in new laundry appliances. That's the last of our production work."

With the end of production work comes the task of firing up new and recently unused systems.

"We are still bringing systems out of lay-up and firing systems that aren't working properly," said Jones. "We still have testing to do during dock trials. Whatever we don't get done during dock trials, we will get done while we are out to sea."

Nimitz Departs San Diego for Year-Long Maintenance Period

The privately owned vehicles of Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) are parked aboard Nimitz in preparation for the ship's homeport change from Naval Base Coronado to Naval Base Kitsap at Bremerton, Wash. The ship is onloading more than 400 vehicles for the transit to Washington as part of an Opportune Lift program to assist Sailors and their families with the move. Nimitz is scheduled to conduct a docking planned incremental availability upon arriving in Washington. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Thomas G. Siniff/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class J.D. Levite, USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Nimitz (CVN 68) departed San Diego Dec. 6 to conduct an administrative homeport change from Naval Base Coronado to Naval Base Kitsap at Bremerton, Wash.

Nimitz is making the homeport change to conduct a year-long docking-planned incremental availability (DPIA) at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF) at Bremerton.

"During the maintenance period, Nimitz will receive major upgrades to its potable water system, combat and self defense systems, navigational systems, electrical load centers and numerous other components," said Lt. Cmdr. Charles Jones, ship's maintenance manager for Nimitz.

Nimitz has called the San Diego area home since 2001 when the ship shifted homeports from Newport News, Va., after completing a three-year complex refueling overhaul.

"I would be remiss if I didn't take the opportunity to say thank you to all the folks in San Diego who took care of our Sailors, and not only our Sailors, but their families as well while we deployed," said Capt. Paul Monger, Nimitz' commanding officer.

"I'm sad but I'm happy," said Lila Vasquez, mother of Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 3rd Class Lourdes Torres, who is making the move up to Washington. "We're used to having her close by, but we know it is important for the ship that she goes."

Since 2001, Nimitz has deployed five times as part of Carrier Strike Group 11, including its most recent deployment from July 2009 to March 2010 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet.

"USS Nimitz has called San Diego her home for almost a decade, and we are grateful to the entire community for the support they have shown us," said Monger.

Nimitz' DPIA is scheduled from Jan. 11, 2011, until Dec. 16, 2011.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard is the only government dry dock capable of accommodating a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier on the West Coast. The Navy expects to accomplish approximately 450,000 man days of work during the DPIA. Much of the work will be conducted by government workers at PSNS, but a substantial amount, around 72,000 man days, is expected to be accomplished in the private sector, with a significant effort being accomplished by the Nimitz crew.

USS Nimitz, Carrier Air Wing 11 Underway for Carrier Quals

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Peter Merrill and Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Andrew Jandik, USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Public Affairs

USS NIMITZ, At Sea (NNS) -- The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 began carrier qualifications July 12 off the coast of Southern California.

Carrier qualifications test both CVW 11 and the Nimitz crew.

"The Nimitz and Air Wing 11 team did a great job of refreshing flight deck currency," said Capt. Eric Wright, Nimitz's air department head. "These operations aren't always fast or error-free, but we operated deliberately and safely. It was a great first day back."

Nimitz and CVW-11 will continue to launch and recover aircraft throughout the week of July 12 to qualify and re-qualify pilots, extending Nimitz's flight deck certification.

According to Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Marc Nielsen of air department's V-2 division, it is good for the crew to get back into a routine.

"Our job really only exists out to sea. This is where the action is," said Nielsen.

This is the first time aircraft have touched down on Nimitz's flight deck since returning from an eight-month deployment in March 2010.

"This is a good chance to knock the rust off." said Intelligence Specialist 1st Class (SW) Brandon Soileau, operations department division leading petty officer.

Both Soileau and Nielsen said conducting carrier qualifications also allows everyone on the ship to stay current with personal qualifications.

"A lot of people are getting a good chance to go do their jobs," said Soileau.

Nimitz is the flagship for Carrier Strike Group 11. Nimitz returned home to San Diego March 26 after completing a successful eight-month Western Pacific deployment.

USS Nimitz Completes Sea Trials

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Patton, USS Nimitz (CVN 68)

SAN DIEGO – (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) successfully completed sea trials July 2.

Nimitz departed Naval Base Coronado June 29 for the first time in three months to test and evaluate Nimitz' main engines along with other equipment after conducting a 30-day Carrier Incremental Availability.

"These guys have done a tremendous job," said Capt. Paul Monger, Nimitz' commanding officer. "It's very impressive to see a group have a long layoff yet still be able to get right back in that operational mindset."

One example was Engineering department's push to ensure their equipment was fully operational. The department ran tests on aircraft elevators, doors and catapults.

"It went smooth," said Senior Chief Machinist's Mate (SW/AW) John Welch, leading chief petty officer of Engineering A-Division. "The 30 percent turnover in personnel didn't affect anything."

Some evolutions, like the high-speed power turns, involved many different departments and impacted them differently.

"For us, the main concern was shaking off the dust after a three month layoff making sure we had the same skill sets in place," said Master Chief Quartermaster (SW/AW) Robert Barber, leading chief petty officer of Navigation. "It had been 11 months since we last pulled out of San Diego, so the expectation was that we'd be rusty. But everything went smoothly."

Nimitz also successfully tested its aqueous film forming form (AFFF) system on the flight deck and the hangar bay. The objective was to ensure all the AFFF sprinklers were working and covering their assigned areas.

Nimitz is the flagship for Carrier Strike Group 11. Nimitz returned home to San Diego March 26 after completing a successful eight-month Western Pacific deployment.

Nimitz Gets Underway for Sea Trials

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) departed from her homeport of Naval Base Coronado to perform sea trials June 30.

Sea trials assess the ship's readiness and capability following a 30-day carrier incremental availability (CIA) conducted when the ship returned from an extended deployment.

"We have accomplished some high quality maintenance on critical equipment and systems during this availability," said Capt. Paul O. Monger, Nimitz commanding officer. "For the next few days we get to validate that work by putting the ship through its paces."

During sea trials, Nimitz Sailors will test the ship's main engines and the aqueous foam forming film (AFFF) system. There will also be ship-wide training to ensure equipment and systems continue to be operated properly.

According to Machinist's Mate 1st Class (SW/AW) Juan Finch, sea trials is a good opportunity to see if anything needs to be fixed before returning to a fully-operational status. "You wouldn't buy a used car without test driving it," he said.

As the ship conducts main engine tests, Air Department Sailors will also test one of the hangar bay's main AFFF firefighting systems.

"We're testing out the AFFF system to see if it's working properly while we're out here in case of a fire," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Rilwan Omisola.

"Sea trials offer a good chance for new people on Nimitz to experience life at-sea," Finch said.

"This is what the Navy is about. Going out to sea and doing your job," Finch said.

Nimitz is the flagship for Carrier Strike Group 11. Nimitz returned home to San Diego March 26 after completing a successful eight-month Western Pacific deployment.

Nimitz Begins Preparing for INSURV

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) James Mitchell, USS Nimitz Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) sent its Inspection and Survey (INSURV) Department Head underway aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) May 18 to begin preparing for Nimitz' INSURV later this year.

Chief Warrant Officer Daniel Milligan, Nimitz' INSURV department head, departed with Reagan to gain first-hand knowledge as they conduct their scheduled INSURV.

"The best thing he will bring back is the knowledge and lessons learned from their INSURV," said Chief Warrant Officer John Penick, Nimitz' INSURV command trainer. "We will benefit first-hand by looking at how they are inspecting [Reagan]."

Learning from another ship's INSURV is a key training tool for succeeding in the upcoming INSURV.

"INSURV is a tremendously large and important inspection of the ship's overall material condition readiness," said Senior Chief Gunner's Mate (SW/AW) Greg Smiler, Nimitz INSURV Department's leading chief petty officer. "We're starting out early because we plan on doing above average."

Nimitz has established an INSURV Department to conduct training periods to teach personnel how to "recognize space discrepancies and know what to look for," said Smiler.

Additionally, the INSURV department is reviewing lesson's learned from previous INSURV'S and putting together a do's and don'ts training program, said Penick.

Milligan's observations on board Reagan, combined with INSURV Department's training program, will help Nimitz establish "a focused mission to get everything done right the first time with no re-work," said Penick.

Nimitz' INSURV is scheduled for October.

Nimitz is the flagship for Carrier Strike Group 11. Nimitz returned home to San Diego March 26 after completing a successful eight-month Western Pacific deployment.

Nimitz Strike Group Arrives in Hong Kong

Rescue swimmers test the currents before an early morning swim call for Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is conducting operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Philip Wagner Jr./Released)

From USS Nimitz Public Affairs

HONG KONG (NNS) -- The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) arrived in Hong Kong for a four-day port visit Feb. 17.

The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), the strike group's flagship, along with USS Chosin (CG 65), USS Pinckney (DDG 91), USS Sampson (DDG 102) and USS Rentz (FFG 46) will send more than 5,000 Sailors ashore to enjoy liberty in Hong Kong.

"Hong Kong is a vibrant city and a favorite port of call for our Sailors," said Commander Carrier Strike Group 11 Rear Adm. John W. Miller. "We look forward to an enjoyable stay here."

While in Hong Kong, Sailors will enjoy the sights and sounds of the island, as well as pre-arranged day trips and cultural tours to Lantau, Macau, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Sailors will also visit Hong Kong Disneyland.

Sailors from several ships have volunteered to conduct five community service projects to help those in need around the local community, the projects include improving the grounds around temporary shelters, visiting a nursing home and helping at an animal shelter.

Nimitz CSG recently completed 5 months on station in the North Arabian Sea, where Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 air crews flew more than 2,600 combat sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

The other ships of the CSG contributed to counter-piracy operations off the Horn of Africa, the protection of critical Iraqi infrastructure in the North Arabian Gulf and a wide range of missions to ensure maritime security.

Nimitz continues her routine deployment in the Western Pacific in support of the Maritime Strategy.

Nimitz CSG is comprised of Nimitz, embarked CVW 11, embarked Destroyer Squadron 23, and the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Chosin. Ships assigned to DESRON 23 include the destroyers USS Pinckney, USS Sampson and the frigate USS Rentz.

Squadrons from CVW 11 include the "Black Aces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, the "Tophatters" of VFA-14, the "Warhawks" of VFA-97, the "Sidewinders" of VFA-86, the "Indians" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 6, the "Black Ravens" of Electronic Attack Squadron 135, the "Providers" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 and the "Wallbangers" of Carrier Airborne Command and Control Squadron 117.

Helicopter detachments include the "Easy Riders" of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light 37, the "Battle Cats" of HSL 43, the "Wolfpack" of HSL 45, the "Scorpions" of HSL 49 and the "Wildcards" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23. Also accompanying the Nimitz CSG are Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11 and the USNS Bridge.

Navy Pic of the Day - VAW-117 Wallbangers

Sailors assigned to the Wallbangers of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117 prepare for flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is on a routine deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class James Mitchell/Released)

A Joint Connection in the Skies Over Afghanistan

An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the Black Aces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41 refuels from a U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender aircraft. The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is on a deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Graham Scarbro/Released)

USS NIMITZ, At Sea (NNS) -- Air Force tankers provide a vital in-flight refueling lifeline to extend Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 missions over Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

CVW 11 aircraft assigned to the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) leave the flight deck from hundreds of miles away to support troops on the ground in Afghanistan. The KC-10A Extender is an airborne gas station capable of delivering 350,000 pounds of fuel per mission to U.S. and coalition aircraft.

"We work very well with our coalition partners both in the air, U.S. Air Force and other coalition air forces from the region, and with the troops on the ground," said Rear Adm. John W. Miller, commander, Nimitz Carrier Strike Group/Carrier Strike Group 11, "We are all on the same team and we are all trying to accomplish the same mission."

CVW 11 aviators work with Army air controllers on the ground and Air Force assets in the sky to provide joint precision support to counter insurgency operations.

"Without the ability to utilize joint tanker operations we would be unable to provide the continuous un-interrupted support of ground forces in Afghanistan," said Lt. Tommy Kolwicz, assistant operations officer for Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 97.

Since entering the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations Sept. 18., CVW 11 has flown more than 1,800 sorties and totaled more than 10,000 cumulative flight hours in support of OEF.

Nimitz provides 30 percent of the close air support to the coalition force in Afghanistan.

Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is comprised of Nimitz, embarked CVW 11, embarked Destroyer Squadron 23, and the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Chosin. Ships assigned to Destroyer Squadron 23 include the destroyers USS Pinckney, USS Sampson and the frigate USS Rentz.

Squadrons from CVW 11 include the "Black Aces" of Strike Fighter Squadron 41, the "Tophatters" of VFA 14, the "Warhawks" of VFA 97, the "Sidewinders" of VFA 86, the "Indians" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 6, the "Black Ravens" of Electronic Attack Squadron 135, the "Providers" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 and the "Wallbangers" of Carrier Airborne Command and Control Squadron 117.

Helicopter detachments include the "Easy Riders" of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light 37, the "Battle Cats" of HSL 43, the "Wolfpack" of HSL 45, the "Scorpions" of HSL 49 and the "Wildcards" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23. Also accompanying the Nimitz CSG are Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11 and the USNS Bridge.

Navy Pic of the Day - VFA-86 Hornet Nimitz Cat Shot

An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Sidewinders of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86 launches from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class David Mercil/Released)

Navy Pic of the Day - Flight Deck USS Nimitz

Sailors wash down the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is on a deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class David Mercil/Released)

Navy Carrier Strike Group Deployment Schedules to Shift

NORFOLK, Va (NNS) -- The Navy announced Sept. 11 the decision to shift near-term carrier strike group (CSG) deployment schedules to address a delay in the completion of USS Enterprise's (CVN 65) maintenance availability at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding-Newport News.

Navy leaders have been closely monitoring the progress of Enterprise's maintenance availability and evaluating the upcoming carrier schedules in order to meet combatant commander requirements and minimize impacts to pre-deployment training cycles.

By extending the current USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and the upcoming USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) carrier strike group deployments to just under eight months each, the Navy will meet the near-term operational requirements generated by the Enterprise maintenance availability extension. The Navy remains committed to its general policy of maintaining deployment lengths to manage personnel tempo as essential components of force readiness. No new deployments result from this schedule change; all the affected carrier strike groups were scheduled to be deployed in 2010, the only changes are to the timing and lengths of those deployments.

"Adjusting these carrier deployment schedules was the best solution of available options," said Adm. J. C. Harvey Jr., commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. "We recognize this decision has operational and personnel impacts, such as training cycle changes and family uncertainty. Our Sailors and families also are ready to step up when necessary to meet the continued demands of a nation at war."

U.S. Fleet Forces and U.S. Pacific Fleet conducted a careful, in-depth analysis to ensure the Navy maintains continued support for the Maritime Strategy while minimizing the impact of schedule changes on crews and ships.

"We have been engaged in reducing the stress of lengthy deployments, and we remain committed to that goal for our Sailors and their families," said Adm. Robert F. Willard, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. "I know changes in deployment length affect everyone. Part of our Sailors' readiness and well-being is knowing their families are being cared for regardless of deployment length. We will continue to invest in family support and readiness programs to try to reduce the stress of lengthy deployments -- we owe it to them, and I am committed to it."

Nimitz and CVW-11 Prepare for WESTPAC Deployment

Sailors scrub the flight deck during a fresh water scrub down aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) after completing flight operations. Nimitz and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 are conducting a Composite Training Unit Exercise off the coast of Southern California in preparation for a scheduled deployment to the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Amara R. Timberlake/Released)

USN-JMSDF Conduct Undersea Exercises

The Seawolf-class submarine USS Seawolf (SSN 21), leads the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JS Oonami (DD 111), left, and the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) after a successful undersea warfare exercise involving the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and other naval vessels operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. John C. Stennis is on a scheduled six-month deployment to the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Walter M. Wayman/Released)

CARRIER The Series to Premier Next Week on PBS

Milcom enthusiast will be interested in the premier of a new series on PBS tht will air starting next week. Check your local schedule for the date and time this program will air. You can see a preview of the show and other video at the link at the bottom of this post.

CARRIER is a revealing story of daily life on a United States aircraft carrier, the USS Nimitz. Filmed from May to November 2005, nearly 2,000 hours of high-definition video were captured aboard the ship during a full six-month deployment to the Persian Gulf, of which three months were spent in combat in support of the ground troops. For the first time, a television series takes a raw and honest look at the Navy’s role in this controversial war. CARRIER premieres Sunday, April 27-Thursday, May 1, 2008, 9:00-11:00 p.m. ET on PBS.

“PBS viewers will get a gripping view of the deployment and operations aboard a carrier during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and emotional accounts of life in the floating city,” said John F. Wilson, senior vice president and chief TV programming executive. “The universal themes that emerge offer compelling insight into the men and women who commit to military service against the extraordinary backdrop of war.”

The USS Nimitz, 24 stories high and three football fields long, carries 5,300 navy personnel and 85 military aircraft. CARRIER follows a core group of film participants, from the admiral of the strike group to the fighter pilots to the youngest sailors, as they navigate personal conflicts around their jobs, families, faith, patriotism, love, the rites of passage and the war on terror.

“CARRIER is a character-driven, edge-of-your-seat, nonfiction drama and a once-in-a-lifetime total immersion in the high stakes world of the nuclear aircraft carrier,” said executive producer and director Maro Chermayeff.

CARRIER is a production of Icon Productions, LLC, and Carrier Project, Inc. Executive producers are Mel Gibson, Bruce Davey, Nancy Cotton, Mitchell Block and Maro Chermayeff.

Funding for the series is provided by the CPB/PBS Challenge Fund. The presenting station is WETA Washington, DC.

You can see a preview of the show and other video segments including trailers at http://www.pbs.org/weta/carrier/video.php

Nimitz Soars into Foal Eagle

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremiah Sholtis, Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) leads Carrier Strike Group 11 and several Republic of Korea ships in formation while participating in Exercise Key Resolve/Foal Eagle 2008 (KR/FE 08). KR/FE 08 is an annual joint exercise involving forces from the United States and the Republic of Korea. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joseph Pol Sebastian Gocong (Released)

USS NIMITZ, At Sea (NNS) -- The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is participating in a joint training exercise designed to demonstrate U.S. commitment to the Republic of Korea (ROK) and U.S. alliance.

Exercise Key Resolve/Foal Eagle 2008 is also designed to enhance combat readiness of ROK and U.S. supporting forces through combined and joint training.

"Foal Eagle is a vitally important exercise that reinforces our long-standing relationship with the Koreans," said Chief Operations Specialist (SW) Ian Kelley, Tactical Flag Command Center leading chief petty officer. "It also enhances our interoperability with a key ally."

One of Foal Eagle's main purposes is to train Sailors and Marines in the event something should happen that would require the U.S. and ROK navies to work together to resolve a conflict, said Operations Specialist 1st Class (SW) Jeremiah Lockhart, Nimitz' combat direction center leading petty officer.

"The two biggest goals are the reinforcement of the strategic relationship we have with South Korea and the enhancement of our ability to operate together as navies," said Kelley. "Ultimately, the goal is to be in perfect lock-step with each other.

"Although we do things similarly, we don't do them exactly the same," added Kelley. "When we're talking about an entirely different navy, we have to spend a lot of time planning and ensuring that each of us understands how the other is going to conduct operations and respond to threats."

Nimitz Gets Underway for WestPac Deployment

USS Nimitz (CVN 68) departed San Diego Jan. 24 with commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11 on a regularly scheduled Western Pacific deployment.

Nimitz is deploying under the Navy's Fleet Response Plan (FRP) and will operate in the Western Pacific Ocean in support of U.S. commitments in the region while the forward-deployed USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) undergoes scheduled maintenance in Yokosuka, Japan.

FRP was designed to allow the United States the ability to rapidly respond with flexible and sustainable forces to any global commitment on short notice.

"Our mission will be to ensure security and stability in the region," said Capt. Michael Manazir, Nimitz' commanding officer. "While operating in the Western Pacific, we will also participate in exercises and coordinate with our partner nations in the region."

The Nimitz CSG, commanded by Rear Adm. Terry Blake, is comprised of CSG 11, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Nimitz; its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing 11; embarked Destroyer Squadron 23; the guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59); the guided-missile destroyers USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53), USS Higgins (DDG 76), and USS Chafee (DDG 90); Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 49 "Scorpions," (HSL) 37 "Easy Riders"; and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11.

CVW-11's squadrons include the "Tophatters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14, the "Black Aces" of VFA-41, the "Sunliners" of VFA-81, the "Wallbangers" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron 117, the "Red Devils" of Marine Corps Strike Fighter Squadron 232, the "Black Ravens" of Electronic Warfare Squadron 135, the "Providers" of Carrier Logistics Support Squadron 30 and the "Indians" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 6.

During the past few months, Nimitz conducted several training exercises off the coast of California and is fully prepared to deploy in support of FRP. Nimitz returned from a six-month deployment to the Persian Gulf and the Western Pacific Ocean in Sept. 2007.

During the 2007 deployment, Nimitz supported Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, conducted Maritime Security Operations and participated in joint and coalition exercises and operations with many countries and U.S. military services.

"The quick turnaround between deployments has made the preparation for this deployment much easier," said Manazir. "The entire ship has what I call 'muscle memory' and we can lean on our experience from the last deployment. The crew is absolutely prepared and I couldn't be more proud of all their hard work."

Nimitz was commissioned in 1975, making it the first Nimitz-class, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The ship is named for World War II Fleet Adm. Chester Nimitz.