USS Hawes Returns from Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin L. Burleson, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Atlantic

NORFOLK (NNS) -- More than 200 Sailors from the guided-missile frigate USS Hawes (FFG 53) returned to Naval Station Norfolk Aug. 18, after a seven-month deployment.

Hawes conducted Maritime Security Operations in areas including Pakistan, China, the Horn of Africa, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Hawes commanding officer, Cmdr. Chuck Marks, didn’t hold back any praise for his crew’s efforts either.

“It’s kind of an awing and humbling experience to be the CO [commanding officer] when you have your crew performing so well, all the time, every day with a smile and a lot of enthusiasm,” said Marks.

In February, the Hawes assisted a stranded merchant vessel, whose crew was without power or food for seven days, in the Northern Persian Gulf.

“The crew probably would have died if we had not intervened,” said Marks. “They were getting to the point to where they were going to drink seawater.”

While the Hawes was performing heroic missions, their families performed their part back home. Ship Ombudsman Hilliary Gauntt, wife of Chief (Select) Electronics Technician (SW) Charles Gauntt, helped crew and family members deal with financial and medical issues, and helped new mothers adjust while their loved ones were deployed.

“It definitely helped with making the time pass because I didn’t have time to think about my husband not being home,” said Hilliary. “I was too busy taking care of other people.”

The crew of the Hawes also participated in Operation Sea Dragon IV, Exercise AMAN 2007 and Exercise Nautical Union 2007.

Enterprise CSG Commences Ops in Persian Gulf

Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (CSG) commenced operations in the Persian Gulf Aug. 10, where they are currently deployed to support Maritime Security Operations (MSO) as well as Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Enduring Freedom.

Rear Adm. Daniel P. Holloway, Commander, Carrier Strike Group 12/Enterprise Strike Group, said the strike group is ready to do what it takes to accomplish the mission.

“This is part of what we are out here to do,” said Holloway. “We are a nation at war and we will continue to do our part to stabilize the current situation in Iraq and eliminate terrorist threats.”

Enterprise CSG's deployment will help reassure U.S. allies in the region of the Navy’s commitment to set conditions for security and stability for vessels operating in the Persian Gulf. MSO have a strong track record of providing security and stability in the maritime environment through coordinated operations with coalition partners that complement the security efforts of friends and allies in the region.

The presence of Enterprise CSG in the region allows the coalition to flex multi-dimensional task force capabilities and demonstrate the ability to respond to threats to maritime security.

Enterprise CSG also commenced the first combat missions of their current deployment Aug. 12 in support of OIF.

Aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, stationed aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65), conducted multiple-strike missions by providing air support to coalition ground forces.

U.S. naval and air presence in the region is the continuation of a six decade-long U.S. policy to stand by friends and allies among Gulf Cooperation Council nations and protect the free flow of commerce. These relationships support and encourage regional stability and cooperation.

U.S. forces will continue to maintain this regional presence to deter destabilizing activities, while safeguarding the region’s vital links to the global economy.

The squadrons of CVW-1 include the “Checkmates” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211; Knighthawks” of VFA-136; “Sidewinders” of VFA-86; “Thunderbolts” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251; “Dragonslayers” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 11; “Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137; “Screwtops” of VAW-123; “Maulers” of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 32; and the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40.

Air Force Osprey Goes Navy Aboard Bataan

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Brian Anderson, USS Bataan Public Affairs

A U.S. Air Force CV-22 Osprey, assigned to the 8th Special Operations Squadron (8th SOS), approaches amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) during deck landing qualifications (DLQs). The 8th SOS is one of 11 flying squadrons in the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Fla. The Osprey is conducting various DLQs with Bataan as she transits the Atlantic. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy L. Grisham.

An Air Force CV-22 Osprey used the flight deck of the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) for training Aug. 13-14 while the ship was underway off the Atlantic Coast.

The single aircraft, from the 8th Special Operations Squadron (8th SOS) in Hurlburt Field, Fla., and its crew of instructors spent the evening landing and taking off for deck landing qualifications. According to Air Force Capt. Paul Alexander from 8th SOS, this CV-22 is part of a four aircraft squadron that is designated as the first fully operational CV-22 squadron.

The Air Force purchased 50 of the tilt-rotor aircraft, predominately used by the United States Marine Corps, for use by the Air Force Special Operations Command. The first deployment for the special operations CV-22s is set for 2009.

For the pilots who landed aboard Bataan, the chance to land somewhere other than the ground was an exciting first.

"We brought some instructors aboard who have never landed on a ship," said Alexander. "We have a flight deck simulator that we use to train for these situations, but it is just a simulation. By coming out here, we practice on something that is real."

The CV-22 Osprey is a tilt-rotor aircraft that combines the vertical takeoff, hover, and vertical landing qualities of a helicopter with the long-range, fuel efficiency and speed characteristics of a turboprop aircraft.

The visit by the CV-22 is not a first for Bataan. The ship served as a "nest" for the MV-22 Osprey in 2003, and again in 2005 when Bataan's flight deck took on a record eight Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys at one time.

"It's a great experience any time we get to deal with this aircraft," said Bataan's Air Boss Cmdr. Kris Croeber. "As large as they are, and with the amount of down wash these planes produce, it is a challenge for everybody involved.

"They all can learn something," said Croeber. "The experience is great for those pilots and great for us because we deal with Marines on this platform, and the Osprey is the future of Marine Corps aviation."

Texas National Guard ready for Hurricane Dean strike

by Army Sgt. 1st Class Erick Studenicka, National Guard Bureau

About 4,700 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, most of them from Texas, are making final preparations Aug. 20 for a rapid response should Hurricane Dean strike the Texas coast the end of August.

Another 5,000 Texas Soldiers and Airmen are poised for activation should Texas Gov. Rick Perry deem it necessary.

As of 8 a.m. Aug. 20, Hurricane Dean was about 440 miles east of Belize City over the Caribbean and was moving west at about 21 mph with maximum sustained winds near 150 mph.

National Weather Service officials described Dean as "extremely dangerous," and said a hurricane warning is in effect for the coast of Belize and the east coast of the Mexican Yucatan Peninsula, and warned "preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion."

After it crosses the Yucatan Peninsula and the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, Dean is expected to make its final landfall somewhere along the mainland Mexican coast Aug. 22.

Even if Dean stays south of the border, Texas National Guard officials remain wary about the possibility of flooding in the region. Tropical Storm Erin swept across Texas Aug. 16.

"We are still very concerned, even if the hurricane doesn't wobble north into Texas," said Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada, a Texas National Guard spokesperson. "We are pressing on with our preparations and are still expecting the hurricane to have a major impact on Texas with flooding, especially in the Brownsville area, which is right on the border."

Chief Moncada said no locations in Texas have mandatory evacuation orders, but voluntary evacuations in Brownsville and Galveston have begun. More than 300 Texas Guard members went through bus-driver training over the weekend. Some 1,100 buses are available statewide to assist with transportation and evacuation.

Many of the Texas cities likely to be affected by Hurricane Dean -- including Brownsville, Weslaco and Alice -- have received hurricane response ground force packages from the National Guard.

Each ground force package is a platoon-size element complete with 10 trucks including a 2.5-ton, a five-ton, a fuel truck and a wrecker, said Texas Army Guard Officer Candidate Adam Musil.

Aircraft from 17 different states are already on the ground, with more than 10 members assigned to each aircraft, Chief Moncada said.

Forty-seven helicopters, including CH-47 Chinooks, UH-60 Blackhawks and OH-58 Kiowa observation helicopters, will be available Aug. 21 in Austin, San Antonio and Dallas if aviation assets are required, Mr. Musil said. In addition, C-130 Hercules aircraft from the Texas Air National Guard and other states are on-call to perform air evacuations.

Governor Perry issued a disaster proclamation Aug. 17 and, at his request, President George W. Bush issued a federal disaster declaration for Texas that allows supplemental federal emergency assistance to support staging resources and people necessary to protect lives, property, public health and safety in anticipation of the hurricane.

One example of federal assistance that has already been provided is the Air Force evacuation aircraft and health professionals augmenting the resources already positioned in Texas.

Also, specialized emergency medics are in the final phases of preparation to receive special-need and non-ambulatory patients and transport them to hospitals outside the storm's potential impact area.

Five satellite communications teams are in place and 15 are inbound to re-establish communications if needed. These teams would provide full spectrum communications capabilities among all emergency responders.

"If Texas is spared by the hurricane, then we will be very thankful," Chief Moncada said. "If not, then we are ready to respond."

NORTHCOM ready to help save lives

U.S. Northern Command officials continue to monitor the progress of Hurricane Dean and are working closely with the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Guard and the state of Texas on hurricane response preparations.

"While we remain fully engaged in defense of the homeland, our collective Department of Defense capabilities and resources will be utilized for significant events such as hurricanes and other natural disaster contingency operations," said Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr., the NORTHCOM commander.

"We can help save lives, mitigate suffering and prevent property loss," the general said.

NORTHCOM members continue to respond to requests for DOD support in preparation for Hurricane Dean's possible landfall in the United States.

The staff at NORTHCOM has deployed the following people to support the federal response:

-- The Region VI Defense coordinating officer, or DCO, and a six-person Defense coordinating element, called DCE, deployed to Corpus Christi, Texas, at FEMA's request prior to landfall of Tropical Storm Erin. The DCO and DCE have moved to Austin, Texas, where they are co-located with FEMA and other responding agency assets.

-- The Region X DCO and DCE deployed to Baton Rouge, La., at FEMA's request to assist the Region VI DCO.

-- A joint regional medical planner deployed to Austin to support the Region VI DCO.

-- A 17-person team from Standing Joint Forces Headquarters-North deployed from Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., to Texas. Ten people will support the Region VI DCO in Austin; seven members will support Army North at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

-- An eight-person Joint Patient Movement Team from Scott AFB, Ill., deployed to Austin to help coordinate aeromedical evacuation efforts.

-- A Joint Interagency Air-Ground Coordination Team from Tyndall AFB, Fla., deployed to Austin at FEMA's request to assist FEMA and the Texas Emergency Operations Center and to help with aeromedical evacuation and search and rescue efforts.

-- The Region II DCO and DCE deployed to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Aug. 15 where they supported a FEMA Emergency Response Team-Advance. Those members are redeploying to their home station in New York.

Should active-duty forces be requested to respond for hurricane operations, the regional DCOs will provide their command and control and will also facilitate requests for any additional DOD support through NORTHCOM.

"Local and state officials, in concert with the National Guard, are the first line responders," General Renuart said, "but USNORTHCOM is prepared to respond in support of the needs of the state and we are anticipating the kinds of capabilities they might require."

NORTHCOM officials are coordinating with FEMA, DHS and the National Guard to ensure full situational awareness and an appropriate response posture to Hurricane Dean.

"We have created stronger ties with our National Guard and civilian agency partners with mutual understanding, respect and appreciation of each others' missions, capabilities and practices," General Renuart said.

NORTHCOM supports civilian federal agencies as part of a comprehensive national response plan to manage consequences of natural or man-made disasters. The command staff remains vigilant to anticipate, deter, detect and defeat threats to the homeland and is prepared to prevent any attempt to exploit this crisis.

Antarctica Flying Season Opens Sunday UTC

Thanks to Dallas McKenzie and Mark in Auckland via the UDXF newsgroup.

On Monday New Zealand Standard Time (NZST) or (Sunday night UTC from 1800Z onwards), flights from Christchurch International Airport will resume to Scott Base, Antarctica. The first flight to the ice will be a C-17A Globmmaster.

The main frequency used for communications will be with McMurdo on 9032.0 kHz USB. Auckland radio handles ATC comms on 8867.0 kHz USB until the aircraft reaches 60 degrees south when McMurdo takes over. Aircraft use the callsign "ICE," with the first flight next week using "ICE 1."

Dallas also noted that New Zealand daylight time will begin this year at the end of September, an additional three weeks.

E-2C Hawkeye Crashes, Navy Conducting Search

A Navy E-2C Hawkeye aircraft from Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 120 crashed at sea Aug. 15, while conducting operations on the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75).

Three aviators were aboard the aircraft. An air and sea search is being conducted by units from Harry S. Truman, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), and the U.S. Coast Guard.

The identities of the crew are not being released at this time.

The aircraft crashed at approximately 11:00 p.m. following its launch from Harry S. Truman. The ship was approximately 150 miles southeast of the Virginia Capes conducting routine training operations.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

VAW-120 is the east coast E-2C/C-2A Fleet Replacement Squadron based at Naval Station Norfolk and trains pilots and Naval flight officers in both aircraft before they are assigned to operational fleet squadrons.

The E-2C Hawkeye is a twin-engine turbo prop aircraft used for airborne command, control, and early warning. It normally carries a crew of five including two pilots and three NFOs.

CVW-9 Flies Sorties in Large-Scale Joint Exercise

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gethings, USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs
Aircraft from the Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force including a B-52 bomber conducts a fly by of the John C. Stennis, Kitty Hawk and Nimitz Carrier Strike Groups during a photo exercise (PHOTOEX) concluding Valiant Shield 2007. Valiant Shield was the largest joint exercise in the Pacific this year. Held in the Guam operating area, the exercise included 30 ships, more than 280 aircraft and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Denny Cantrell)

As part of Exercise Valiant Shield 2007, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, embarked aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), has been flying sorties and participating in air operations with components of the Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps in a large-scale exercise in the Guam operating area.

Valiant Shield puts to the test CVW-9 aboard Stennis, CVW-5 aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), CVW-11 aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68), as well as Air Force aircraft. More than 20,000 Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen are participating in the exercise involving 30 ships and about 280 aircraft.

We’ve been conducting robust defensive counter-air and maritime interdiction sorties here,” said Commander, CVW-9, Capt. Sterling Gilliam. “Any opportunity we have to exercise interoperability, not only between carrier strike groups, but between the services - the Navy, the Air Force - we should take to hone those skills and this is a wonderful opportunity.”

The weeklong exercise includes a multitude of air operations geared around surface strikes, air-to-air combat and air space patrolling and protecting. The purpose of the exercise is to test the military’s ability to gather a large number of cooperative forces and enables real-world proficiency in detecting, locating, tracking and engaging units at sea, on land and in the air in response to a range of mission areas. The entire scenario gives commanders a practical view of tactical planning and placement of military forces on a large scale.

“The Navy stands to gain here because we will prove, yet again, our ability to operate in a multi-carrier strike group environment,” Gilliam said. “Also, the training and proficiency that our air crew and the air crew in our sister air wings will gain will be invaluable as we build these tactics and build a base of knowledge and a level of proficiency in this maritime interdiction defensive counter-air environment.”

There are quite a few differences between the exercise and what CVW-9’s been accustomed to during their last seven months of deployment. The tempo required during the exercise has the air wing flying an average of more than 100 sorties per day, a greater average than flown during their five months supporting combat operations during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. They’re also relying heavily on fuel provided from CVW-9 aircraft instead of fuel provided by another service or detachment’s tankers.

“A lot of the mission is geared on a blue-water way of fighting, and it’s more self-sufficient,” said CVW-9 operations officer Cmdr. Ernest Jones. “It’s something we haven’t done in a while.”

Despite the large number of forces involved, the exercise is designed to put every player in an independent role supporting the same cause.

“It’s a very large scenario and everybody has their piece of the pie,” Jones said. “As a whole, it works pretty well.”

CVW-9, along with all the other participants in Valiant Shield, are testing the real-world application of tactics formulated by senior military commanders from multiple services to enable the U.S. to enhance joint-operation proficiency. This shows the military’s ability to rapidly bring together joint forces in response to any regional contingency.

“What we’re doing here is proving a number of tactics, techniques and procedures that have been developed on paper,” Jones said. "To do that, you need to come out in the middle of the ocean with the bad weather, and with a pitching deck, and with whatever other obstacles pop up and see if the techniques really survive in the real world, and I’m happy to report it does.”

Contrary to most of the combat support carrier air wings have been training for and participating in over Afghanistan and Iraq, Valiant Shield is geared to simulate an at-sea scenario in which the multiple-carrier strike groups integrate air and sea power with joint forces.

For Marine pilots embarked aboard Stennis, this offers a unique insight into a type of training Marine pilots do not typically participate in.

“It’s a good joint exercise for working with different carrier strike groups integrated with different military platforms as well, and we’re all here to conduct joint training,” said Marine Capt. Daron Youngberg, an F/A-18C pilot from the “Death Rattlers” of Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 323.

Youngberg said he will not forget the unique opportunity for a Marine pilot to see how the Navy does business on board an aircraft carrier and what they perceive as a threat and how they handle those threats. There are very few Marine squadrons that would get the chance to participate in an exercise like Valiant Shield, and it’s very good training for the pilots, all the way down to the power liners who help launch the aircraft, he explained.

Valiant Shield is scheduled to conclude Aug. 14 and marks the last major evolution for the John C. Stennis Strike Group before they begin their transit across the Pacific Ocean back home.

The squadrons of CVW-9 include: the “Black Knights” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, “Blue Diamonds” of VFA-146, “Argonauts” of VFA-147, "Death Rattlers" of VMFA-323, “Yellow Jackets” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138, “Golden Hawks” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 112, “Top Cats” of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 31, “Eightballers” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 8 and “Providers” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30.

Russia Strategic Forces conduct 6 exercises in August

Thanks to Torbjorn in Sweden on the UDXF group for this heads up. Related article on this blog at http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/2007/08/russian-bombers-resume-cold-war-sorties.html

Source: RIA Novosti Press Service

The Russian strategic aviation will fly over the North Pole and conduct test launches of cruise missiles during a series of exercises in August, the Defense Ministry said on its website Tuesday.
Units of the 37th Air Army of the Strategic Command will conduct a total of six tactical exercises in August as part of an annual training program, the ministry said in a statement.

"During the exercises, strategic bombers will test launch cruise missiles, conduct simulated bombing raids, and fly over the North Pole, the Pacific and Atlantic oceans," the statement said.

The exercises will involve Tu-160 Blackjack and Tu-95MS Bear-H strategic bombers, and Tu-22M3 Backfire-C theater bombers - the mainstay of the air component of Russia's strategic nuclear triad.

According to various sources, the Russian Air Force currently deploys 141 Tu-22M3 bombers, 40 Tu-95MS bombers, and 14 Tu-160 planes.

Lieutenant General Igor Khvorov, the newly appointed chief of the Air Force Main Staff, said in March that Russia's strategic aviation had sufficient potential to suppress elements of a U.S. missile defense shield should it be deployed in Central Europe.

Ham Radio HF Hurricane Watch Net Activated for Dean

The Amateur Radio Hurricane Watch Net has been activated for Hurricane Dean.

The net is operational on 14325.0 kHz USB.

For more information on this group go to http://www.hwn.org/

Get complete information on frequencies to monitor on my Btown Monitoring Post blog at:
http://monitor-post.blogspot.com/2007/06/n5fpw-hurcomm-monitoring-list-2007.html

New Georgia HF Military Net

Marat has posted on the UDXF newsgroup information on a new HF ALE military net. Here are the details.

"GS2-net"
NCS ALE Address - GS2
Other ALE Addresses: 4L1, AIR, AKH, GS2, KD1, KSI, NIK, SAK, TB1

Freq list (all ALE/USB):

3200.0 3400.0 3450.0 4100.0 4350.0 4550.0 4850.0 (used "GS2" and "KD1" only) 4851.7 (used "4L1" and "NIK" only) 4900.0 5280.0 5350.0 5595.0 5650.0 6050.0 6250.0 6500.0 6750.0 7650.0 7850.0 8450.0 8650.0 kHz.

Thanks Marat for sharing your research with the rest of us.

Icelandic defense exercise kicks off

by Capt. Joel Harper
U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs

KEFLAVIK, Iceland (AFPN) - Leaders from the United States and Iceland joined NATO partners Aug. 13 to kick off an exercise to demonstrate U.S. commitment to the 1951 bilateral U.S.-Iceland defense agreement and reinvigorate air defense command and control capabilities of joint and coalition forces in Iceland.

Exercise Northern Viking 2007 provides a basis for continued U.S. presence and points out the critical nature of the Icelandic Air Defense System to NATO's control and security of air space, said Gen. William T. Hobbins, U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander.

"This exercise is an integral part of the efforts by the United States and other NATO allies to work with Iceland to modernize its defense strategy to meet the threats of the 21st century," said General Hobbins.

The general was joined by Iceland Prime Minister Geir H. Haarde during the opening ceremonies of the event. Prime Minister Haarde said that exercises such as this one were important for the future of Iceland's defense.

"I look forward to successful exercises under Northern Viking this year. This will contribute to the security of Iceland and Alliance as a whole." he said.

Nearly 200 USAFE Airmen from Royal Air Force Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall, England, and Ramstein Air Base, Germany, joined forces from Iceland, Norway, Denmark and NATO.

Exercise aircraft include NATO's E-3A AWACS from Geilenkirchen, Germany; F-15 Eagles and KC-135 Stratotankers from Lakenheath and Mildenhall; F-16 Fighting Falcons, a P-3 Orion and an E-3A AWACS from Norway; a frigate with a search and rescue helicopter capability from Denmark; and search and rescue forces from Iceland.

A separate, but simultaneous anti-terrorist piece of the exercise includes special forces from Latvia, Iceland police and Icelandic Ministry of Defense personnel.

From the air defense point of view, the exercise trains aircrews from participating nations to conduct air operations designed to protect Iceland from airborne threats. NATO partners work together to locate and identify unknown aircraft to determine if they are a threat and if necessary scramble aircraft to deal with the situation, said General Hobbins.

Northern Viking 2007 is the first exercise in Iceland involving the U.S. Air Force since the closure of Naval Air Station Keflavik in October 2006.

Iceland, which has no military forces, depends on the United States for its defense needs under the 1951 agreement signed by both nations. NATO and United States continue to abide by their long-standing commitment to defend Iceland if it comes under attack. Iceland is also a 1949 signatory to the original NATO Treaty.

Advances in technology and information-sharing allow the United States to exercise more efficiently and with fewer resources than in the past and still demonstrate U.S. commitment as well as combined capabilities. Exercise costs were reduced considerably due to Iceland's support of aircraft and personnel with significant logistical contributions, said General Hobbins.

"As we have for almost 60 years, we will stand together with Iceland in facing any threats that may arise," said General Hobbins.

VFA-204 Deploys in Support of Valiant Shield Exercise

I am a plank owner and former River Rat from VFA-204 so I keep track of their exploits.

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (AW/SW) Shawn Graham, Naval Air Station New Orleans Public Affairs

NEW ORLEANS (NNS) -- Sailors from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA-204) departed Naval Air Station, Joint Reserve Base, New Orleans Aug. 1 for a two-month deployment in support of Exercise Valiant Shield.

Valiant Shield is one of the largest annual exercises in the Western Pacific. This year's exercise will involve about 30 ships, 280 aircraft, and 22,000 Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers and Marines working together to enhance joint combat skills and interoperability.

“We’re going to be one of the training assets in Operation Valiant Shield,” said Lt. Cmdr. Brian Hennessy. “We bring a unique element for dissimilar training, which refers to air-to-air combat training.

The squadron completed required work-ups earlier this summer, including a Joint Task Force Exercise, collectively preparing the squadron for intense challenges a deployment is likely to present.

“We’ve trained to respond to any joint training type of role,” said Hennessy. “We will be able to do more complex exercises with other coalition partners at sea.”

The nearly 200 Sailors of VFA-204 said goodbye as they boarded their planes. For some, it is their first deployment; for more seasoned Sailors, this is business as usual.

“I’ve been pretty much every place you could go in the Navy. This is my fifth deployment,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class (AW) Leon Francis. “It’s still exciting for me, but even more exciting for the younger Sailors. Training them is an important tool in the global war on terrorism.”

Aircraft Carrier Air-Wing Assignments and Composition Report - Update

There are many sites that list the material below. Most are out of date. Here is the latest information as of 8/14/2007. Thanks to Adam, Greg and Mac for their updates.

CVW-1 LANT USS Enterprise (CVN-65)
AB 100 VFA-211 F/A-18F Fighting Checkmates
AB 200 VMFA-251 F/A-18C Thunderbolts
AB 300 VFA-136 F/A-18C Knighthawks
AB 400 VFA-86 F/A-18C Sidewinders (transitioning to F/A-18E this FY)
AB 500 VAQ-137 EA-6B Rooks
AB 600 VAW-123 E-2C Screwtops
AB 610 HS-11 HH-60H/SH6-F Dragonslayers
AB ### VRC-40 Det 2 C-2A Rawhides

CVW-2 PAC USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72)
NE 100 VFA-2 F/A-18F Bounty Hunters
NE 200 VFA-137 F/A-18E Kestrels
NE 300 VFA-151 F/A-18C Vigilantes
NE 400 VFA-34 F/A-18C Blue Blasters
NE 500 VAQ-131 EA-6B Lancers
NE 600 VAW-116 E-2C Sun Kings
NE 610 HS-2 HH-60H/SH-60F Golden Falcons
NE 700 HSL-47 SH-60B Saberhawks
NE ### VRC-30 Det 2 C-2A Providers

CVW-3 LANT USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75)
AC 100 VFA-11 F/A-18F Red Rippers
AC 200 VFA-32 F/A-18F Swordsmen
AC 300 VFA-37 F/A-18C Bulls
AC 400 VFA-105 F/A-18E Gunslingers
AC 500 VAQ-130 EA-6B Zappers
AC 600 VAW-126 E-2C Seahawks
AC 610 HS-7 HH-60F/SH–60F Dusty Dogs
AC ### VRC-40 Det 5 C-2A Rawhides

CVW-5 PAC USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63)
NF 100 VFA-102 F/A-18F Diamondbacks
NF 200 VFA-27 F/A-18E Royal Maces
NF 300 VFA-192 F/A-18C Golden Dragons
NF 400 VFA-195 F/A-18C Dambusters
NF 500 VAQ-136 EA-6B Gauntlets
NF 600 VAW-115 E-2C Liberty Bells
NF 610 HS-14 HH-60F/SH–60F Chargers
NF ### VRC-30 Det 5 C-2A Providers

CVW-7 LANT USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69)
AG 100 VFA-143 F/A-18E Pukin' Dogs
AG 200 VFA-103 F/A-18F Jolly Rogers
AG 300 VFA-83 F/A-18C Golden Warriors
AG 400 VFA-131 F/A-18C Wildcats
AG 500 VAQ-140 EA-6B Patriots
AG 600 VAW-125 E-2C Tigertails
AG 610 HS-5 HH-60F/SH–60F Night Dippers
AG ### VRC-40 Det 3 C-2A Rawhides

CVW-8 LANT USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71)
AJ 100 VFA-31 F/A-18E Tomcatters
AJ 200 VFA-213 F/A-18F Blacklions
AJ 300 VFA-15 F/A-18C Valions
AJ 400 VFA-87 F/A-18A+ Golden Warriors
AJ 500 VAQ-141 EA-6B Shadowhawks
AJ 600 VAW-124 E-2C Bear Aces
AJ 610 HS-3 HH-60H/SH-60H Tridents
AJ ### VRC-40 Det 1 C-2A Rawhides

CVW-9 PAC USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74)
NG 100 VFA-154 F/A-18F Black Knights
NG 200 VMFA-323 F/A-18C Death Rattlers
NG 300 VFA-146 F/A-18C Blue Diamonds
NG 400 VFA-147 F/A-18C Argonauts
NG 500 VAQ-138 EA-6B Yellow Jackets
NG 600 VAW-112 E-2C Golden Hawks
NG 610 HS-8 HH-60F/SH–60F Eightballers
NG 700 VS-31 S-3B Topcats
NG ### VRC-30 Det 4 C-2A Providers

CVW-11 PAC USS Nimitz (CVN-68)
NH 100 VFA-41 F/A-18F Black Aces
NH 200 VFA-14 F/A-18E Tophatters
NH 300 VMFA-232 F/A-18A+ Red Devils
NH 400 VFA-81 F/A-18C Sunliners
NH 500 VAQ-135 EA-6B Black Ravens
NH 600 VAW-117 E-2C Knighthawls (sometimes known as the Wallbangers)
NH 610 HS-6 HH-60F/SH–60F Indians
NH ### VRC-30 Det 3 C-2A Providers

CVW-14 PAC USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76)
NK 100 VFA-22 F/A-18E/F/A-18F Fighting Red Cocks (Surge deployed with two Super Hornets)
NK 200 VFA-115 F/A-18E Eagles
NK 300 VFA-113 F/A-18C Stingers
NK 400 VFA-25 F/A-18C Fist of the Fleet
NK 500 VAQ-139 EA-6B Cougars
NK 600 VAW-113 E-2C Black Hawks
NK 610 HS-4 HH-60F/SH–60F Black Knights
NK ### VRC-30 Det 1 C-2A Providers

CVW-17 LANT USS George Washington (CVN-73)
AA 500 VAQ-132 EA-6B Scorpions
AA 600 VAW-121 E-2C Bluetails
AA 610 HS-15 HH-60F/SH–60F Red Lions
AA 700 VS-22 S-3B Checkmates
AA ### VRC-40 Det 4 C-2A Rawhides

CVWR-20 Reserve CAG
Naval Reserve Air-wing CVWR-20 based at NAS Atlanta, Marietta, GA. CVWR-20 is not assigned a VS squadron. During exercises or time of war, an active duty squadron would join the wing. VAW-77 is officially attached to CVWR-20. However, her mission is strictly drug enforcement and does not include any type of carrier operations. VFC-12 and VFC-13 are Naval Reserve adversary squadrons designed to train Navy pilots to fight different modern foreign fighters that may be on the other side in a war. They are considered non-deployable. The two squadrons replaced the active duty "Aggressor" squadrons VF-43, VF-45 and VF-126.

AF 400 VFA-204 F/A-18A+ River Rattlers
AF 500 VAQ-209 EA-6B Star Warriors
AF 600 VAW-77 E-2C Nightwolves
AF 610 HS-75 SH–60F Emerald Knights (disestablished March 1, 2007)
AF ## VFC-111 F-5F/N Sundowners
AF ## VFC-12 F/A-18C Fighting Omars (C model came from VFA-87)
AF ## VFC-13 F-5E/F/N Saints

Unit Deployment Program (UDP)
VFA-94* F/A-18C Mighty Shrikes
VFA-97* F/A-18A War Hawks
* VFA-94 and VFA-97 are attached to the Marine Corps under the Unit Deployment Program (UDP).

U.S. to Set Up African Command

See my related story at http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/2007/06/us-naval-forces-europe-prepares-for.html

The United States is to set up an African command, making it the fourth command which will be tasked with coordinating the U.S. army's activities in the continent, U.S. ambassador to the African Union (AU) Cindy L. Courville disclosed.

Briefing local journalists after a visit to the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HDA) in Djibouti and to the USS Enterprise, U.S. Navy Carrier currently docked off the cost of Djibouti, Ambassador Courville said that the post-cold war, post-9/11 world offers an opportunity to rethink the situation.

Currently the U.S. has three commands overseas including the European Command based in Stuttgart, Germany which is also responsible for most of Africa, the Central Command, which is responsible for the East, and the Pacific Command, which oversee matters in most of the islands.

Ambassador Courville noted that so far no decision had been made as to where the base of the African command will be. "No decisions have been made as to where it will be located or as to whether or not it will be one location. It is still under discussion."

She also said that it was difficult to put a time frame as to when the command will be fully established. She disclosed that a sub-combatant command would be established before setting up a full command. This command, according to the ambassador, will remain in Stuttgart, Germany probably for the next year as further decisions are made.

Ambassador Courville indicated that probably in the next three to five years the process of establishing the African command could be wound up.

Story courtesy of Bruck Shewareged, Addis Ababa and AllAfrica.com

Chinooks: 'Working Horse' of Aviation

By Spc. Aubree Rundle
Flight crews and personnel on board a CH-47 Chinook dismount the helicopter during refueling to maintain their safety each time the aircraft lands to fuel. (US Army photo by Spc. Aubree Rundle)

FORWARD OPERATIONS BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan (U.S. Central Command, Aug. 10, 2007) - Executing re-supply and transport missions along with conducting air assault operations are done on the shoulders of the CH-47 Chinook helicopters operating in Regional Commands - East and South.

These vital missions allow daily operations to take place as smoothly as possible and therefore play a major support role in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom VIII.

Soldiers with Company A, 1st Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment "Yetis", an Army Reserve aviation element from Fort Carson, Colo., and Fort Hood, Texas, are currently deployed in support of the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division. They are one of two Chinook companies currently supporting aviation operations here.

Chinook helicopters, also referred to as the "working horse" of rotary wing helicopters in theater, work around the clock as an aviation benefit to ground elements throughout Afghanistan.

Manned by five-person flight crews, the maintenance requirements and flight procedures for a Chinook are anything but simple.

"We conduct pre-flight inspections and check all systems several hours in advance before the execution of any mission," said Army Staff Sgt. James Fleming, a flight engineer with 1-158th Avn. Reg.

Flying in and out of valleys and around mountain ridges, the Chinook helicopter is the fastest working rotary wing helicopter in the fleet. Chinooks routinely carry several thousand pounds of cargo in one trip delivering pallets of military supplies, mail, food and bottled water to the various outposts and fire bases throughout Afghanistan.

According to Staff Sgt. Fleming, these "work horse" helicopters do get a break from the strain put on them each day as they are put through down phases after so many flight-hours pass. This helps keep the aircraft up to speed and always prepared for the high altitudes and weathering it receives while in theater, Staff Sgt. Fleming continued.

The "Yetis" have been deployed since September 2006, supporting the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, during Operation Enduring Freedom VII and are soon to bid "farewell" to the 82nd CAB returning to their home posts.

"I volunteered to deploy for this rotation because as a door gunner and crew member for a Chinook our tasks are to maintain mission readiness for all the Soldiers on ground patrol; this is an important mission for me," said Sgt. Chase Cervanka, door gunner with 1-158th Av. Reg.

Valant Shield 2007 Underway

An SH-60F Seahawk, assigned to the "Eightballers" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 8, fires a Hellfire Air-to-Ground Missile at a target during exercise Valiant Shield 2007. HS-8 is part of the part of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group. The John C. Stennis, Kitty Hawk and Nimitz Carrier Strike Groups are participating in Valiant Shield 2007, the largest joint exercise in recent history. Held in the Guam operating area, the exercise includes 30 ships, more than 280 aircraft and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul Perkins.

Yokosuka Bids Farewell to USS Gary - Changing Homeport

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Gabriel S. Weber, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Det. Japan



YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Dozens of Sailors and local Japanese civic leaders bid farewell to the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Gary (FFG 51) during a pierside ceremony aboard Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Aug. 9.

Gary, the only frigate in the forward-deployed U.S. 7th Fleet, will return to San Diego after eight years in Yokosuka.

“This is a celebration,” said Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan Rear Adm. James D. Kelly, the keynote speaker for the ceremony. “Yes, we are a little sad to see the USS Gary go back east, but she’s not going away. She’s still in the service of the U.S. Navy.”

Kelly recounted the many missions, exercises and port visits that Gary completed during the last eight years, emphasizing the ship’s engagement in a number of groundbreaking international relations visits to foreign ports.

“We are sure going to miss the Gary’s engagement capability, which really is significant, not to mention her warfighting prowess,” said Kelly. “But this is all about them; it isn’t about U.S. Naval Forces Japan, it’s about the crew of Gary.”

Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Capt. Daniel Weed, was also on hand for the ceremony and spoke of the correlation between Gary’s namesake and the ship’s crew.

“When we speak of USS Gary, we speak of legends,” said Weed. “As the USS Gary’s namesake was a heroic patriot, so are the officers and crew of the USS Gary.”

The late Cmdr. Donald Arthur Gary was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1946 for his heroic actions while serving aboard USS Franklin (CV 13) as a lieutenant. During a Japanese attack on the ship, Gary was credited with saving the lives of hundreds of the crew, leading them out of the badly damaged compartments below decks.

The crew of the Gary seemed to appreciate the ceremony, both for the recognition for their service and for the opportunity to recognize those who have supported them.

“It gives us a chance to thank everybody that’s helped us out,” said Sonar Technician Surface 3rd Class Michael Keys.

As Gary prepares to depart its berthing in Yokosuka for the last time, Weed summarized the emotions surrounding the ship’s departure.

“Today we say farewell to one of Yokosuka’s gray ghosts,” said Weed. “Despite our sadness, however, we are bolstered with pride as you man the watch for Tokyo Wan sea-and-anchor detail one final time.”

HSM-41 Receives First MH-60R Helicopter Trainer

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) James Seward, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific

CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41 on Naval Station North Island was given the first MH-60R (Romeo) Tactical Operational Flight Trainer 2 (TOFT 2) Aug. 3.

As soon as the simulator doors opened, HSM-41 pilots and air crewmen immediately began training with the TOFT 2.

"It is a proud day for naval aviation," said Capt. J.C. Shuab, HSM-41's commanding officer. "The TOFT 2 simulator is the future air warfare and gives our Navy the upper hand in precision and mission readiness."

According to Cmdr. Ed Balaton, Romeo training systems program manager of NAVAIR, benefits from the TOFT 2 include a more realistic simulation of combat environments along with having the ability to train for nearly every scenario.

"We began developing the TOFT 2 about a year ago," said Balaton. "We have added many new features including new designs weapon systems technology, graphics capabilities, and electro-hydraulic machinery that require far less maintenance than its predecessor."

Besides being equipped with the latest technology, the main goal of the TOFT 2 is to reduce mishap numbers and ensure pilots and aircrewmen return from their mission safely.

"Safety is a major concern of just about any squadron in the fleet," said Navy Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class (NAC) Brain Hartwick. "The more realistic the training field is, the better prepared we'll be up in the air."

In the near future, the TOFT 2 will be able to link systems with other training simulators in different locations across the world and throughout every branch of service, said Balaton.

"The TOFT 2 is by far the best trainer in the world, which means our pilots are the best trained in the world," continued Balaton. "With plug and play technology currently in development, we will be able to simulate a full scale war scenario with ships in the fleet and Marines on the ground."

Forces Surveillance Support Center Celebrates 20 Years

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Marissa Kaylor, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic

Forces Surveillance Support Center (FSSC) held a 20th anniversary celebration Aug. 7 at Naval Support Activity, Northwest Annex Chesapeake.

"It's my honor to be a part of your 20-year success story," said U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Joseph L. Nimmich, Director Joint Interagency Task Force-South (JIATF-S). "What you do and what you're about is really one of the success stories of our country."

The FSSC mission is to operate and maintain the Relocatable Over-the-Horizon Radar (ROTHR) system, collecting and disseminating tactically significant air and surface track data for evaluation, interpretation and over-the-horizon tracking of aircraft and ships suspected of trafficking.

"I've seen a lot of changes with FSSC," said Daniel Flury, systems analyst. "I got here in 1992 just as we were getting in the counter-drug business. I've seen the radar transition from the primary threat, which is the backfire bomber's very large, fast, straight moving targets, to small highly maneuverable Cessna with slower speeds and then move into the counter-drug mission, where they located smaller airplane using different methods."

In September 2004, the command transitioned to all civilian personnel. FSSC has a staff of 29 civil service personnel and approximately 250 contractors that operate and maintain the ROTHR system.

Nimmich said that he is proud of the transition from a military command to a civilian's supporting the military.

"It becomes more and more critical as the military members are necessary to go overseas and take the fight to the enemy, but we still need to keep the systems running," said Nimmich.

The ROTHR system surveillance area covers more than 10 million square miles north to south from Florida to Bolivia and east to west from Brazil to the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean.

"What you've done here at FSSC is truly the transition of a cold war capability into a current capability that is critical to the nation," said Nimmich. "Last year more than 268,000 pounds of cocaine, 23 percent of the flow, was seized as a result of what you do. You're saving American lives every day."

During the ceremony Nimmich presented Jack Buckingham, FSSC Director, with a plaque honoring 20 years, from JIATF-S to represent the close relationship and successes between the two commands.

"I just want to thank all the civil service, contractors and prior military," said Buckingham. "You're the ones who make this command work."














Background Information:

ROTHR is based on an extremely complex technology that uses the Earth's ionosphere to relay radar signals over extraordinary distances-a ROTHR array on the east coast of the U.S., for example, can cover the Caribbean, most of the Gulf of Mexico, and probe deep into South America.

Unlike conventional radar, which is often hampered by range and altitude restrictions, ROTHR can identify and track suspicious air and sea traffic from far away, helping authorities follow and intercept the "Go-Fast Boats" and small aircraft favored by international drug smugglers.

Currently administered by the U.S. Naval Network & Space Operations Command, ROTHR Program Office, the ROTHR system supports operations by the Joint Inter-Agency Task Force (JIATF-S) which includes the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Coast Guard) and the Department of the Treasury (U.S. Customs Service). Other assigned agencies to JIATF-S include the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), and the National Security Agency (NSA). Almost a dozen nations provide ships, aircraft, and liaison officers to the JIATF-S.