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BULLHORN #13
28 August 2007
ANAers!!!
Just in case you
missed it, our membership administrator, Michelle, has left us to return
to Australia with her active duty RAN husband. We shall all miss
Michelle – she did a great job for ANA, for which we are very grateful.
Ann Burton is now
sitting in her seat and doing a great job; she can be reached at:
2550
Huntington Ave, Suite 202
Alexandria, VA 22303
703-960-6806
Ann at
anahqtr@aol.com
As has been reported
before, ANA will be at HOOK ’07 6 – 9 SEP in Reno, thanks to the
hospitality of our friends at HOOK. ANA will have both a booth and
suite - see you there!!
Just in case you’ve
not checked out the ’07 Reunion, check their web site at
http://www.tailhook.org/. The convention schedule and registration
are at
http://www.tailhook.net/THRegistration_12Apr.pdf
The F-14 TOMCAT
Association and the USS ENTERPRISE (CVAN/CVN65) Association have
reunions planned. Check details, get points of contact/web site
addresses at our ANA web site REUNIONS page at
http://www.anahq.org/events/reunions_sorted_by_start_date.asp.
A number of news
articles follow.
Best regards,
Dutch
Secretary/Treasurer
Association of Naval Aviation
1446 Waggaman Circle
McLean, VA 22101
703-893-3955
**********
Executive Director and
Editor, WINGS OF GOLD = Zip at goldwings@verizon.net
**********
www.anahq.org
General Membership:
2550 Huntington Ave, Suite 202
Alexandria, VA 22303
703-960-6806
Ann at
anahqtr@aol.com
**********
“…to
educate and encourage an interest among the general public as to the
importance of Naval Aviation in the defense of the United States and its
allies….”
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
August 19, 2007
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Enterprise Strike
Group Commences Operations in Arabian Gulf
From USS Enterprise Public Affairs
ABOARD USS ENTERPRISE – Enterprise Carrier Strike Group commenced
operations in the Arabian Gulf Aug. 10, where they are currently
deployed to support Maritime Security Operations (MSO) as well as
support Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
Enterprise Strike Group’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 Arabian 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 Strike Group 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 Strike Group also commenced the first combat missions of
their current deployment Aug. 12 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom..
Aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, stationed aboard USS
Enterprise (CVN 65), conducted multiple-strike missions, providing air
support to Coalition ground forces.
Rear
Adm. Daniel Holloway, Commander, 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.”
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 GCC 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.
CVW-1
is comprised of the “Checkmates” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211,
flying the F/A-18 Super Hornet; the “Knighthawks” of VFA-136; the
“Sidewinders” of VFA-86; the “Thunderbolts” of Marine Fighter Attack
Squadron 251, all flying the F/A-18 Hornet. Also joining CVW-1 are the
“Dragonslayers” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 11 flying the
SH-60 Seahawk; the “Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137,
flying the EA-6B Prowler; the “Screwtops” of VAW-123, flying the E-2C
Hawkeye; the “Maulers” of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 32, flying the S-3B
Viking; and the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40,
flying the C-2A Greyhound.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
August 12-15 airpower summary: Strike Eagles ready to hunt
8/16/2007 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition
airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International
Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug.
12 to 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center
officials here.
August 12
In
Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s
on enemy targets in Jalalabad. The aircrews confirmed the drops were
successful.
Also
in Jalalabad, Air Force B-1B Lancers dropped GBU-38s and GBU-31s on
caves, ridgelines and other mountainous areas.
Air
Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired rockets and cannon rounds at enemy
positions in Jalalabad.
Continuing the engagement in Jalalabad, Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets hit
buildings and enemy firing positions with GBU-38s.
Air
Force F-16 Fighting Falcons also dropped GBU-38s on enemy positions in
Jalalabad.
An
F-15E provided a show of force with flares over an enemy compound near
Tarin Kowt. The enemies gave up their position in the compound after the
show of force.
In
total, 50 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and
Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.
Ten
Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in
Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical
reconnaissance.
In
Iraq, F-16s provided a show of force against enemies firing at ground
forces in Balad. The pilots also watched over ground forces leaving the
area and looked for any suspicious activities.
In
total, coalition aircraft flew 46 close-air-support missions for
Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground
forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for
reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist
activities.
Thirteen Air Force, Navy and RAF ISR aircraft flew missions in support
of operations in Iraq.
Air
Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided
intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations
throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.
Some
123 airlift sorties were flown 452 tons of cargo were delivered and
2,539 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 13,050
pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.
Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Iraq and Korea flew in
support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.
On
August 11, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 50 sorties and
off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 220 receiving
aircraft.
August 13
In
Afghanistan, F-15Es dropped GBU-38s and GBU-31s on enemy targets in
Jalalabad. The aircrews confirmed the drops were successful.
Also
in Jalalabad, a B-1B dropped GBU-38s and GBU-31s on caves, ridgelines
and other mountainous areas.
An
A-10 fired rockets and cannon rounds at enemy positions in Jalalabad.
An RAF GR-4 Tornado released an enhanced Paveway II munition on an enemy
firing position in Lashkar Ghar. An on-scene joint terminal attack
controller reported a direct hit.
Another Tornado fired an Paveway II on an enemy compound near Gereshk.
An additional GR-4 provided armed overwatch for coalition forces in
Sangin.
In
Asadabad, A-10s conducted multiple shows of force with flares to deter
enemy attacks on coalition forces.
In
total, 63 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF
and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.
Twelve Air Force and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.
Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
In
Iraq, a B-1B released GBU-38s and GBU-31s on enemy targets in Baquba.
GR4s
released a Paveway II and fired cannon rounds at insurgents who were
carrying rockets. The aircrews conducted a show of force to deter the
insurgents from recovering the rockets.
In
Baghdad, Thunderbolt IIs conducted armed overwatch and search for
immediate threats to personnel on the ground.
Also
in Baghdad, an F-16 searched for enemy movements and countered
improvised explosive device activities.
In
total, coalition aircraft flew 66 close-air-support missions for
Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground
forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for
reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist
activities.
Eighteen Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of
operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Navy aircraft performed tactical
reconnaissance.
Air
Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift support,
helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn
of Africa.
Some
129 airlift sorties were flown, 449 tons of cargo were delivered and
3,085 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 6,400
pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.
Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Iraq and Japan flew in
support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.
On
August 12, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 65 sorties and
off-loaded approximately 3.2 million pounds of fuel to 261 receiving
aircraft.
August 14
In
Afghanistan, F-15Es dropped GBU-38s and GBU-31s on enemy targets in
Jalalabad. The aircrews confirmed the drops were successful. Some of the
targets included firing positions and bunkers.
Also
in Jalalabad, a B-1B dropped GBU-38s and GBU-31s on enemy positions. The
drops were deemed successful.
A-10s fired rockets and cannon rounds at enemy positions also in
Jalalabad. The pilots confirmed good hits.
A
Navy EA-6B Prowler provided a successful show of force with multiple
flares over Khowst.
In
total, 67 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and
Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.
Eleven Air Force and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.
In
Iraq, F-16s conducted a successful show a force to stop improvised
explosive device emplacers in Ad Diwaniyah. The pilots also watched over
a raid in which a high value target was captured.
Other F-16s provided shows of force with flares to break up a crowd
forming around a forward operating base in Al Najaf. The show of force
was to ensure there were no attacks on the base. The pilots also watched
over a tractor trailer struck by an IED.
More
F-16s watched over and monitored activities throughout Baghdad.
GR-4s fired Paveway II munitions on a house that was booby trapped in Al
Muqdadiyah. The house was destroyed and secondary explosions were
witnessed, indicating other explosive devices were present.
In
Baquba, F-16s destroyed another booby-trapped house to help coalition
forces continue clearing the area.
F-16s destroyed a house in Taji with GBU-38s and a GBU-12. Insurgents
had attacked ground forces then fled to the house prior to the air
strike.
In
total, coalition aircraft flew 62 close-air-support missions for
Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground
forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for
reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist
activities.
Fifteen Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew
missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Navy and
RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
Air
Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift support,
helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn
of Africa.
Some
125 airlift sorties were flown, 586 tons of cargo were delivered and
3,257 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 62,000
pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.
Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Iraq and Japan flew in
support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.
On
August 13, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 68 sorties and
off-loaded approximately 3.9 million pounds of fuel to 271 receiving
aircraft.
August 15
In
Afghanistan, F-15Es dropped GBU-38s and GBU-12s on enemy targets in
Jalalabad. The aircrews confirmed the drops as successful. Some of the
targets included firing positions, bunkers and caves.
In
total, 42 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and
Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.
Eleven Air Force and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.
Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
In
Iraq, an Air Force MQ-1 Predator destroyed a vehicle in Basrah with a
Hellfire missile.
A
GR-4 provided a show of force with flares to keep insurgents from
attacking during a medical evacuation at Basrah Palace. There were no
attacks on the evacuation after the show of force.
F-16s provided armed overwatch for ground forces looking for an
improvised explosive device emplacement team in Taji. The pilots watched
over a demonstration at a soccer stadium.
Also
in Taji, other F-16s dropped a GBU-38 and a GBU-12 on a buried mortar.
The pilots had followed a truck suspected of having the mortar inside.
The pilots then watched the insurgents remove the mortar from the
vehicle and bury it. Then they blew it up. More F-16s watched over other
parts of the city and looked for more mortar launches.
F/A-18s provided convoy escort and overwatch for a medical evacuation
near Muqdadiyah.
Also
in Muqdadiyah, other Hornets fired a Hellfire missile and a GBU-51 at a
building. The interior of the building was destroyed. The pilots also
watched over another medical evacuation in the area.
More
F/A-18s fired cannon rounds at insurgents using boats in Baqubah.
F-16s destroyed a weapons cache in Tarmiyah with GBU-12s.
In
total, coalition aircraft flew 64 close-air-support missions for
Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground
forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for
reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist
activities.
Nineteen Air Force, Navy, RAF and RAAF ISR aircraft flew missions in
support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Navy and RAF aircraft
performed tactical reconnaissance.
C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping
to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of
Africa.
Some
131 airlift sorties were flown, 530 tons of cargo were delivered and
2,532 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 26,160
pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.
Coalition C-130 crews from Canada, Iraq, and Japan flew in support of
operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.
On
August 14, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 68 sorties and
off-loaded approximately 3.5 million pounds of fuel to 283 receiving
aircraft.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
17 Aug
BY: , SAF/PAO
08/17/2007
Airpower
Summary for 15 August
In Afghanistan, Air
Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped multiple Guided Bomb Unit-38s and
GBU-12s on enemy targets in Jalalabad. The aircrews confirmed the drops
as successful. Some of the targets included firing positions, bunkers
and caves.
In total, 42 close
air support missions were flown in support of the International Security
Assistance Force and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities
and route patrols.
Eleven Air Force and
Royal Air Force Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft
flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.
Additionally, two Royal Air Force aircraft
performed tactical reconnaissance.
In Iraq, an Air
Force MQ-1B Predator destroyed a vehicle with a hellfire missile in
Basrah.
A Royal Air Force
Tornado GR-4 provided a show of force with multiple flares to keep
insurgents from attacking during a medical evacuation at Basrah Palace.
There were no attacks on the evacuation after the show of force.
Air Force F-16
Fighting Falcons provided armed over watch for ground forces looking for
an improvised explosive device emplacement team in Taji. The pilots
watched over a demonstration at a soccer stadium.
Also in Taji, other
F-16s dropped a GBU-38 and a GBU-12 on a buried mortar. The pilots
followed a bongo truck suspected of having the mortar inside. The
pilots then watched the insurgents remove the mortar from the vehicle
and bury it. Then they blew it up. More F-16s watched over other parts
of the city and looked for more mortar launches.
Navy F/A-18C Hornets
provided convoy escort and over watch for a medical evacuation near
Muqdadiyah.
Also in Muqdadiyah,
other Hornets fired a hellfire missile and a GBU-51 at a building. The
interior of the building was destroyed. The pilots also watched over
another medical evacuation in the area.
More F-18s fired
cannon rounds at insurgents using boats in Baqubah.
F-16s destroyed a
weapons cache in Tarmiyah with GBU-12s.
In
total, Coalition aircraft flew 64 close air support missions for
Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported Coalition ground
forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for
reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist
activities.
Nineteen Air Force, Navy, Royal Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force
ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq.
Additionally, six Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical
reconnaissance.
U.S.
Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift support,
helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn
of Africa.
Approximately 131 airlift sorties were flown; 530 tons of cargo was
delivered, and approximately 2,532 passengers were transported. This
included approximately 26,160 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in
Afghanistan.
Coalition C-130 crews from Canada, Iraq, and Japan flew in support of
operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.
On
August 14, U.S. Air Force, French Air Force and Royal Air Force aerial
refueling crews flew 68 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.5 million
pounds of fuel to 283 receiving aircraft.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Aug. 16 airpower summary: Air transports
vital to moving supplies
8/17/2007 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition
airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International
Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug.
16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials
here.
In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike
Eagles dropped guided bomb unit -38s and GBU-31s near Jalalabad. An
on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the drops were
successful.
Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon
rounds at enemies in Jalalabad. One of the pilots also released a GBU-12
near the insurgents as well.
In Asmar, Air Force B-1B Lancers dropped
GBU-38s and GBU-31s on enemy firing positions. The JTAC reported good
hits from the bomb drops.
An F-15E attacked enemy firing positions in
Gereshk with cannon rounds and a GBU-38. The aircrew also performed a
show of force over a known enemy stronghold. The engagements were all
reported as successful.
Another F-15E dropped a GBU-31 on an enemy
firing position in Kajaki Dam. The aircrew also performed a show of
force over an enemy position to keep them from attacking.
More F-15Es provided a show of force and
presence over a convoy with a disabled vehicle in Bermel. There were no
attacks reported after the F-15Es passed over.
Navy EA-6B Prowlers provided shows of force
over locations in Shinkay and Khowst.
In total, 34 close-air-support missions
were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction
activities and route patrols.
Ten Air Force and Royal Air Force
intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in
support of operations in Afghanistan.
In Iraq, an Air Force MQ-1 Predator damaged
a ground unit in Basrah used to aim and fire rockets with a Hellfire
missile .
Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets looked for
suspicious activity and vehicles around Baghdad.
An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon provided
a show of force over a sniper position in Tarmaiyah. The sniper fire
ceased after the show of force.
F/A-18 Hornets provided a show of force
with flares and convoy escort in Numaniyah.
In total, coalition aircraft flew 68
close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions
supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure,
provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter
and disrupt terrorist activities.
Seventeen Air Force, Navy, RAF and Royal
Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations
in Iraq. Additionally, five Navy and Air Force aircraft performed
tactical reconnaissance.
Air Force C-130 Herrcules aircraft and C-17
Globemaster IIIs provided intratheater heavy airlift support, helping to
sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.
Some 138 airlift sorties were flown, 341
tons of cargo were delivered and 2,552 passengers were transported.
Coalition C-130 crews from Australia,
Canada, Iraq, Japan and Korea flew in support of operations in
Afghanistan or Iraq.
On August 15, Air Force, French and RAF
aerial refueling crews flew 68 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.3
million pounds of fuel to 249 receiving aircraft.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Aug. 20 airpower summary: Crew chiefs track maintenance
8/21/2007 - SOUTHWEST
ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition
airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International
Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug.
20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials
here.
In
Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II provided a show of force
with flares to deter a re-attack from enemies in an area around Gereshk.
The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the show of
force as successful.
A
Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier conducted a show of presence over friendly
positions in Kajaki Dam.
An
Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a successful show of force with flares
over a Taliban operating in Tarin Kowt. The aircrew also conducted shows
of presence over coalition routes in the area.
Also
in Tarin Kowt, A-10s engaged a sniper position with cannon fire. The
pilots also provided successful shows of force over the area as well.
A
GR-7 destroyed an enemy vehicle in Tarin Kowt with enhanced Paveway II
munitions. The vehicle, containing large amounts of munitions, had
been badly damaged by A-10 cannon rounds earlier.
Air
Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided a show of presence over a friendly
forces position in Sangin. The aircrews searched for a possible enemy
observation post as well.
Also
in Sangin, other F-15Es hit an enemy firing position with multiple
cannon rounds.
Other F-15Es provided successful shows of force over areas in Asmar and
Gereshk.
In
total, 40 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and
Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.
Eight Air Force and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.
Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
In
Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons conducted shows of force over a
building and enemy firing position in Bayji. The aircraft stayed with
the ground forces until they returned to their forward operating base.
Another F-16 provided a show of presence over a water treatment plant
around Samarra to make individuals aware there was air power in the
area.
In
Balad, F-16s watched over a building raid.
Other F-16s monitored a possible vehicle-borne improvised explosive
device and watched for enemy attacks. The F-16s watched to ensure
insurgents weren't exiting the area.
Royal Air Force Tornados provided successful shows of force against
enemies around Ad Diwaniyah.
F-16s provided shows of force over enemy areas in Baqubah.
In
total, coalition aircraft flew 56 close-air-support missions for
Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground
forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for
reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist
activities.
Sixteen Air Force, Navy and RAF ISR aircraft flew missions in support of
operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force and RAF aircraft
performed tactical reconnaissance.
Air
Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided
intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations
throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.
Some
145 airlift sorties were flown, 595 tons of cargo were delivered, and
nearly 2,840 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately
14,240 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.
Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Japan and Korea flew in
support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.
On
Aug. 19, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 60 sorties and
off-loaded approximately 3.4 million pounds of fuel to 284 receiving
aircraft.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Aug. 21 airpower summary: Lancers show
force
8/22/2007 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition
airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International
Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug.
21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials
here.
In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt
IIs strafed an enemy firing position near Nangalam with cannon rounds.
The ground commander confirmed the rounds hit their intended target.
Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped
guided bomb unit-38s and 31s on enemy firing positions in Asadabad. The
on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the bombs impacted
their targets.
Also in Asadabad, A-10s fired cannon rounds
at enemies in a compound. The pilots also provided shows of force to
stop the enemy fire. The firing ceased after the second show of force.
A-10s dropped GBU-12s on enemies in an area
around Orgun-E.
Also in Orgun-E, French Mirage 2000s
provided shows of force over enemy compounds. An Air Force B-1B Lancer
provided a show of force near Orgun-E as well.
F-15Es dropped GBU-38s, GBU-31s and GBU-12s
on enemy buildings in Garmsir and Kajaki Dam. All of the weapons dropped
were called successful by the JTAC.
In total, 46 close-air-support missions
were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction
activities and route patrols.
Nine Air Force and Royal Air Force
intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in
support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft
performed tactical reconnaissance.
In Iraq, a B-1 dropped GBU-38s and GBU-31s
on a terrorist safe house and roads in Salman Pak and Samarra. The
terrorist safe house was destroyed.
Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided
overwatch and looked for improvised explosive devices around Tikrit.
A-10s dropped GBU-12s on and fired cannon
rounds at a weapons cache in Taji. F-16s also struck the weapons cache
with GBU-38s and GBU-12s. The cache was destroyed by the strikes.
Other F-16s watched over a possible
vehicle-borne IED, a convoy and a raid in Samarra. The pilots reported
to the ground that insurgents were escaping from the building being
raided.
An F-16 provided a successful show of force
with flares over Ad Diwaniyah. The pilots also provide overwatch for a
raid.
In total, coalition aircraft flew 62
close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions
supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure,
provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter
and disrupt terrorist activities.
Twenty-one Air Force, Navy, RAF and Royal
Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations
in Iraq. Additionally, five Air Force and Navy aircraft performed
tactical reconnaissance.
U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and
C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support,
helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn
of Africa.
Some 160 airlift sorties were flown, 625
tons of cargo were delivered and 3,360 passengers were
transported. Airlift included approximately 27,040 pounds of troop
re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.
Coalition C-130 crews from Australia,
Canada, Iraq and Japan flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or
Iraq.
On August 20, U.S. Air Force and Royal Air
Force aerial refueling crews flew 51 sorties and off-loaded
approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 207 receiving aircraft.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Aug. 22 airpower summary: Transports
keep cargo, pax on the move
8/23/2007 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition
airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International
Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug.
22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials
here.
In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike
Eagles conducted successful shows of force to stop enemy firing while
ground units were exiting an area near Kajaki Dam.
Enemy fire emanating from a compound in
Kajaki Dam ceased after a Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier destroyed the
building with enhanced Paveway II munitions. The RAF pilot's wingman
also dropped a general-purpose 540-pound bomb near the compound.
Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs strafed an
enemy exit route near Asadabad with cannon rounds. The pilots also
watched over friendly forces during a medical evacuation. Another A-10
provided a show of force with flares over the area to ensure enemies did
not attack. The engagements were all considered successful.
Also in Asadabad, an Air Force B-1B Lancer
dropped guided bomb unit-38s on a group of insurgents who were firing
upon ground forces. The firing stopped after the bombs were dropped. The
B-1 also provided shows of force with flares over a valley near Kabul.
F-15Es and A-10s provided shows of force
with flares to deter enemies from attacking in areas near Kandahar. The
shows of force provided positive results. Later, other F-15Es provided
overwatch for a medical evacuation in the area.
A B-1 provided shows of presence over
coalition routes near Shindand.
A GR-7 provided a show of force over an
area in Ganjabad to stop a potential attack.
In total, 45 close-air-support missions
were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction
activities and route patrols.
Ten Air Force and RAF intelligence,
surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of
operations in Afghanistan.
In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons
destroyed an improvised explosive device factory in Baghdad with GBU-38s
and GBU-12s and one of the F-16s conducted a show of force to intimidate
insurgents.
Also in Baghdad, F-16s provided overwatch
for a convoy struck by multiple IEDs. Other F-16s monitored an explosive
ordnance disposal team investigation in the area earlier in the day.
Another group of F-16s watched over friendly forces conducting a raid.
The pilots kept eyes on a possible vehicle-borne IED and surrounding
buildings during the raid.
Navy F/A-18 Hornets also patrolled and
looked for suspicious activity in parts of Baghdad.
Near Kirkuk, an F-16 provided a show of
force to disperse people suspected of observing a forward operating base
in the area.
RAF GR-4 Tornados monitored troops
conducting convoy operations near Basrah.
A-10s conducted successful shows of force
with flares over areas in Bayji. The pilots showed force over an IED
event that demolished a school building.
Also in Bayji, an F-16 performed a show of
force over an area after a vehicle-borne IED event. The pilots also
watched over a subsequent coalition raid.
In total, coalition aircraft flew 67
close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions
supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure,
provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter
and disrupt terrorist activities.
Fifteen Air Force, Navy and Royal
Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations
in Iraq. Additionally, five Air Force and Navy aircraft performed
tactical reconnaissance.
Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17
Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping
to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of
Africa.
Some 155 airlift sorties were flown, 565
tons of cargo were delivered and 4,095 passengers were
transported. Airlift included approximately 37,220 pounds of troop
re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.
Coalition C-130 crews from Canada, Iraq and
Japan flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.
On Aug. 21, Air Force, RAF and
French tankers flew 51 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million
pounds of fuel to 250 receiving aircraft.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Aug.
26 airpower summary: F-16s provide close-air support
8/27/2007 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower supported
coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance
Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 26, according to
Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.
In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles strafed a possible enemy
firing position in Oruzgan with cannon rounds. The aircrews provided a
show of force and one of the aircraft dropped a guided bomb unit-12 on
positions in the area as well.
Other F-15Es dropped GBU-12s on enemies and a possible weapons cache in
a tree line in Sangin. The aircrews also hit a bunker with GBU-38s. The
weapons employment was successful. Then, the F-15Es attacked enemies in
a tree line near Gereshk with cannon rounds.
An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped a general purpose 500-pound
bomb on an enemy carrying a rocket launcher in Asmar. The on-scene joint
terminal attack controller reported that the bomb hit the target.
Another A-10 provided a show of force in Asmar as well.
An Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a successful show of force with flares
to ward off enemy attacks in Kajaki Dam.
In total, 45 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF
and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.
Nine Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in
Afghanistan.
In Iraq, A-10s dropped GBU-12s on a truck carrying an anti aircraft
weapon near Qarah Tappah. There were secondary explosions after the
bomb hit the truck.
Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons used GBU-38s to destroy a building in
Baghdad that housed explosives. The pilots also reported possible IEDs
in the area.
Also in Baghdad, an F-16 provided a show of force over multiple targeted
areas. The pilots also watched over a convoy on a patrol.
Other F-16s used GBU-38s and GBU-12s to destroy a house in Baqubah wired
with explosives. The pilots also watched over coalition raids.
In Samarra, Navy F/A-18 Hornets followed a vehicle leaving the scene of
a firefight, then passed along the location to the JTAC.
F-16s picked up the vehicle fleeing the scene and followed it to a
house. Then, one of the F-16s destroyed the house and vehicle with a
GBU-38. The pilots also did IED sweeps and watched over a convoy in the
area.
An F/A-18 provided a successful show of force over a suspicious
gathering near Al Iskandariyah.
Another F/A-18 conducted a show of force with flares in Al Kut as well.
In total, coalition aircraft flew 69 close-air-support missions for
Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground
forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for
reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist
activities.
Sixteen Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of
operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Navy aircraft performed tactical
reconnaissance.
Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided
intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations
throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.
Some 158 airlift sorties were flown, 535 tons of cargo were delivered
and 3,595 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately
33,700 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.
Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Iraq and Korea flew in
support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.
On Aug. 25, Air Force and RAF tankers flew 55 sorties and off-loaded
approximately 2.8 million pounds of fuel to 230 receiving aircraft.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I promise to not
fill the BULLHORN with extraneous material, jokes, etc – but this was
too good to not pass along –
A
Little Military History retold
...The following is the story of the building and naming of NAS Cubi
Point, and ends with the long secret recipe for the famous Navy cocktail
known as The Cubi Special. Enjoy!
----------------------------------------------------
ADM Arthur Radford, Chief of Naval Operations had a dream He was
going to cut a mountain in half, and create a modern operating base on
the island of Luzon on the Bataan Peninsula. The airfield would serve a
deep-water anchorage for deep-draft naval ships. It would be constructed
on land permanently ceded to the United States in its former colony, and
provide an umbrella of strength for the new Republic of the Philippines,
formerly the American colony of the Philippine Islands, or P.I.
We still called it the P.I. thirty years later when we visited
Radford's Folly, the best long runway in the Far East
Young Arthur Radford could hardly have known he was a man of
destiny when he graduated from Annapolis in 1916. The Great War was
raging overseas, and those magnificent men in their flying machines were
driving technology forward at breakneck speed. At the beginning of the
conflict, the flimsy crates were suitable only for reconnaissance. By
the end, they had become lean and lethal birds of prey.
Radford started in battleships as a deck officer, USS SOUTH
CAROLINA being his first, but he saw that the future of the Fleet was in
the air above the sea. He applied for flight training and was designated
Naval Aviator #2896 in November 1920. He was part of the great contest
between the Army and Navy for dominance of the skies. The Army was
symbolized by pugnacious Billy Mitchell. He was a pistol of a junior
officer who claimed the bomber made the Navy obsolete. He successfully
sank surplus warships at anchor, and declared he had validated Italian
Giulio Douhet's bold assertion that "command of the air made all other
military forces obsolete." It was confused thinking, since one would
have to alight on the ground sometime, but it was intoxicating stuff. It
drove interwar development into all manner of astonishing things. The
Army Air Corps pursued strategic bombers; the Navy great ships of the
air, in the form of the Zeppelins confiscated from Germany
Arthur Radford was part of the great adventure. In addition to
helping to devise the intricate system- of-systems that evolved to
became the modern aircraft carrier, he surveyed the wild storm-tossed
Aleutian Islands from the air and planted naval airfields in the
Caribbean to make sea-power bloom.
Radford was working at the Bureau of Aviation in Main Navy on
Constitution Avenue in the District when war boiled over in the Pacific.
For two years he chafed at the shore assignment, but in the pivotal year
of 1943 he was appointed Commander of Carrier Division 11, and led it
into action against the Japanese at Baker, Makin and Tarawa. He was
cited for "courageous initiative and aggressive determination," and
those are the proper words to characterize his service through the
conflict.
Even as the war rolled inexorably to its grim climax, Radford
was back in Washington fighting the real war against the Army , and the
increasingly bold Generals of the Air. The existing War and Navy
Departments were structurally inappropriate to the challenge of the new
age. He assigned additional duty on the Special Joint Chiefs of Staff
Committee on Reorganization of the National Defense to examine possible
unification of the Armed Forces before returning to the fight as Carrier
Division SIX for the end of it.
He held a variety of senior posts in the great demobilization,
as the drumbeat of Unification thumped ever louder. As a consequence, he
felt he "just had to say no," and became ringleader in the Revolt of the
Admirals in 1949.
As part of the great reorganization, the Air Force was
established in 1948 to recognize the innovative technical capabilities
of the next-generation long-range bomber and the Bomb. It was built on
the heroic contributions of the fifty-thousand young airmen who perished
in the strategic bombing campaigns against the Germans and Japanese. The
new service had was smooth, and polished, and it had a welcome message
for the taxpayer: strategic bombing was not only effective, but with the
introduction of atomic weapons and the mighty B-36 bomber, no other
military forces need be funded.
Arthur Radford appeared before the Senate to argue passionately
that tactical aviation was necessary in future conflicts, and that the
next-generation aircraft carrier, the USS United States, was urgently
needed. His arguments failed against the compelling Air Force vision of
the future, and Unification of the services under the leadership of the
Air. Navy training funds were slashed, and the new Air Force reigned
supreme in the new order, at least until sudden gunfire required the
presence of soldiers and Marines in Korea.
Radford was not punished for his part in the revolt. He was
Commander of the Pacific Fleet when the North Koreans struck, and
elevated to become Chairman of the Joint Chiefs by President Eisenhower
as it ended. His commitmen t to oppose Communist expansion was adamant
and unwavering. He became convinced as the Pacific Fleet commander that
a major Naval Air Station was required in the Far East. Subic Bay was
the natural location for such a facility, a magnificent natural harbor
north of the bustle of metro Manila . The project required a Herculean
effort. Civilian construction companies refused to bid on the project
because of the vast amount of earth to be moved and the problems of
maintaining a vast work force in the dense jungle terrain. Radford
ordered the Navy's Seabees to take on the project. In five years of
round-the-clock operations, Construction Unit Battalion 1, "CUBI,"
completed the job, which involved twenty million man-hours and
flattening a 1,200 foot mountain to construct an 8,000 foot runway. Some
say it was the equivalent level of effort as building the Panama Canal.
In July 1956, as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Radford
returned to Cubi Point to commission the new station. President
Magsaysay of the Philippines joined the U.S. officials in dedicating the
field "to the peace and security of the Free World."
Twenty years later, the Naval Air Station changed the name of
its airfield to Arthur W. Radford Field, and the plaque that was
commissioned may still be there, though it is a FedEx facility now and
the Navy is long gone: "Dedicated in honor of Admiral Arthur W. Radford,
whose foresight in founding U.S. Naval Air Station Cubi Point has
enabled the United States Navy to provide invaluable support to the
Seventh Fleet and to carry out its obligations under the
Philippines-United States Mutual Defense Treaty."
The plaque was still shiny in 1978, and the memories of the
Vietnam conflict still fresh and raw. In order to provide for the morale
of the Fleet, the shore infrastructure was impressive. The Officer's
Club was legendary, and it was barely necessary to take one of the
little black cabs to travel from Cubi Point to mainside Subic to have a
nice dinner, much less travel out the Gate into the wild west of the
Republic, where absolutely anything was possible for a purely nominal
price.
There are two Navies:
The old one knew the Philippines with a personal intimacy that
is embarrassing now, e.g., tens of thousands of fantastically talented
"fallen angels" and more than a few sailors and Marines dancing with
some "Bennie Boys."
The New Navy is one that has forgotten, and it is a prim and
sterile service, shorn of its rebel Admirals and lush tropical heritage
- - it is well known among the "shellbacks " and all duly initiated
members of the "Ancient Order of the Deep and "Occult Mysteries of the
Far East
Just after the end of the first Gulf War, looming Mount Pinatubo
blew its stack and buried Clark Air Base in hot ash and spread a foot of
it at Subic Bay. The Philippine Senate had announced that it would
oppose an extension of the Status of Forces agreement, and the
destruction provided a convenient and expeditious end to the American
presence that had continued since the end of the Spanish-American war.
The last American ship out was the helicopter carrier USS Belleau Wood
in 1992, a Marine Corps amphibious fighting ship!!
The ship carried something precious, something that links the
generations. As the green hills sank into the sea behind, the Ship's
Intelligence Officer placed an envelope in his safe. It contained the
formula that had magical properties which distorted perception of time
and space, and had enabled the long occupation. Other versions had been
spirited off the Naval Reservation by diplomatic pouch, but they were
corrupted by the State Department.
This is the recipe of the famous Cubi Special Cocktail, served
to generations of happy military visitors to Subic Bay. By special
permission of the Office of Naval Intelligence, it has been
declassified, but on the provision that no endorsement of its
consumption is to be construed thereby, and no expeditions into foreign
lands be conducted under it's power.
The "CUBI Special" Cocktail*:
Mix 96 ounces orange juice
84 ounces pineapple juice
6 ounces mango juice
6 ounces cranberry juice
2-4 ounces grenadine
Rum to taste. Lots of Rum.
Add a hand full of sliced local miniature limes, aka "calamonsines"
*'Tho a great drink at any time, it especially enhances the
festive spirit of the "Mongolian Barbecue": luscious viands of diverse
meats, with exotic veggies and sauces, grilled on flats of metal..,
usually prepared by Filipino cooks at the once great naval clubs around
the world, waylaid by Nuevo policies of the correct!
If mixing in trash cans or other bulk containers for landing
parties of varying size and composition, proportions may be estimated
at:
· 16 parts orange juice,
· 14 p arts pineapple juice,
· 1 part mango juice,
· 1 part cranberry juice,
· 1/2 part grenadine.
· Lots of Rum; (between 10 and 15 parts)
If a quick fix is required, i.e., in a moving Duty Sedan, an
approximation can be made with
· 2 parts orange juice to
· one part cranberry juice and Rum.
For perfectly obvious reasons, notably its role in the fight
against world communism, this is known as a Radford Special.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Northrop Grumman Gets $6.8 Million Navy Aircraft Systems Pact
August 16, 2007:
05:13 PM EST
DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
Northrop Grumman
Corp. (NOC) received a $6.8 million contract from the U.S. Navy to
upgrade three additional fleet EA-6B Prowler aircraft with electronic
attack systems.
The Los
Angeles-based defense company said the contract includes an option to
upgrade a fourth aircraft for an additional $2 million.
Northrop Grumman,
whose 2006 revenue was $30.2 billion, will begin delivering the Improved
Capability III kits in April and install them at its St. Augustine,
Fla., manufacturing center.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
E-2C
Hawkeye Crashes, Navy Conducting Search
Story Number: NNS070816-04
Release Date: 8/16/2007 9:32:00 AM
From Commander Naval Air Force Atlantic Public Affairs
ATLANTIC OCEAN
(NNS) -- 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.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
For the Cold War veterans – remember these ?
Russian President Putin Orders Long-Range Bomber Patrols
Friday , August 17, 2007
MOSCOW
—
President
Vladimir Putin said
Friday that he had ordered the military to resume regular long-range
flights of strategic bombers, news agencies reported, returning to a
practice that ended with the collapse of the
Soviet Union.
Speaking as
Russian and Chinese forces held major war games exercises for the first
time on Russian territory, Putin said a halt in long-range bombers'
flights after the Soviet collapse had affected Russia's security as
other nations had continued such missions — an oblique reference to the
United States.
"I have made a
decision to resume regular flights of
Russian strategic aviation,"
Putin was quoted as saying by Russian agencies.
"We proceed from
the assumption that our partners will view the resumption of flights of
Russia's strategic aviation with understanding," Putin was quoted as
saying.
The war games,
which took place near the Urals Mountain city of Chelyabinsk, came on
the same day that Russia air force said its strategic bombers flew
several missions ranging far over the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic
oceans.
Putin said that
20 Russian bombers were involved in the exercise.
"Starting today,
such tours of duty would be regular," Putin said. "Our pilots have been
grounded for too long, they are happy to start a new life."
Soviet bombers
routinely flew such missions to areas from which nuclear-tipped cruise
missiles could be launched at the United States, but stopped in the
post-Soviet economic meltdown.
Booming oil
prices over recent years have allowed Russia to sharply increase its
military spending.
"Starting in
1992, the Russian Federation unilaterally suspended strategic aviation
flights to remote areas," Putin said. "Regrettably, other nations
haven't followed our example. That has created certain problems for
Russia's security."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Marine Helicopter Crash Over Arizona Kills 4 People on Board
17AUG07
PHOENIX — A U.S. Marine Corps search-and-rescue helicopter crashed
during a training flight over southwest Arizona, killing four people on
board, officials said Friday. One person survived.
The
UH-1N Huey crashed about
20 miles north of Yuma on Thursday. The wreckage was discovered early
Friday, and three Marines and one Navy sailor were pronounced dead at
the scene, said 1st Lt. Rob Dolan, a spokesman for the Marine Corps Air
Station in Yuma.
The injured Marine was
transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center and is listed in stable
condition
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Boston
Globe
August 20, 2007
Carrier Relaunches Jets After 2 Years
MOSCOW -- Russia has
started flying jets again from its only operational aircraft carrier
after a two-year break, state-run television reported yesterday in the
latest show of the country's reviving military capability. "Aircraft are
taking off and landing from the deck of the Kuznetsov after a gap of two
years. To the pilots and crew [the gap] seemed enormous," Channel One
television said in a report from on board the vessel. Last week,
President Vladimir Putin announced Russia was returning to its
Soviet-era practice of sending long-range bomber aircraft on regular
patrols near to NATO airspace. Observers saw those sorties as a sign of
Russia's growing assertiveness and ambitions to extend its global reach
-- helped by a budget swelled by revenues from energy exports. Russia's
other aircraft carriers have been decommissioned or sold. The television
report did not say why flights from the Admiral Kuznetsov had been
halted. (Reuters)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
CNO Announces Flag
Officer Assignments
Story Number: NNS070820-14
Release Date: 8/20/2007 4:26:00 PM
Special release from the Department of Defense
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Mullen
announced, Aug. 20, the following flag officer assignments:
Rear Adm. (lower half) Walter M. Skinner is being assigned as program
executive officer for tactical aircraft programs, Office of the
Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition),
Patuxent River, Md. Skinner is currently serving as commander, Naval Air
Warfare Center, Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif.
Rear
Admiral W. Mark Skinner
Commander
Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division
China Lake and Point Mugu, Calif.
Rear
Admiral Mark Skinner is a native of Houston, Texas, and graduated from
the United States Naval Academy in June 1977. He completed flight
training and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1979. He reported first
to Patrol Squadron 23. He then served as an FRS Instructor Pilot aboard
Patrol Squadron Thirty-one until 1984.
After graduating from Test Pilot School in 1985, he reported to Force
Warfare Aircraft Test Directorate where he was recognized as Directorate
Test Pilot of the Year in 1986. He served as the Communications Officer
in USS Ranger and then went to Patrol Squadron Six as the Safety/NATOPS
Officer, then Maintenance Officer. In 1991, Rear Adm Skinner joined the
staff of Patrol Wing Two, serving as Current Operations Officer. He
served as Executive Officer for Patrol Squadron Forty-seven and
subsequently took command in 1994. He then reported to Combined Task
Force 72/57 as Operations Officer, directing VP forces participating in
Operations Vigilant Sentinel and Southern Watch, and PRC-Taiwan
Contingency Operations.
After graduating from Naval Postgraduate School as a Conrad Scholar, he
was awarded the Department of the Navy award for excellence in financial
management, and the Rear Admiral Thomas R. McClellan award for
excellence in administrative sciences. After completing the Defense
Systems Management College Program Manager Course, he joined Naval Force
Aircraft Test Squadron as Chief Test Pilot in 1996.
As Commanding Officer of Naval Force Aircraft Test Squadron, Patuxent
River, Md, in 1998, he was later selected as Program Manager for a Chief
of Naval Operations Special Project. He served as the Acting Deputy
Program Executive Officer for Air ASW, Assault and Special Mission
Programs until February 2002.
Rear Adm. Skinner assumed command of NAVAIR Weapons Division in August
2004 with responsibility for Navy weapons and systems RDT&E and fleet
support capabilities at China Lake and Point Mugu, Calif. His awards
include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (4 awards), Navy
Commendation Medal (2 awards), Navy Achievement Medal, and other unit
deployment citations and ribbons.
Rear
Adm. (lower half) (selectee) David A. Dunaway is being assigned as
commander, Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division, China Lake,
Calif. Dunaway is currently serving as deputy program executive officer
for air anti-submarine warfare, assault and special mission programs,
Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and
Acquisition), Patuxent River, Md.
Rear
Admiral (Select) David A. Dunaway
Deputy Program Executive Officer
Air ASW, Assault and Special Mission Programs
Rear
Admiral (Select) David Dunaway was born in El Paso, Texas. He received
his wings in April, 1984 and subsequently served as a Selectively
Retained Graduate flight instructor in Meridian, Miss. After completing
FA-18 initial training, he served in VFA-151, aboard the USS Midway
in Yokosuka, Japan from 1986-1989, when he was selected for the U.S.
Naval Test Pilot School Class 96, Patuxent River, Md.
Rear Adm. (Sel) Dunaway’s test assignments include: VX-5 as the A-12
operational test director; F/A-18 branch head and operational test
director for the Airborne Self Protection Jammer (ASPJ) (during this
tour, he was selected as an Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer); F/A-18
Weapon System Support Activity as the deputy for Test and Evaluation
working on F/A-18 OFP’s 09C, 11C, 13C, 10A and 12A, as well as a quick
reaction installation of ASPJ in Marine aircraft deployed in Bosnia;
and, VX-9 as the F/A-18E/F operational test director where he conducted
OT-IIA, OT-IIB and OPEVAL for the Super Hornet. In this position, Rear
Adm. (Sel) Dunaway flew more than 200 developmental test missions and
was selected as the Test Pilot of the Year.
His program management assignments include: PMA-265 as the F/A-18 Radar
IPT lead for the APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, for
which he and his team received the 2003 Aviation Week and Space
Technology Laureate Award in developing this state-of-the art radar; and
PMA-201 as the program manager for the Precision Strike Weapons program
office. During his tour, the program office fielded many critical
warfighting weapons to include JSOW C, GBU-38, Dual Mode LGB’s and
SLAM-ER anti-ship capability. Of special note, the JSOW program received
the David Packard Award for innovative business practices.
Rear Adm. (Sel) Dunaway is currently the Deputy Program Executive
Officer, Air Anti-Submarine Warfare, Assault and Special Mission
Programs.
Rear Adm. (Sel) Dunaway holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the
U.S. Naval Academy, an MS in Aviation Systems Management from the
University of Tennessee and an MS in Aerospace Engineering from the
Naval Postgraduate School. His personal decorations include the Legion
of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal and the
Navy Achievement Medal. He has accrued more than 2,900 flight hours and
290 arrested carrier landings.
Updated: 19 June 2007
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
CNO
Announces Flag Officer Assignments
Story Number: NNS070821-31
Release Date: 8/21/2007 4:56:00 PM
Special release from the Department of Defense
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Mullen announced
on Aug. 21 the following flag officer assignments:
Rear Adm. Bruce W. Clingan is being assigned as director, Warfare
Integration and Assessment Division, N8F, Office of the Chief of Naval
Operations, Washington, D.C. Clingan is currently serving as director,
Air Warfare Division, N88, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations,
Washington, D.C.
Rear
Admiral Bruce W. Clingan
Director, Air Warfare Division (OPNAV N88)
Rear
Admiral Bruce W. Clingan is a native of Lafayette, Ind., but was raised
in Bellevue, Wash. He graduated from the University of Washington and
holds a Masters of Science from the University of Southern Calif. He
received his commission through the NROTC program in June 1977.
Designated a naval aviator in May 1979, Rear Adm. Clingan flew F-14
Tomcats with Fighter 124, Fighter Squadron 114, and Fighter Squadron
211, completing deployments aboard USS America (CV 66), USS
Enterprise (CVN 65), USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), and USS
Nimitz (CVN 68).
He commanded Fighter Squadron 11, and after completing the nuclear power
program, served as executive officer of USS Abraham Lincoln
(CVN 72). Subsequently, he commanded the 6th Fleet flagship USS
LaSalle (AFG 3) and USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70).
Ashore, Rear Adm. Clingan served as an F-14 Flight Instructor at Fighter
Squadron 124 where he helped Naval Air Systems Command and Grumman
Aerospace Corporation develop the F-14D Super Tomcat as a member of the
Aircrew Systems Advisory Panel.
Rear Adm. Clingan’s joint assignments include the Operations and
Readiness Branch, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, where he
helped negotiate various North Atlantic Treaty Organization
(NATO)/Spanish Coordination Agreements.
After selection to flag rank, Rear Adm. Clingan joined United States
Central Command, serving as Deputy Director of Operations from April
2002 to May 2004 during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi
Freedom. Rear Adm. Clingan assumed command of Carrier Strike Group
3/ Carl Vinson Strike Group in June 2004 and served as CTF-50/152
during an extended deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom
in 2005.
Rear Adm. Clingan began his tour of duty on the staff of Chief of Naval
Operations in September 2005. He is currently serving as the Director,
Air Warfare Division (N88) on the staff of Deputy Chief of Naval
Operations (Integration of Capabilities and Resources).
Rear Adm. Clingan’s personal decorations include the Defense Superior
Service Medal (two awards), the Legion of Merit (four awards), the
Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious
Service Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal (two awards) and various
service and campaign awards.
Rear Adm. (lower half) Moira N. Flanders is being assigned as chairman,
Inter-American Defense Board, Washington, D.C. Flanders is currently
serving as commander, Naval Personnel Development Command, Norfolk, Va.
RDML
Flanders is an intelligence officer - Dutch
Rear Adm. (selectee) Charles W. Martoglio is being assigned as director
for operations, J3, U.S. Pacific Command, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Martoglio is currently assigned as commander, Carrier Strike Group
Seven, San Diego, Calif.
RADM
(S) Martoglio is a surface officer -
Dutch
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Nimitz Strike Group Arrives in Hong Kong
Story Number: NNS070821-16
Release Date: 8/21/2007 2:47:00 PM
By
Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Sarah E. Bitter, USS Nimitz Public
Affairs
HONG
KONG (NNS) -- Six U.S. ships arrived in Hong Kong Aug. 20 for a
scheduled port visit.
During the visit, Sailors and Marines will also have a chance to
participate in friendship-building activities, meet local citizens,
experience local customs and traditions, and enjoy the many recreational
activities offered in Hong Kong.
“U.S. Navy port visits such as this one represent an important
opportunity to promote peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region of
the world,” said Rear Adm. Terry Blake, Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG)
commander. “Hong Kong is a favorite place for our deployed Sailors and
Marines to visit. The crews always enjoy opportunities to visit the city
and experience its culture.”
The Nimitz CSG includes the embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 and
embarked CSG 11 and Destroyer Squadron 23 staffs. The ships, all part of
the Nimitz CSG consists of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS
Nimitz (CVN 68); the guided-missile destroyers USS John Paul Jones (DDG
53), USS Chafee (DDG 90), USS Pinckney (DDG 91), and USS Higgins (DDG
76); and the guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59).
The squadrons of CVW-11 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 (VAW) 117;
the “Red Devils” of Marine Corps Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 232; the
“Black Ravens” of Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 135; the “Providers”
of Carrier Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30; the “Indians” of
Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 6; as well as the “Scorpions” of
Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 49; the “Easy Riders” of
HSL-37; and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11, Det. 3.
All six ships are operating as a part of the U.S. 7th Fleet and recently
participated in Exercise Valiant Shield 2007, Aug. 7-14, along with the
Kitty Hawk and John C. Stennis CSGs.
Valiant Shield 2007 was a joint U.S. exercise with a focus on integrated
training among U.S. military forces. This training enables real-world
proficiency in sustaining joint forces and in detecting, locating,
tracking and engaging units at sea, in the air, on land, and in
cyberspace in response to range of mission areas.
All of the ships, except Chafee, departed their homeport of San Diego
April 2 on a regularly scheduled deployment. The Hawaii-based Chafee
departed its homeport of Pearl Harbor April 9. Nimitz arrived in the
U.S. 5th Fleet (C5F) area of operations (AOR) in May. While operating in
C5F AOR, CVW-11 flew more than 2,600 sorties and 7,332 hours in support
of ground forces participating in Operations Enduring Freedom in
Afghanistan and Iraqi Freedom in Iraq before leaving the Persian Gulf in
late July.
Operating in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, the U.S. 7th Fleet is
the largest of the forward-deployed U.S. fleets covering 52 million
square miles, with approximately 50 ships, 120 aircraft and more than
22,000 Sailors and Marines assigned at any given time.
These forces are tangible proof of America’s commitment to peace and
stability, and they directly support U.S. national goals of
strengthening alliances, defeating global terrorism, preventing future
terrorist attacks, defusing regional conflicts and preserving the free
flow of trade.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Putin: Russia Will Be World's Largest Military Aircraft Maker
Wednesday,
August 22, 2007
Russian President
Vladimir Putin said Tuesday he is determined to make
Russia the world’s leading producer of military aircraft, the
Guardian reports.
Putin said
Russian-made aircraft would be a priority after decades of taking a back
seat to the West.
"Russia has a very
important goal, which is to retain leadership in the production of
military equipment," said Putin, who made his comments during Russia’s
airshow.
The announcement
comes amid tense relationships with the West and just a week after he
said long-range missions were to resume, with patrols flying over the
Atlantic,
Pacific and
Arctic for the first time since 1992. The strategic bomber
aircraft are capable of hitting the United States with a nuclear weapon.
Russian officials
hinted production of Tu-160 and Tu-95 strategic nuclear bombers could be
resuming soon since the aircraft are flying "combat missions" and would
be used as a "means of strategic deterrence," presidential aide
Alexander Burutin told Interfax.
Putin also said
Russia would resume the large-scale manufacture of civilian planes.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Russia steps up
military expansion
Luke Harding in Moscow
Wednesday August 22, 2007
The Guardian
The Russian
president, Vladimir Putin, at the MAKS-2007 international airshow.
Photograph: Dmitry Astakhov/AFP/Getty Images
Vladimir Putin
announced ambitious plans to revive Russia's military power and restore
its role as the world's leading producer of military aircraft yesterday.
Speaking at the opening of the
largest airshow in Russia's post-Soviet history, the president said he
was determined to make aircraft manufacture a national priority after
decades of lagging behind the west.
The remarks follow his decision last
week to resume long-range missions by strategic bomber aircraft capable
of hitting the US with nuclear weapons. Patrols over the Atlantic,
Pacific and Arctic began last week for the first time since 1992.
Presidential aides
hinted yesterday that Russia could shortly resume the production of
Tu-160 and Tu-95 strategic nuclear bombers, now that the aircraft are
again flying "combat missions". The bombers would be used as a "means of
strategic deterrence", a presidential aide, Alexander Burutin, told
Interfax.
Mr Putin said Russia would also
resume the large-scale manufacture of civilian planes. "Russia has a
very important goal which is to retain leadership in the production of
military equipment," he said.
The new emphasis on Russia's revived
military prowess comes against a backdrop of deteriorating relations
with the west. Mr Putin has denounced the US's missile defence plans in
Europe, scrapped an agreement with Nato on conventional armed forces,
and grabbed a large, if symbolic, chunk of the Arctic.
Yesterday a senior Russian general
warned the Czech Republic it would be making a "big mistake" if it
permitted the US to use its territory. Yuri Baluyevsky, Russia's
military chief of staff, said Prague should hold off any final decision
on the shield until after next year's US presidential elections.
"I do not exclude that a new
administration in the United States will re-evaluate the current
administration's decisions on missile defence," he said, after a meeting
in Moscow with the Czech defence minister, Martin Bartak.
Speaking at yesterday's MAKS-2007
international airshow, Mr Putin said: "Russia, as a state that has
acquired new economic capabilities, will continue to attach special
importance to high technology and development."
Analysts, however, took issue with
Mr Putin's claim that Russia was already the leading producer of
military aircraft. However, they acknowledged that Russia had developed
some impressive "technologies".
These include a new S-400 missile
and aircraft interceptor system, similar but better than the US Patriot,
and a lethal new supersonic cruise missile, the Meteorit-A.
"They have some very good kit," one
industry observer said.
Russia also used yesterday's airshow
- held at Zhukovsky, a former Soviet airbase on the leafy outskirts of
Moscow - to show off its latest generation of jet fighters.
These include an upgraded Sukhoi
jet, the SU-35, which has a new engines and a new radar system, and a
revamped "vector thrust" MIG, the MIG 29-OVT. "They are good aircraft.
The MIG can do a very lovely flip," the industry observer added.
One analyst said Mr Putin did not
want confrontation with the west but was determined to restore Russia's
strategic parity with the US.
"Russia wants balance. It wants a
strategic balance with the US," Ivan Safranchuk, a Moscow-based expert
on defence, told the Guardian.
"Russia wants to do this as cheaply
as possible. But with the Bush administration withdrawing from arms
control treaties, Russia is saying it is also ready to keep the balance
at a high level of cost."
Asked about Russia's resumption of
long-range bomber patrols, Mr Safranchuk said: "It's significant. For 15
years the political leadership was constraining the military on this.
Now it isn't."
In the 1960s and 1970s the Soviet
Union produced more civilian planes than any other country in the world
apart from the United States.
After the collapse of communism,
Russia's impoverished government drastically cut spending on its
aircraft industry. Factories producing military planes fared better than
those building civilian aircraft, mainly because of buoyant sales to
India and China. But Russia started to fall behind the west in the
design of advanced fighters and other military aircraft.
Mr Putin is now determined to make
Russia the world's third-largest manufacturer of passenger jets - after
the United States, with Boeing, and the European Union, with Airbus.
Russia's passenger airlines own
about 2,500 ageing aircraft - of which just 100 are western-made models
- although they fly one-third of all Russian passengers.
Last week Russian officials said
they planned to build 4,500 civilian aircraft by 2025, while the Kremlin
has pledged £125bn to boost the civilian industry.
As part of the plan to boost
significantly Russia's civilian aircraft industry, a new
state-controlled organisation, the United Aircraft Corporation, has been
created.
It is led by Sergei Ivanov, Russia's
hawkish first deputy prime minister, who sat next to Mr Putin during
yesterday's airshow - and the leading candidate to succeed him after
next year's presidential elections.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
CVN-21 Brings New Ideas To Help Drive Down Costs, Maintain Workforce
Story Number: NAE070803-1980
Release Date: 2007-08-03T06:35:41
By Geoff Fein
(DEFENSE DAILY 10 JUL 07)
CVN-21, the Navy's next
generation aircraft carrier, is providing the service with a lot of new
ideas and technologies including a new design effort, increased
availability, and attempts to sustain the aircraft carrier designer
workforce, a Navy official said.
Along with a crew size
that will be approximately 1,200 sailors fewer than a Nimitz-class
carriers, CVN-78, the lead ship of the USS Ford-class, is being built
around a 12-year dry docking cycle, Capt. Mike Schwartz, CVN-21 program
manager, told Defense Daily in a recent interview.
"That means we are going
to have fewer large long maintenance availabilities for this class of
ship compared to Nimitz. It's going to have more time to operate," he
said. "Those two facts alone, reduced manpower and reduced maintenance,
are going to allow us over the life of the ship to save...the number we
have been using is $5 billion per ship over the life of the ship. That's
just our calculation for the first one. You extrapolate that out to each
one and you see the value of the investment in the new design gives us.
Those manpower maintenance savings are considerable over the life of the
ship."
CVN-78 is the first
carrier designed using a three-dimension computer product model,
Schwartz added. That will give the Navy a much better design than it has
had in the past.
"That will translate into
less rework or less conflicts that show up in the dry-dock, on the
waterfront, when large hull units come together, because of that
improved design capability," he said. "I would also say the design has
been greatly simplified. We are trying to use more 'like' part numbers,
for example, fewer different sizes of valves, fewer different sizes of
piping, going with more flat shapes of steel that are easier to produce
as opposed to the molded rounded shapes that they typically used in the
past."
These improvements will
make this ship easier to construct for Northrop Grumman [NOC] Newport
News, Schwartz said. "We want to continue those efforts in the future,
for the second and third ships of the class."
The Navy is expected to
award the construction contract for CVN-78 later this year, Rear Adm.
David Architzel, program executive officer (PEO), aircraft carriers,
told Defense Daily during the same interview.
The Navy has also offered
incentives to Northrop Grumman Newport News to invest in new facilities
at their shipyard that will help them build the next generation of
carriers a lot more efficiently, Schwartz said.
One example of the effort
is the Covered Module Outfitting Facility (CMOF), which opened May 30,
he noted.
The new 1.2-acre building
is located on the company's final assembly plant, adjacent to dry dock
12, and features a retractable roof that will allow ship units to be
lifted out of the building and into the dry dock, according to the Navy.
A 600-ton section of the
future USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) will be the first unit under
construction in the facility.
Construction of the CMOF
began in 2006 and is one of four new facilities to support Ford-class
construction. These facilities, which will allow employees to work under
cover, uninterrupted by the weather, will house additional cranes used
to build pre-outfitting units to a higher degree of completion than in
the past, the Navy said.
Following through on
another significant facility improvement, Northrop Grumman will soon
begin upgrading the capacity of its 900-ton gantry crane to lift 1,050
tons, allowing for a more efficient build strategy and larger, heavier
crane lifts for the future aircraft carrier, the Navy said.
"All of these things are
going to contribute to a much better construction process and better
working conditions down there. All that translates into savings in the
construction," Schwartz said. "As we are looking closely at the second
ship of the class, CVN-79, we want to incentivize them to come up with
further producability improvements that would continue to drive the cost
down."
Another cost-savings
measure was the decision to build the first three Ford-class carriers,
CVN-78, 79 and 80, the same, Schwartz said.
"Our strategy now is that
the first three ships of the class will be fairly similar. We did that
as a cost reduction. This program strategy has always been to start out
meeting the threshold capability and then spiral in new capability
across the class," Architzel said. "We are going to build the first
three ships as fairly similar, modified repeats if you will, and then
the next opportunity to spiral in new technology into the class will be
in the fourth ship of the class, CVN-81."
The first three ships
will be bought at four-year intervals starting in 2008.
Schwartz said the Navy is
convinced that telling the industrial base that the service is buying
those ships in four year intervals allows industry to right size its
workforce, to gear up and prepare for the volume of production the
shipbuilders will need to support CVN-78. "That is a huge advantage for
the industrial base."
"If you look at [CVN-76,
the USS Ronald Reagan] and [CVN-77, the USS George H.W. Bush], there was
a five-year gap to [CVN-76] and a six-year gap to [CVN-77] and now a
seven-year gap to [CVN-78]. As you start to extend that out, you start
to lose skilled workers at the shipyards and the industrial base tends
to dry up," Schwartz explained. "When there is no work for them to do,
[when] they are not supplying all the valves and cables and steel, that
[workforce] tends to dry up and it costs you more to go gear that up
again."
One effort the Navy is
pursuing should help the industrial base retain not only aircraft
carrier designers, but submarine designers as well, Schwartz said.
There is no new submarine
design for the first time in the history of naval nuclear power, one
industry official said earlier this year (Defense Daily, March 21).
PEO Carriers and PEO
Submarines have formed the Joint Executive Management (JEM) team that is
exploring how the Navy can collaborate with the entire nuclear
industrial base that designs submarines and nuclear aircraft carriers.
Submarines and nuclear aircraft carriers have many things in common,
including the skills of many of the designers, Schwartz added.
"We are partnering with [PEO
Submarines] to look at how we can get our work done right now and as the
design of the carrier finishes they can move into work on new
submarines," he said. "In fact we took a lot of the submarine designers
who were just finishing their wok in the Virginia-class, for example,
and they were able to migrate over and work on our project. If you are
able to share that resource and level that workload, you don't lose the
workforce. In fact you take advantage of it."
The Nimitz-class is
really the last time the Navy did any significant research and
development work, design work, in at least 40 years, Architzel noted.
"The
people that did a lot of that design work are not around here today. We
have gone to where we can get submarine design folks that have that
talent and we are encouraging, through our cooperation with PEO Carriers
and PEO Submarines, [to see] how can we continue this effort to share
this design workforce," he said. "It is very critical to maintain this
capability for the Navy, so you want to have it there. If you allow it
to atrophy to the point where you didn't have it, then if you want to
reconstitute it, it's not like you'll turn a switch and it will be
there. You have to have people doing that work. Ensuring that we can get
that cross-population of talent and experience is what we want to
continue to do."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Stennis, CVW-9 Return to San Diego
Story Number: NNS070827-25
Release Date: 8/27/2007 5:59:00 PM
By
Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Christopher Gethings, USS
John C. Stennis Public Affairs
SAN
DIEGO (NNS) -- The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSSG) returned
to San Diego Aug. 27, marking the successful end of deployment for
Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 and the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG
54).
While deployed, JCSSG supported Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF) and
Iraqi Freedom (OIF), maritime security operations, coalition operations
in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO), Expeditionary Strike
Force training and most recently, Exercise Valiant Shield 2007.
JCSSG departed San Diego Jan. 20 and entered the 5th Fleet’s AOO one
month later, where the strike group spent five months supporting OEF and
OIF.
“The performance of the John C. Stennis Strike Group has been
magnificent,” said Commander, Carrier Strike Group 3 Rear Adm. Kevin M.
Quinn. “I couldn’t be more proud of them. Contributing to security and
stability in the Middle East, as well as the Pacific is one of the most
important missions of the United States Navy.”
Stennis, CVW-9 and the strike group supported combat operations over
Afghanistan from the North Arabian Sea, and over Iraq from the Persian
Gulf while in 5th Fleet. During OIF and OEF, CVW-9 flew approximately
8,000 sorties providing more than 22,000 flight hours, dropped more than
160 bombs and expended more than 11,000 rounds of ammunition during 82
strafing runs.
“The operations we did for our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, we did
those in support of troops on the ground, troops in contact with enemy
forces, and our aircraft came in and provided the support they needed,
which in some cases was the difference between life and death for our
troops,” added Quinn. “Through [CVW-9’s] precision bombing and their
precision strafing in support of troops on the ground, they helped
achieve our national objectives in that area and more importantly, they
helped save the lives of our troops who were in direct contact with the
enemy in Afghanistan.”
While supporting combat operations, CVW-9 conducted a variety of
missions, including close-air support for troops in combat on the
ground, command and control operations as well as surface search and
surveillance, ensuring the safe operation of the strike group at sea.
“The missions we sent into Afghanistan and Iraq and the strong presence
we established in the Persian Gulf made a very significant difference in
providing security and stability to the entire region,” said Stennis’
Commanding Officer, Capt. Brad Johanson.
As a Combined Forces Air Component Command asset, CVW-9 integrated
closely with multinational coalition forces to prevent and counter
attacks. The carrier-based aircraft provided close air-power support and
delivered ordnance on enemy positions designated by ground forces.
“CVW-9 provided a variety of efforts both kinetic and non-kinetic,” said
Capt. Sterling Gilliam, commander, CVW-9. “We were tasked with close-air
support, reconnaissance and other tactical missions while operating in
support of OEF and OIF.”
Along with five months of combat operations in 5th Fleet, JCSSG also
participated in a number of exercises during its deployment, such as a
unique humanitarian relief exercise in the Persian Gulf, dual-carrier
exercises with USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and Expeditionary
Strike Force training with USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and USS Bonhomme Richard
(LHD 6) while simultaneously providing close-air support to coalition
ground forces in support of OEF and OIF.
“The support for the troops on the ground and in combat is by far the
most significant thing we did,” Gilliam said. “But what I really am
proud of, is that from the moment we pushed away from the pier, we took
an aggressive operational mindset to make sure that we were combat ready
and kept it until our mission was complete.”
Antietam served as the air defense commander for Stennis during JCSSG’s
deployment.
“Antietam performed outstandingly across the board,” said Quinn. “She
was right there with us in the North Arabian Sea when we were conducting
strike operations into Afghanistan, literally saving the lives of our
troops on the ground. She was with us when we transited the Straits of
Hormuz and went up to the North Persian Gulf to conduct operations in
support of our troops on the ground in Iraq. She also participated in
several multinational exercises to develop the capabilities of those
regional navies.”
After successfully completing operations in the 5th Fleet AOO July 11,
JCSSG sailed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility where Sailors
and Marines enjoyed port visits in Singapore and Hong Kong and
participated in more than 20 community relations projects.
Following the visit to Hong Kong, JCSSG participated in exercise Valiant
Shield 2007 off the coast of Guam from Aug. 7 to Aug. 14. The joint
military exercise brought together more than 30 ships including the
Kitty Hawk and Nimitz Carrier Strike Groups, 280 aircraft and more than
20,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast
Guard. Valiant Shield tested the military’s ability to rapidly bring
together joint forces in response to any regional contingency,
demonstrating the United States’ commitment to ensuring peace and
stability throughout the Asian-Pacific region.
Next on Stennis’ plate is a docked, planned, incremental availability
period where it will go through about six months of maintenance and
upgrades.
CVW-9 will also go through some changes before embarking Stennis again:
Sea Control Squadron (VS) 31 will disestablish, Strike Fighter Squadron
(VFA) 147 will transition from the F/A-18C Hornet to the F/A-18E Super
Hornet, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 8 will become Helicopter
Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8, transitioning from the SH-60 Seahawk to the
H-60S Knight Hawk, and CVW-9 will welcome Helicopter Maritime Strike
Squadron 71, who fly the MH-60R helicopters.
Gilliam said the rest of the squadrons will take their lessons learned
from this deployment and begin preparing for when CVW-9 embarks Stennis
again next year during work-ups.
JCSSG includes the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN
74), embarked CVW-9, Destroyer Squadron 21, the guided-missile cruiser
Antietam, the guided-missile destroyers USS O’Kane (DDG 77), USS Preble
(DDG 88) and USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) and the fast combat support ship
USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10). More than 6,500 Sailors and Marines are assigned
to JCSSG.
The squadrons of CVW-9 include: the “Black Knights” of VFA-154, “Blue
Diamonds” of VFA-146, “Argonauts” of VFA-147, “Death Rattlers” of Marine
Strike Fighter Squadron 323, “Yellow Jackets” of Electronic Attack
Squadron 138, “Golden Hawks” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron
112, “Top Cats” of VS-31, “Eightballers” of HS-8 and “Providers” of
Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30.
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