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Reagan Carrier Strike Group Launches First Air Missions in Support of OIF
Reagan Carrier Strike Group Launches First Air Missions in Support of OIF
By Journalist 2nd Class (SW/AW)
Shane Tuck, USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs.
Persian Gulf -- (NNS)
February 24, 2006 -- F/A-18E Super Hornets assigned to the “Eagles” of Strike
Fighter Attack Squadron (VFA) 115 became the first aircraft launched from the
flight deck of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) to drop ordnance on enemy
targets in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom Feb. 22.
A F/A-18E Super Hornet
tanker assigned to the “Eagles” of Strike Fighter Squadron One One Five
(VFA-115) launches from the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) to support other aircrafts with fuel during flight
operations. Reagan is currently deployed on her maiden deployment conducting
Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the region and participating in the global
war on terrorism.
U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Aaron Burden
Reagan is the Navy’s newest Nimitz-class nuclear
powered aircraft carrier and is currently on its maiden deployment.
Commissioned in 2003, the San Diego-based aircraft carrier is part of a
routine rotation of U.S. maritime forces in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of
operations.
“Our air wing is comprised of the most advanced aircraft in
the world and is a key player in deterring aggression from the insurgency within
Iraq,” said Rear Adm. Michael H. Miller, commander, Carrier Strike Group 7.
“With the speed, agility and persistence of the modern carrier strike group, we
intend to make a difference in helping to set the conditions for security and
stability.”
According to Miller, an important part of the strike group’s mission in the
Persian Gulf is to support troops on the ground while they work to provide
training and support to Iraqi forces.
“The coalition efforts are designed to enable Iraqis to defeat the insurgency by
building their own security force and political process,” he said. “Our goal is
to enable the Iraqis to rebuild and secure their country with assistance from
the United States and coalition forces.”
Capt. Terry Kraft, Reagan’s commanding officer, emphasized that the Reagan
Carrier Strike Group has trained for months, and the officers and crew are
prepared to successfully carry out any mission. The strike group is committed to
setting conditions for security and stability within Iraq and providing the
Iraqi people with the best opportunity for self-determination.
“This is where the rubber meets the road,” said Kraft. “Conducting operations in
the Arabian Gulf is the culmination of our training.”
Flight deck personnel
perform a final pre-flight check of an E-2C Hawkeye assigned to the "Black
Eagles" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron One One Three (VAW-113) on the flight
deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Reagan
is currently deployed on her maiden deployment conducting Maritime Security
Operations (MSO) in the region and participating in the global war on terrorism.
U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Christopher D.
Blachly
The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is currently
supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, as well as
conducting maritime security operations (MSO) in the Persian Gulf. MSO set the
conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as
complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. MSO
deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for
attack or to transport personnel, weapons and other material.
An F/A-18C assigned to the
"Stingers" of Strike Fighter Squadron One One Three (VFA-113) launch from the
flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).
Reagan is currently deployed on her maiden deployment conducting Maritime
Security Operations (MSO) in the region and participating in the global war on
terrorism.
U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer's Mate Spike Call
The Ronald Reagan Strike Group is comprised of Carrier Air
Wing (CVW) 14, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, the nuclear-powered aircraft
carrier Reagan, the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain
(CG 57), the guided-missile destroyers USS McCampbell (DDG 85) and USS
Decatur (DDG 73), the fast-combat support ship USS Rainer (T-AOE
7), and Explosives Ordnance Disposal Unit 11, Det. 15.
The squadrons of CVW-14 include the “Redcocks” of VFA-22, the
“Fist of the Fleet” of VFA-25, the “Stingers” of VFA-113, the “Eagles” of
VFA-115, the “Black Eagles” of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113, the
“Cougars” of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 139, the “Providers” of
Carrier Logistics Support (VRC) 30, and the “Black Knights” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine
Squadron (HS) 4.
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