USS Enterprise Aircraft Strike Enemy in Iraq

Navy News Stand ^ | Nov. 24, 2003 | USS Enterprise Public Affairs

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Official U.S. Navy file photo of an F/A-18 Hornet.
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USS Enterprise Aircraft Strike Enemy in Iraq
Story Number: NNS031124-08
Release Date: 11/24/2003 9:31:00 AM

From USS Enterprise Public Affairs

ABOARD USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- Strike fighter aircraft from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, flying from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) in the North Arabian Gulf, attacked enemy targets near Kirkuk, Iraq, Nov. 19 in support of Operation Iron Hammer.

After flying complex missions over both Afghanistan and Iraq in recent weeks, this strike was the carrier’s first use of precision-guided ammunition in the Kirkuk region.

Two VMFA-312 F/A-18 Hornet strike fighters from Enterprise’s embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 each dropped a 1,000-pound Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) in the attack, destroying an enemy position. Ground troops operating in the area had taken fire from that enemy position in recent days.

“The systems worked as advertised,” said Marine Capt. James W. Smith, 31, of Ridgeweood, N.J., one of the two aviators involved in the mission. “It went very well, very methodically – from ‘talk on,’ to delivery to the egress.” Marine Capt. Wade E. Wiegel, 32, of Sac City,
Iowa, flew the other Hornet.

Enterprise deployed with three Hornet squadrons, one of which is the “Checkerboards” of VMFA-312, based at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C.

“Personally, it’s a reminder of how proud I am to be a Checkerboard with CVW-1,” Smith said. “It’s exciting to be part of the first squadron aboard Enterprise to engage the enemy.”

Enterprise is the Navy’s only aircraft carrier currently deployed to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility. Since arriving in theater, Enterprise aircraft supported the hunt for terrorists with Joint Task Force 150 near the Horn of Africa. They also provided close air support and airborne command and control to Army and Special Operations Forces combating Taliban and anti-coalition militias in Afghanistan.

“Once again, the Marines led the way into combat,” said Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Commander, Rear Adm. James G. Stavridis. “The Navy-Marine Corps team has never been stronger, and our partnership in Enterprise speaks to that. I couldn’t be prouder of these brave Marines and the leadership they’ve shown.”

For related news, visit the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/ Commander, 5th Fleet Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cusnc.

[BOBTHENAILER]

"I got a Hammer!"

Hammer in the morning, hammer in the evening, hammer at supper time.

They gonna do a lot of hammerin', and make them toe the line.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

ABOARD USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- Strike fighter aircraft from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, flying from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) in the North Arabian Gulf, attacked enemy targets near Kirkuk, Iraq, Nov. 19 in support of Operation Iron Hammer.

After flying complex missions over both Afghanistan and Iraq in recent weeks, this strike was the carrier’s first use of precision-guided ammunition in the Kirkuk region.

~~~~~~

 

Unwavering heroes at work.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Grampa Dave]

I figured that Bob the Nailer might have the words to go with, "I got a hammer!"

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Encore:

	Official U.S. Navy file photo of an F/A-18 Hornet patroling airspace near the North Arabian Sea. Two Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312 F/A-18 Hornets aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) attacked enemy targets near Kirkuk, Iraq, in support of Operation Ivy Cyclone. The strike was the carrier’s second use of precision-guided munitions in the past five days.
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USS Enterprise Aircraft Strike Again in Iraq
Story Number: NNS031124-11
Release Date: 11/24/2003 5:55:00 PM

From USS Enterprise Public Affairs

ABOARD USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- Strike fighter aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, flying from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) in the North Arabian Gulf, attacked enemy targets near Kirkuk, Iraq, Nov. 23, in support of Operation Ivy Cyclone.

Two Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312 F/A-18 Hornet strike fighters from Enterprise’s embarked Carrier Air Wing 1 each dropped a 1,000-pound Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) in the attack, striking an enemy position.

This strike was the carrier’s second use of precision-guided munitions in the past five days.

Enterprise deployed with three Hornet squadrons, one of which is the “Checkerboards” of VMFA-312, based at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C. All aircraft involved in the strike returned safely to Enterprise.

Enterprise is the Navy’s only aircraft carrier currently deployed in the global war on terror.

For related news, visit the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/ Commander, 5th Fleet Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cusnc.

[blackie]

USS Enterprise Aircraft Strike Enemy in Iraq ~ Bump!

[microgood]

I worked on this aircraft carrier it is the oldest and fastest in the fleet.

Me too. It is definitely the fastest but I think Kitty Hawk is in Yokosuka, Japan and is a few years older (Japan does not like Nuc Carriers).

[Grampa Dave]

Bumping the News of one of the Navy's oldest and maybe still the fastest carrier.

[ArrogantBustard]

Here, we have one carrier which was launched in 1960 blasting Islamofascists in Iraq,

She's about the same age as her commander, and older than most of the crew. And still going strong.

[Al B.]

Bumping the News of one of the Navy's oldest and maybe still the fastest carrier.

And according to her captain in her "best condition in decades" after 16 months in dry dock.

Photo of the Big E taken 9/21/2003 working up before deployment:

[rmlew]

Why is a marine squadron operating from a carrier and not from Iraq?

[PhiKapMom]

Thanks for the post! Glad to see we are back in the air.

[McGavin999]

Hmmmm, taking out those creeps and getting in some practice as well. I just love efficiency.

[mhking]

USS Enterprise aircraft (does that include shuttle craft?)

Just damn.

If you want on the new list, FReepmail me. This IS a high-volume PING list...

[prairiebreeze]

Big ol' Bump for our Awesome Military!!

[tubebender]

Since arriving in theater, Enterprise aircraft supported the hunt for terrorists with Joint Task Force 150 near the Horn of Africa.

I have been known to sleep through earthquakes but how in the hell did I sleep through that...

[Mr. Silverback]

Well, at least we know Capt. Picard wasn't on the bridge that day... ...he would have just talked at the enemy incessantly.

Au contraire, mon frere!

The first way you can tell that Trek TNG is science fiction is that it features a Frenchman who knows how to open a big ol' can of Smite^TM.

If you don't believe me, rent First Contact and watch him go after the Borg. You'd almost think the boy was Scottish.

[Mr. Silverback]

Here are a couple of photos and a news story from the Big E's last cruise...

U.S. Navy introduces new "Terrorist Catch and Release Program"

The Pentagon revealed today that four high-ranking Taliban prisoners suspected of having close ties to Osama bin Laden and his al Qaeda terrorist network were released from custody early this morning.

The prisoners were captured during the furious battle at Tora Bora in Afghanistan during December, 2001 and had been held captive for CIA, DIA and FBI intelligence debriefings for nearly thirteen months aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65).

The prisoners were provided $50 cash each and a white 1963 Ford Fairlane for their return trip home to Saudi Arabia.

Navy photographers aboard the Enterprise captured the following photo as the prisoners departed the ship.

[Mr. Silverback]

Check Post 37 for a photo and news story from Enterprise's last cruise. Definitely good for a laugh!

[BOBTHENAILER]

The prisoners were captured during the furious battle at Tora Bora in Afghanistan during December, 2001 and had been held captive for CIA, DIA and FBI intelligence debriefings for nearly thirteen months aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65).

Ah yes, so now we know the tender questions that were asked...and answered.

[doug from upland]

Now that is funny.