Posted on 09/05/2006 2:54:19 PM PDT by Excuse_My_Bellicosity
Story Number: NNS060905-09
Release Date: 9/5/2006 2:19:00 PM
USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- Aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 stationed aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) provided support to International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops on the ground as part of Operation Medusa in Afghanistan that began Sept. 3.
In concert with coalition air forces, F/A-18C Hornets from the “Sidewinders” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86, based in Beaufort, S.C., conducted precision strikes on a known Taliban position near Kandahar.
The “Sidewinders” joined other coalition and Enterprise-based aircraft that have conducted strikes in southern Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom while protecting ISAF ground troops. Other CVW-1 aircraft continue to fly command and control, surveillance and reconnaissance and aerial tanking missions.
“The Enterprise Strike Group team is prepared to effectively support ground forces in Operation Enduring Freedom by whatever means are possible,” said Capt. Mark Wralstad, commander, CVW-1. “Our air power, combined with the effectiveness of the ground forces, is proving to be a substantial force.”
Recently, Taliban extremists operating in the vicinity of Kandahar have employed new, more aggressive tactics, including suicide bombings on unprotected civilian targets. The air strikes underscore the success Enterprise-based aircraft have had working with ISAF troops on the ground since the strike group’s arrival in the theater Aug. 28.
“Enterprise Strike Group returned to this theater less than a week ago, but ready to accomplish any mission at any time,” said Rear Adm. Ray Spicer, commander, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group. “Whether we are protecting coalition troops on the ground, conducting planned strikes on known terrorist sites or providing support for humanitarian relief operations, we will continue to do our part to help set the conditions for security and stability so the Afghan people have the opportunity to determine their own future.”
Since their arrival in the northern Arabian Sea, Enterprise-based aircraft have focused their efforts on protecting ISAF ground forces near Kandahar.
In addition to the “Sidewinders” of VFA-86, other squadrons of CVW-1 include the “Checkmates” of VFA-211, the “Knighthawks” of VFA-136, the “Thunderbolts” of Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 251, the “Screwtops” of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123, the “Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137, the “Maulers” of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 32, the “Rawhides” of Carrier Logistics Support (VRC) 40, and the “Dragonslayers” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 11.
The Enterprise Strike Group is currently operating in the northern Arabian Sea in support of maritime security operations and Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.
For related news, visit the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cusnc/.
Photon torpedoes or phasers?
Ping, Navy, Unofficial.
Is using billion-dollar weaponry to attack yurt-dwellers with AK-47s a 'proportionate response?" Israel wants to know.
Gotta wonder if that ship's chief engineer always gets called "Scotty."
Just wondering - are we basing strike aircraft on the ground in Afghanistan?
Lock phasers and have the photon torpedoes on standby, Mr. Chekov.
Way to go, Big E!
Way to go, Big E!
Target practice for the "squeeze play" on Iran!
Good point; but there are also neighboring and not so neighboring countries.
Today, as you go about your daily business, give a thought to the poor SOBs sweating away down in the depths of #4 MMR.
Sail on, Big E.
B-Chan
Former MM3, USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65)
And yes, I feel for the guys sweating their butts off in the MMR, which I did plenty of on the GW. The chowdales thought it was hot topside. Try making a day of it in the engine room while the boat is in the Caribbean or Persian Gulf.
Ping to real-life good stuff for your namesake.
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