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.

[Physicist]

attacked enemy targets near Kirkuk

Is that near Spockuk?

[Frank_Discussion]

I don't know, but I'm betting it's need a lot of Bones...

[Frank_Discussion]

need = near

(My coffee buffer just timed out...)

[Hodar]

Yo, Mohammed .... ya'all keep them orders for 72 raisens a'coming, okay?

[VRWCmember]

The neighboring McCoyuk often feuds with Spockuk.

[r9etb]

Is that near Spockuk?

Yup. I think it's about 18 km east of Landrul.

[hannityforpres08]

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

[Enterprise]

Go Enterprise! Kick some raki ass!

[Armedanddangerous]

Mr Sulu, fire a full pattern burst of pigfat photon torpedoes.

[Orangedog]

It's worse than that, he's dead, Jim!

[doug from upland]

Townhall Meeting, Jan. 2002, Ontario, CA..... my moment in the sun executing a friendly FReep ---

Q. First, sir, a message from the crew that just recently returned from the U.S.S. Enterprise. My son-in-law was aboard that. From the last man and woman on that crew, they are honored to call you their Commander in Chief.

The President. Okay. (note: he almost is brought to tears)

Q. And my question, sir, after you make Tommy Daschle go to his room for being bad, tell us something about your plans to end our dependency on foreign oil.

[AzSteven]

Mr Sulu, fire a full pattern burst of pigfat photon torpedoes.

The hideous wet, slapping sound they make on impact is particularly demoralizing even to those not spattered...

[rightcoast]

[nuconvert]

Pong

[Hodar]

Mr. Chekov reported that the planes were staged from a "Nuclear Wessel".

[Republican Red]

Then there is the southside residents Uhurauks. They usually side with the Kirkuks.

[BOBTHENAILER]

The neighboring McCoyuk often feuds with Spockuk.

Until tribal chieftan Achmed Checkov intervened. He threatened a lot of dead Ramallahans.

[AngryJawa]

Well, at least we know Capt. Picard wasn't on the bridge that day...

...he would have just talked at the enemy incessantly.

[Grampa Dave]

Our Navy today is truly awesome.

Here, we have one carrier blasting Islamofascists in Iraq,
Afghanistan and apparently doing other anti terrorist hammering near the Horn of Africa.

"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."

Go Navy/Marines! Share the Holiday Season! Reach out and "touch a terrorist" anywhere in that region. Maybe the theme song for this cruise of the Big E, should be "I got a Hammer!"