Enterprise F/A-18s Strike Enemy Mortar Position in Iraq

Enterprise F/A-18s Strike Enemy Mortar Position in Iraq
Story Number: NNS040112-02
Release Date: 1/12/2004 9:11:00 AM

From Commander, Joint Forces Maritime Component/Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet 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 an enemy mortar position near Balad, Iraq, north of Baghdad, Jan. 9, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Two Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86 F/A-18 Hornets from Enterprise’s embarked carrier air wing each dropped a 1,000-pound Joint Direct Attack Munition in the attack, striking the enemy position.

This strike was the carrier’s first use of precision-guided munitions since the beginning of the new year. Enterprise strike fighters last struck a target in Iraq Nov. 28.

Enterprise deployed with three Hornet squadrons, one of which is the “Sidewinders” of VFA-86, based at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C. The aircraft involved in Friday’s strike returned safely to Enterprise.

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

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.

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Image: 040105-N-9742R-001.jpg
Description: Aviation Ordnanceman Jeffrey W. Brannon, from Panama City, Fla., and fellow Aviation Ordnancemen load a laser guided bomb onto an F-14.

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040105-N-9742R-001 Arabian Gulf (Jan. 5, 2004) -- Aviation Ordnanceman Jeffrey W. Brannon, from Panama City, Fla., and fellow Aviation Ordnancemen load a laser guided bomb onto an F-14 Tomcat assigned to the Checkmates of Fighter Squadron Two One One (VF-211) aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65). The Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is currently deployed conducting missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the continued war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Milosz Reterski. (RELEASED)

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Image: 040107-N-3799S-002.jpg
Description: An F/A-18 Hornet assigned to the Marauders of Strike Fighter Squadron Eight Two (VFA-82) on patrol

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040107-N-3799S-002 Central Command Area of Responsibility (Jan. 7, 2004) -- An F/A-18 Hornet assigned to the “Marauders” of Strike Fighter Squadron Eight Two (VFA-82) on patrol. The aircraft is carrying a Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) on its left wing pylon and a laser guided bomb on its right wing pylon. VFA-82 is deployed with Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Carrier Strike Group (CSG), conducting missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the continued war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Perry Solomon. (RELEASED)

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Image: 040107-N-7278A-001.jpg
Description: An F/A 18 Hornet assigned to the Checkerboards of Marine Strike Fighter Squadron Three One Two (VMFA-312) launches from one of four steam driven catapults on the flight deck aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65).

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040107-N-7278A-001 Arabian Gulf (Jan. 5, 2004) -- An F/A 18 Hornet assigned to the “Checkerboards” of Marine Strike Fighter Squadron Three One Two (VMFA-312) launches from one of four steam driven catapults on the flight deck aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) and the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (CSG) are deployed conducting missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the continued war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Lucious Alexander. (RELEASED)

1 posted on 01/12/2004 5:15:21 PM PST by Ragtime Cowgirl

To: Ragtime Cowgirl

Wow! I don't know why, but this picture is really powerful!

2 posted on 01/12/2004 5:18:23 PM PST by EggsAckley

To: Ragtime Cowgirl

3 posted on 01/12/2004 5:18:34 PM PST by brazucausa

To: Ragtime Cowgirl

I think it is a very good thing that our warplanes are on the offensive against our enemies. These are quick and agile planes and they pack a powerful punch.

4 posted on 01/12/2004 5:19:20 PM PST by SamAdams76

To: MJY1288; Calpernia; Grampa Dave; anniegetyourgun; Ernest_at_the_Beach; BOBTHENAILER; ...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
JDAM, ping!

5 posted on 01/12/2004 5:20:05 PM PST by Ragtime Cowgirl

To: Ragtime Cowgirl

Sounds like we did a little practice and sent a little message.

A ton of high explosives might do that to surviors and by bystanders.

6 posted on 01/12/2004 5:21:23 PM PST by SeeRushToldU_So (No, I don't watch rasslin'?)

To: Ragtime Cowgirl

that should put the fear in the hearts of some @#$%$#@s

7 posted on 01/12/2004 5:22:20 PM PST by camas

Hey I live quite close to NAS Oceana. Sights like that are an everyday thing. Never gets old either, especially to my 4 yr old son. :)

8 posted on 01/12/2004 5:34:14 PM PST by Severa (Wife of Freeper Hostel, USN STS3(SS) currently on 6 month deployment)

To: Ragtime Cowgirl

Hearts and minds campaign

Your heart is over here and your mind is way over there.

9 posted on 01/12/2004 5:35:00 PM PST by xzins (Retired Army and Proud of It!)

Because major TOOLS are on display

10 posted on 01/12/2004 5:44:52 PM PST by pointsal

The BIG "E" is one hell of an old warhorse. I boarded her just before she put to sea after a major refit at Bremerton Wa. in '81. Spent four years cruisin' the WestPac.

I'd surely love to spend a week on her now!

11 posted on 01/12/2004 5:46:06 PM PST by misanthrope (GO BIG "E"!!)

Sometimes they switch places and get together occasionally, lol.

12 posted on 01/12/2004 5:51:53 PM PST by Ragtime Cowgirl

To: Ragtime Cowgirl

From the Enterpirse I'd expect Photon Torpedoes or at least Phasers on stun. (Sorry, this was obligatory wasn't it?)

13 posted on 01/12/2004 5:54:58 PM PST by NonValueAdded ("Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists." GWB 9/20/01)

Yep, and "I love jet noise" bumper stickers are everywhere

14 posted on 01/12/2004 6:02:47 PM PST by dagar

15 posted on 01/12/2004 6:04:48 PM PST by mystery-ak (Mike...we are entering the home stretch)

I think this one was strictly a "mind" campaign.

16 posted on 01/12/2004 6:08:46 PM PST by Gumption

*points to her husband's car where there's said bumper sticker* But of course. :) Along with the submarine stickers. Makes for a great conversation piece.

17 posted on 01/12/2004 6:10:44 PM PST by Severa (Wife of Freeper Hostel, USN STS3(SS) currently on 6 month deployment)

LOL.

Nothing like precision bombing to change even the most resistant of minds.

18 posted on 01/12/2004 6:12:31 PM PST by xzins (Retired Army and Proud of It!)

To: Ragtime Cowgirl

After reading the headline Enterprise F/A-18s Strike Enemy Mortar Position in Iraq, my first reaction was surprise that a NAVY squadron actually hit such a small target in a Close Air Support (CAS) mission. "It must have been an embarked Marine Corps squadron," speculated I.

How wrong I was! VFA-86 are the Sidewinders -- a Navy squadron. But my skepticism was half rewarded when I noticed that VFA-86 has been homeported for the past three years at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, SC. The jarheads have obviously had a good influence on their Navy cousins! Sierra Hotel...

19 posted on 01/12/2004 6:15:59 PM PST by Always A Marine

Probably just a training run. Guaranteed there are no Iraqi mortar guys hanging around long enough for an airplane to get there--notice that the target is described as a "position". Unlikely that we will need air support in Iraq, not sufficiently responsive or precise in small unit warfare, particularly with a lot of civvies around. But you never know and, so it is important to rehearse the comms and coordination & terminal procedures every now and then.

20 posted on 01/12/2004 6:17:34 PM PST by mark502inf

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