Posted on 10/22/2005 3:41:41 PM PDT by SandRat
ABOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (NNS) -- Aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 stationed aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) continued to provide support to coalition troops on the ground in Iraq Oct. 19.
F-14 Tomcats from Fighter Squadron (VF) 31 conducted precision strikes on a known Improvised Explosive Device (IED) production facility northeast of Baghdad. The fighter jets joined a handful of other Roosevelt-based aircraft this week that have conducted strikes in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom while protecting coalition ground troops.
IEDs have been one of the biggest threats to coalition ground forces since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The airstrikes underscore the success that Roosevelt-based aircraft have had working with coalition troops on the ground in the last several weeks.
“We are happy with what we have been able to bring to the fight since our arrival in the theater a few weeks ago,” said Rear Adm. James A. Winnefeld, commander, Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group. “Whether we are hitting targets of opportunity called in from our troops on the ground, or conducting pre-planned strikes on known terrorist sites, we will continue to do whatever is necessary to protect our ground forces. At the same time, we will continue to do our part to help set the conditions for security and stability so the Iraqi people have the opportunity to determine their own future.”
Other CVW-8 aircraft continue to fly missions such as convoy escorting, patrolling oil pipelines and protecting new construction.
Since their arrival in the Persian Gulf, Roosevelt-based aircraft have provided close air support to coalition troops in the vicinities of Al Hillah, Al Mansuriyah, Baquba, Basrah, Kirkuk, Madain, Mosul and Tall Afar.
The Theodore Roosevelt Strike Group is currently operating in the Persian Gulf in support of maritime security operations and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Carrier Air Wing PING!
If these were known facilities preparing IED's why didnt ground troops just watch them and kill everyone coming or going, in or out?
I gues you are right, but somehow when I see stories of insurgents and bomb making I want to see those people dead. Those manufacturers of American deaths need killing.
/john
I suspect that will come out eventually.
With the Cats last days coming very soon - Such a terrible decision to not have updated the F-14 (and to have gone solely with the F-18's) - I love the 18's but they are not a true replacement -
Small dirty secret is many SOF on the ground put in request for F-14's not 18's for CAS standbys - (and that is the F-14 secondary role and the 18's primary to boot!).
One of VP (then SecDef) worst decisions while in Gov't office - Shutting down the F-14 program.
GOD BLESS them ALL, they are the BEST of the BEST. There is a lot less IED's that will hurt our GUYS. God Bless America and ALL who have and will defend HER!
Lets see how the mainstream media will spin this.
"Evil imperialist destroy schools in downtown Baghdad".
We should start a pool on what scumbag journalist does it first.
"Iraqi civilians killed by US forces..."
Want to start a pool on how long it takes for some Islamonutjob to claim that Hurricane Wilma was ordered to hit Mexico first because they came to help us after Katrina.
The Big Stick strikes again...
And then the Stupid ASS Navy is going to Decom ALL F-14 Tomcats in favor of the fuel hog and no legs F/A-18.
Heh, heh, heh. Two days in a row that you have highlighted ships I've served on. I spent 3 yrs on the TR after I left the Ike. Thanks for posting this.
How 'bout that! A old Army Retiree finding stories on Ships that a Navy Freeper served on.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.