TR Completes Fifth Fleet Mission (USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71))

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and associated strike group units completed their support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) when the carrier and USS San Jacinto (CG 56) transited the Suez Canal Feb. 15 as they continue their return trip home.

However, detachments from Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 and Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87, and VFA 15, remain in the Fifth Fleet area of responsibility in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and will rejoin the carrier and its associated air wing, Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8), later this month.

The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is scheduled to relieve Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group, which has been operating in theater since early October.

“I'm very pleased with the performance of the entire strike group team,” said Rear Adm. James A. Winnefeld, Commander, Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group. “Our Sailors have been able to achieve impressive effects in virtually every corner of the Fifth Fleet maritime environment, in the skies over Iraq supporting U.S. and coalition troops and through their exceptional conduct while on liberty ashore.”

While in theater, Theodore Roosevelt and CVW-8, successfully launched both carrier and land-based flight operations in support of OIF and MSO.

“Ingenuity and determination can go a long way,” said Capt. William G. Sizemore II, Commander, Carrier Air Wing 8.

“We increased our effectiveness by setting up both permanent and temporary detachments, and we managed to find ways to expand our support without taking away from our mission capabilities.”

Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 split the operations of its EA-6B Prowlers between TR and its detachment at an air base inside Iraq, allowing for readily available in-country air support.

Sea Control Squadron (VS) 24 successfully divided the use of its S-3B Vikings to support both CVW-8 and British ground forces of Multi-National Division-Southeast (MND-SE) in southeast Iraq. Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 3 provided support for troops operating in MND-SE as well.

F-14 Tomcats assigned to Fighter Squadrons (VF) 213 and 31, as well as F/A-18s assigned to Strike Fighter Squadrons (VFA) 15 and 87, were also key factors to the mission's success with their reconnaissance, surveillance, and close air support missions.

During TR's Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, port visit during the Thanksgiving holiday week, VFA-15 and 87 personnel continued to provide air support from an air base in Iraq.

“The team effort of TR and CVW-8 during the past four months has been vital not only to our success, but also to the success of the ground forces in Iraq,” said Capt. J.R. Haley, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) commanding officer.

“Our efforts have saved the lives of the Marines and Soldiers on the ground. We made a difference to them – and to the people they are fighting for.”

USS Theodore Roosevelt and CVW-8 launched more than 5,500 sorties, totaling over 21,000 flight hours in support of OIF and MSO while in theater.

USS San Jacinto (CG 56), USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), and USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) experienced much success in their efforts to deny terrorist organizations use of the maritime environment to support their operations while keeping waters safe for merchant traffic and fishing vessels.

Boarding teams from each ship conducted Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations monitoring vessels to ensure the legitimate use of international waters in the Gulf, while at the same time building relations with local mariners by providing first aid, mechanical assistance and even food from time to time.

All three ships also conducted operations in the Northern Arabian Gulf where they provided protection in Iraqi territorial waters and for their two major oil terminals – Al Basrah and Khawr Al Amaya. Both terminals combined generate 85 percent of Iraq's gross national product.

The efforts of Oscar Austin, Donald Cook and San Jacinto have been effective and demonstrate TRCSG's team effort in the Arabian Gulf region, both on land and at sea.

“The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group played a key role in one of the monumental moments in our country's history,” said Vice Adm. Patrick Walsh, Commander, U.S. Fifth Fleet. “Their responsibility, reach, and influence will have lasting effects on future generations.

“There is only one thing tougher than being out here, and that is not being here, and saying no to the chance to make a contribution to this important, critical mission. The Sailors of Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group said yes to that chance, made a difference, and should be proud of what they've accomplished.”

To: 2LT Radix jr; 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub; 80 Square Miles; A Ruckus of Dogs; acad1228; AirForceMom; ..

NAVAL AVIATION PINGS

2 posted on 02/15/2006 3:33:45 PM PST by SandRat (Duty, Honor, Country. What else needs to be said?)

3 posted on 02/15/2006 3:42:44 PM PST by AZRepublican ("The degree in which a measure is necessary can never be a test of the legal right to adopt it.")

An F-14D Tomcat aircraft prepares to make an arrested landing on the flight deck aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Jan. 6, 2005. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is currently under way in the Persian Gulf on a regularly scheduled deployment supporting maritime security operations.
Thank You For Serving our Country

4 posted on 02/15/2006 4:04:57 PM PST by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES)

TR's first deployment was in the first half of '89, to the Med. We had Air Wing 8 then, too.

CAW-8 had VF-84 Jolly Rogers and VF-41 Black Aces as their F-14's, then.

Probably the last deployment CAW-8 will have F-14's.

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