Theodore Roosevelt Returns From Deployment

Navy NewsStand ^ | Mar 11, 2006 | Journalist 3rd Class Timothy S. Humphrey

[SandRat]

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Thousands of friends and family members gathered at Naval Station Norfolk for the return of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), March 11, following a six-month deployment to the Persian Gulf in support of the global war on terrorism.

The early morning arrival of Theodore Roosevelt didn’t deter the crowd. Family members waited in the early Saturday morning chill, anticipating the return of their loved ones.

“It’s like Christmas all over again,” said Diane Drach, mother of Machinist's Mate Fireman Ashley Drach, who is stationed aboard Theodore Roosevelt. “We are so proud of her, especially being in the Navy during a time of war.”

While deployed, Theodore Roosevelt and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 launched 5,412 sorties totaling nearly 19,362 flight hours in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Maritime Security Operations (MSO).

CVW-8 squadrons – Fighter Squadrons (VF) 213 and 31; Strike Fighter (VFA) 15 and 87; Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 124; Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 Det. 1, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 3; Sea Control Squadron (VS) 24 and Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 all returned earlier in the week to their homeports.

CVW-8 maintained around-the-clock air operations from Theodore Roosevelt and Iraqi air bases. These missions set the condition for security and stability in the region by detecting, deterring and disputing international terrorist organizations.

“We protected Soldiers and Marines on the ground, we protected Iraqi oil infrastructure, and we brought stability and security to the Arabian Gulf and the rest of the Central Command region,” said Rear Adm. James Winnefeld Jr., commander, Carrier Strike Group 2.

Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TR CSG) consists of the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt, guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56), guided-missiles destroyers USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) and USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79), Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Annapolis (SSN 760), fleet replenishment oiler USNS Kanawha (T-AO 96) and USNS Mount Baker (T-AE 34).

Spanish frigate SPS Alvaro de Bazan (F101) also conducted a cooperative deployment as an intergraded part of TR CSG. The ship returned to Ferrol, Spain, in December.

“During our time out there, we preformed infrastructure exercises, anti-piracy and security operations, and assisted foreign navies,” said Cmdr. John Esposito, Donald Cook commanding officer. “The crew was the best ever and did a great job in all facets of operations.”

With the excitement of returning home, there are some heavy hearts within VF-213 and 31. This marked the final combat deployment of the F-14 Tomcat. Both squadrons are transitioning to the F/A-18E/F Super Hornets later this year.

VF-31 will continue to operate the F-14D with CVW-8 throughout the spring and summer aboard Theodore Roosevelt during the ship’s readiness and sustainment period. Then, they will begin their transition to the Super Hornet in October.

This is Theodore Roosevelt’s ninth deployment since commissioning in 1986, and the ship’s third in support of the global war on terrorism.

[SandRat]

Virginia Beach, Va. (March 10, 2006) – Lt. Cmdr. Chris Richard and Commanding Officer Cmdr. Rick Labranche of Fighter Squadron Three One (VF-31) are greeted by family members upon their return from a six month deployment in support of maritime security operations and the global war on terrorism. VF-31 has completed its final deployment flying the F-14 Tomcat. For the past 30 years, the F-14 Tomcat has assured U.S. air superiority, playing a key role in ensuring victory and preserving peace around the world. The F-14 Tomcat will be removed from service and officially stricken from the inventory in September of 2006. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Christopher M. McCoin (RELEASED)

[SandRat]

WOO-HOO!!!!

[Lady Jag]

[AuH2ORepublican]

"Theodore Roosevelt Returns From Deployment"

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Don't tell Charlie Rangel, he'll probably go on the House floor and claim that our military has resorted to deploying Spanish-American War veterans to Iraq 87 years after their death.

[Adiemus]

As a parent of a sailor and a vet myself, it tickles my heart to see these pictures. These hero's will lead our country in the next generation.

[Corin Stormhands]

ohfercryinoutloud...

I was in Virginia Beach. I prolly coulda watched it enter Hampton Roads.

~sigh~

[A.A. Cunningham]

LaBranche has come a long way since he spent his nights on midcrew at Cherry Point sleeping on bubble wrap pillows.

[Majie Purple]

T R ping.

[E.G.C.]

BTTT