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USS John F. Kennedy Aircraft Destroy Two Anti-Iraqi Positions

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS040721-06
Release Date: 7/21/2004 10:11:00 AM

From Commander, Joint Forces Maritime Component Commander/Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

ARABIAN GULF (NNS) -- Strike Fighter Squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, currently embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) operating in the Middle East region in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, destroyed two anti-Iraqi positions July 20, after dropping bombs on identified targets.

This marked John F. Kennedy Strike Group's first active engagement of anti-Iraqi targets in support of Multinational Corps - Iraq and Iraqi forces, who are working hard to bring stability to the sovereign government of Iraq.

One CVW-17 F-14 Tomcat dropped GBU-12, and an F/A-18 Hornet dropped GBU-32 guided bomb units on anti-Iraqi positions, in support of Multinational Corps - Iraq and Iraqi forces.

"The job of the strike group is to project power where it is needed, in whatever manner needed," said Capt. Mark Guadagnini, commander, CVW-17.

The John F. Kennedy Carrier Strike Group (CSG) deployed June 7 and consists of USS Spruance (DD 963), USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), USS Vicksburg (CG 69), USS Seattle (AOE 3), USS Toledo (SSN 769) and 70 planes from embarked Carrier Air Wing 17.

Kennedy's strike group is one of seven currently participating in Summer Pulse '04, the first exercise under the Fleet Response Plan, or FRP. The FRP promises a more flexible and unpredictable Navy, capable of 'surging' on short notice, and applying unparalleled sea and air power wherever the president directs.