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Winders Return Home Following Summer Pulse

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS040805-15 Release Date: 8/5/2004 5:02:00 PM

By Lt. Larry Smith, Strike Fighter Squadron 86 Public Affairs

SOUTH CAROLINA (NNS) -- The Sidewinders of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86 have returned home to Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, S.C., after a successful deployment in support of Summer Pulse '04.

The Winders deployed June 3, and, following initial carrier qualification, steamed East to take part in several NATO exercises.

The Winders began the trip off the coast of Spain, taking part in the NATO exercise NEO TAPON with Spain, Morocco, Italy and other countries. The Winder team and USS Enterprise (CVN 65) then traveled toward the northern United Kingdom to begin JMC, or Joint Maritime Course. During JMC, the Winders conducted morale-enhancing low-level training, live weapons deliveries and multiple large force exercises with the English, French, Italians, and U.S. Air Forces.

Following JMC, the crew enjoyed a well-deserved port call in Portsmouth, England. Many Winders traveled inland to visit London. England allowed the crew some time off to relax and visit some historical sights.

Following the port call, Enterprise traveled south and operated off the coast of Morocco, taking part in exercise Majestic Eagle. The Winders and other Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 units demonstrated the power of naval aviation to the many distinguished visitors on two separate days with an air power demonstration, while concurrently supporting flights in Majestic Eagle.

"It was great to be flying over a nation that had not allowed us that privilege for so many years," said Lt. Chris Dentzer, VFA-86 pilot.

During Majestic Eagle, the Winders were afforded the opportunity to work with the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Strike Group. Multiple air defense exercises and war-at-sea exercises were conducted, providing valuable training to both carrier strike groups.

In the end, the Winders completed 550 hours, 340 sorties and 365 traps in the two months at sea. The hard work of the Sidewinder maintenance department allowed for a 99 percent sortie completion rate. Missing only 2 sorties out of the 340 flown without a single mishap is a testament to the skill and dedication of each Sidewinder.

The Winder jets returned to MCAS Beaufort July 22, with the remainder of the Sidewinders returning on July 23.