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GW Catches Her First Super Hornet

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS041105-07
Release Date: 11/5/2004 1:52:00 PM

By Journalist 2nd Class (SW/AW) John Osborne, USS George Washington Public Affairs

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- The surge carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) (GW) welcomed Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122 "Flying Eagles," the Fleet Replacement Squadron for the Navy's newest fighter, the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet, Nov. 3.

It was the first time the fighters had been launched and recovered on the carrier, and the challenge was well received by the crew.

"It's good to have this aircraft out here," said GW's Air Boss Cmdr. John Sheehan. "It's good training for everyone involved in the launch and recovery process. It was great to get our first catapult shot and trap under our belts, because that aircraft will be a big part of our future air wing."

The Super Hornet is the multi-mission aircraft that combines the performance and self-defense capability of a fighter and the strike capability of a bomber. Its arsenal includes state-of-the-art defensive electronic countermeasures, enhanced radar, advanced onboard sensor fusion capability, the ability to carry every tactical air-to-air and air-to-ground weapon in the Navy's inventory, increased range and reduced vulnerability. It replaces the F-14 Tomcat and will soon replace the EA-6B Prowler.

"The Super Hornet brings a more dynamic platform and more effective combat readiness with its ability to add and expand new equipment," said VFA-122's Lt. j.g. A.J. Carlson, a Super Hornet weapons systems officer who performed his first carrier landing aboard GW. "With the integration of the pilot and the weapons system officer, we can keep better situational awareness and provide mutual support to their respective functions. We have the ability to carry out multiple functions at a moment's notice."

Sheehan said it was thrilling to get an up-close look at the Navy's future in aviation, but it also presented some challenges to everyone involved in the launch and recovery evolution.

"The shooters have different launching bulletins, and at night, it is not always easy to tell the difference between the Super Hornet and the traditional Hornet, so it required a little more coordination between them and the catapult crews," said Sheehan.

Sheehan was extremely pleased with his Air Department's performance and is anxious for GW to send its first Super Hornets into combat. Before that can happen, though, a few adjustments will have to be made during the ship's upcoming availability period, including modifying the jet blast deflectors to handle the Super Hornet's more powerful engines during afterburner launches.

Carlson is also anxious to take the Navy's newest technology into action, and had nothing but positive things to say about GW's capability to do the job.

"It's an amazing blessing to have the opportunity to fly this amazing aircraft," he said. "You hear the legendary stories about the Tomcat and the Phantom, and then to know you are flying the latest and greatest aircraft the Navy has is an incredible feeling. The performance of George Washington's crew was seamless. They were very professional and very safe, as if they handled this aircraft all the time."

George Washington will remain the Navy's surge carrier until some time in December. Following the holiday standdown period, the ship will move to Newport News Shipyard for upgrade and maintenance.