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TR CSG Offers OIF Air Support

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS051011-02
Release Date: 10/11/2005 3:01:00 PM

From USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs

ABOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (NNS) -- Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 launched its first combat operations from USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) in more than two and a half years Oct. 6, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).

More than half of the air wing’s personnel participated in flight operations involving missions over the land and sea.

The Bear Aces of Carrier Airbone Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 124, the Scouts of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 24, and the Tridents of Helicopter Squadron (HS) 3, flew missions in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO) to help promote stability in the maritime environment.

Fighter Squadron (VF) 213 and VF-31, along with the Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87 and VFA-15, flew over the beach to support coalition ground forces in Iraq.

The Shadowhawks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 were operating out of Al Asad, Iraq, from Sept. 24 to Oct. 6, flying 37 combat sorties. Sixty-three personnel from the squadron were flown from TR in support of this mission.

Although each mission is different, all aircraft worked toward the same goal in setting conditions for security throughout the region.

For VFA-87’s Airman Mark Chambers of Ashville, N.C., this was his first time to be involved with combat flight operations. Chambers was eager to participate with real-time flight operations and took the initiative to be one of the first participants.

“I asked my [leading petty officer] to put me on the schedule for one of the first jets to be launched,” said Chambers. “It gives me a great sense of pride knowing that I could have helped save a bunch of people on the ground.”

“Everyone’s attitude is always pumped up for live ordnance,” said Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Andrew Ferguson, from Toledo, Ohio. “I’m just happy to be helping to save lives.”

The events were actually TR’s first day on the job.