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VFA-211 Makes History Once Again On Board Big E

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS051107-08
Release Date: 11/7/2005 12:13:00 PM

By Seaman Jill Broecher, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

ABOARD USS ENTERPRISE, At sea (NNS) -- The Checkmates of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211 are making history once again with their return to USS Enterprise (CVN 65) this fall as the squadron last to deploy with the famed F-14A Tomcat and now the first East Coast squadron to fly the new F/A-18 Super Hornet.

VFA-211’s 39 officers and 240 enlisted Sailors joined the Big E crew Oct. 29, as the ship set sail once again for carrier qualifications.

The Checkmates were originally so-named because the first planes they flew had checkerboard tails. Since then, VFA-211 has changed from the Tomcat to the Super Hornet, and the whole squadron has had to learn how to maintain and operate a new aircraft.

“We’re the only two-seat fighter squadron in the air wing,” explained Lt. Branson Bywaters, weapons system officer of VFA 211. “Many of the air crew and maintainers have experience on more than one aircraft, including the F-14 Tomcats and S-3 Vikings.”

The Super Hornet is different in several ways, according to Bywaters. It has broader weapons capability than the previous plane. It also has improved radar. With the new aircraft, the squadron is able to accomplish its mission more efficiently.

“Our number one priority right now is to increase our own proficiency while working cohesively with the other squadrons and air wing,” said Bywaters.

During flight deck certification, six pilots earned their qualification. Eleven more pilots qualified during carrier qualifications and now all of VFA 211’s pilots are qualified. The pilots spend anywhere from eight to 18 hours a day perfecting their landings and take-offs from the flight deck.

The Sailors in this squadron work side by side with the Sailors aboard Enterprise and 31 of them are temporary assigned duty (TAD) throughout Big E already, according to VFA-211’s Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Mike Matchinis.

“I think it was easy to integrate with the Sailors already on board Enterprise,” said Matchinis. “We’re all one team. It’s not one team without the other, and we have created relationships to make it work. I am excited to be on board again.”

“I’m so proud of them every day,” said Matchinis. “They work so hard every day without complaining, and always have smiles on thier faces.”

As long as VFA-211 maintains their hard work and dedication, they’re sure to continue contributing to Big E’s overall commitment to excellence. “We all work with our skipper’s motto in mind,” said Matchinis. “People, professionalism, and planes.”