"Big Stick" Reaches Halfway Point of Persian Gulf Deployment
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS051214-03
Release Date: 12/14/2005 9:51:00 AM
By Journalist 2nd Class Stephen Murphy, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs
ABOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (NNS) -- USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, has marked the first half of a six-month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and maritime security operations (MSO) in the Persian Gulf.
Since departing Norfolk, Va., Sept. 1 as part of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG), TR and CVW-8 have worked in unison to conduct MSO and help to bring stability to the Persian Gulf maritime environment and to support coalition ground troops in Iraq.
“Since we arrived, TR and Carrier Air Wing 8 Sailors have worked nonstop, day and night, without any ‘no-fly’ days, to meet the increased demand for support by the air wing’s aircraft,” said Capt. J.R. Haley, Theodore Roosevelt commanding officer. “They are working hard, and they are saving the lives of Marines on the ground every day.”
The first combat flight operations during the deployment were not conducted from the ship but rather from a forward deployed detachment. The Shadowhawks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 established a detachment Sept. 17 at Al Asad Air Base in Iraq prior to the TRCSG arriving in theater. They flew their first combat sortie Sept. 24. The squadron has been operating from Al Asad throughout most of the deployment.
TR began launching missions from its flight deck Oct. 6, and since then has conducted more than 4,000 sorties, with more than 28,000 pounds of ordnance expended in support of coalition forces in Iraq.
“This is the ninth time Carrier Air Wing 8 and the Roosevelt have deployed together, and as tradition would have it, there is not a better platform for CVW-8 to work from than that of TR,” said Capt. William G. Sizemore II, commander, Carrier Air Wing 8.
“Our air crews have had much success during this deployment, and it wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication of the TR crew that supports us every day,” Sizemore said. “We have enhanced our air support effectiveness by launching aircraft from TR and from Iraq. This wouldn’t be possible without the outstanding teamwork between TR and Carrier Air Wing 8.”
Every day over Iraq, F-14 Tomcats assigned to Fighter Squadrons (VF) 213 and 31 and F/A-18s assigned to Strike Fighter Squadrons (VFA) 15 and 87 provide reconnaissance, surveillance and close air support to ground forces in Iraq.
In early November, these squadrons participated in Operation Steel Curtain, aimed at providing aerial support for U.S. Marine and Iraqi ground forces and preventing insurgents from entering Iraq through the Syrian border.
Meanwhile, USS San Jacinto (CG 56), USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), and USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) have been working, with support from CVW-8 aircraft, to pressurize the maritime environment in an effort to deny terrorist organizations its use to support their operations, while keeping the waters safe for merchant traffic and fishing vessels.
Boarding teams from each ship have been conducting visit, board, search and seizure operations to intercept vessels that may be involved in illegal activity, while at the same time building relations with local mariners by providing first aid, mechanical assistance and even food from time to time. These mariners often provide information regarding suspicious or illegal operations.
“I’m extremely proud of every one of our Sailors, who can take pride knowing they are helping enable the people of Iraq to determine their own future,” said Rear Adm. James A. Winnefeld Jr., commander, Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group. “I’m also delighted with how well we were prepared to operate in this theater, which is a testament to the efforts of thousands of military, civilian employees, and contractors in the Norfolk area. Any success we’ve achieved thus far is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of the entire team.”
The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group includes the Norfolk-based aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt with CVW-8 embarked, the Norfolk-based guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto, and the Norfolk-based guided-missile destroyers USS Oscar Austin and USS Donald Cook.
Carrier Air Wing 8 includes the Tomcatters of VF-31, the Blacklions of VF-213, the Valions of VFA-15 and the Golden Warriors of VFA-87 - all based out of Naval Air Station Oceana, Va. - the Scouts of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 24 from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., the Shadowhawks VAQ-141 based out of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash., the Bear Aces of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 124, from Naval Air Station Norfolk, Va., and the Tridents of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 3 out of Naval Station Mayport, Fla.
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