GW, CVW-17 Get Underway for Flight Deck Certification, Carrier Qualifications
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS060203-07
Release Date: 2/3/2006 2:17:00 PM
By Journalist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Jennifer Crowell, USS George Washington (CVN 73) Public Affairs
USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73), At sea (NNS) -- USS George Washington (CVN 73) (GW) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 Sailors got underway Jan. 31 for the first time as a team, as the ship begins flight deck certification.
The evolution will mark the first time GW will see aircraft in more than a year following an 11-month Docked Planned Incremental Availability in 2005.
Earning the flight deck certification from Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic (AIRLANT) is a major step in preparing the ship to return to a combat-ready status.
“Air department is ready to get back to work,” said Lt. j.g. Kent Davis, GW’s air boatswain. “There are a lot of excited people ready to do what they’ve been trained to do.”
Before the aircraft arrive, AIRLANT has been busy inspecting everything from the fuel system to the jet blast deflectors.
“The fuel certification was completed during sea trials to make sure there are no leaks in the flanges,” Davis said, adding AIRLANT is ensuring everything is ready to go before aircraft start flying on.
CVW-17, as well as the new strike group staff, Carrier Strike Group (CCSG) 10, are thrilled to be a part of GW’s operations.
“I'm happy to have the air wing at sea, especially since it is with the GW,” said Capt. William R. Massey, Commander, Air Wing (CAG) 17, who was embarked on the ship with the same air wing in 2000, as commanding officer of Fighter Squadron (VF) 103. “Having the opportunity to deploy as CAG on the same ship as my squadron command tour is truly a pleasure. We're proud to be working as a team again, as the Sailors from GW conduct flight operations for the first time since they left the shipyard.”
“We’re proud to be part of the GW team,” said Capt. Michael W. Ullrich, CCSG 10 chief of staff, “as she once again become deployable after an arduous year in the industrial environment. GW finished her shipyard availability on time and under budget, adding another victory to her already illustrious legacy of dedicated service to our country. We’re excited about going to sea with her fine Sailors and pleased to have her as our Strike Group flagship.”
CVW-17 and CCSG 10 Sailors spent Monday moving into their workspaces as the squadrons started onloading the gear they will need for the underway.
“We brought the gear we will need to be a self-sustaining squadron at sea,” said Aviation Machinist’s Mate 1st Class (AW/SW) Alvin Mansell, Helicopter Squadron Light (HSL) 42's leading mechanic. “We want to get our personnel trained on the equipment and acclimated to life at sea.”
Davis agreed, saying it is time for the ship to shake off the rust after more than a year without conducting flight operations.
“We have a lot of new people on board,” he said. “They need to know they can’t walk up to the flight deck during flight operations unless they’re qualified to do so. Then they access the deck from the starboard side through the island.”
Davis advises Sailors to pay close attention to their surroundings when the aircraft start coming on.
“Never let your guard down,” he said. “You never know when something might happen and we need to be ready to respond.”
“I’m looking forward to experience what it’s like to be underway,” said HSL-42 Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 3rd Class (NAC) Jose Smith. “I’m getting the chance to hone my skills in the aircraft.”
Once the certification is complete, the GW/CVW-17 team will continue preparing pilots for future missions by conducting carrier qualifications.
“Right now pilots will be qualified at a certain pace,” Davis said. “Once we open the deck to flight ops, we’ll be able to get more pilots qualified.”
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