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GW Returns to Norfolk

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060216-17
Release Date: 2/16/2006 4:33:00 PM

By Journalist 2nd Class (SW) Katherine Favell, USS George Washington Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- USS George Washington (CVN 73) (GW) retuned to her homeport Feb. 16 following a two-and-a-half week underway.

During the underway, GW completed flight deck certifications and carrier qualifications (CQ) for pilots from the embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 and Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106.

“We’re enjoying the teamwork and efforts put forth to get this accomplished,” said Lt. j.g. Erick Stroud of GW’s air department.

The flight deck certification, given by Comander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic (AIRLANT), was a four-day evolution comprised a series of checklists covering everything from the catapults and arresting gear, down to the lighting on the flight deck and hangar bay.

“The GW/CVW-17 team is coming together,” said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handler) 1st Class (AW) Christopher Harris of air department. “AIRLANT was very impressed by the amount of teamwork everyone showed.”

Once the flight deck was certified, the team switched focus to carrier qualifications. These qualifications are essential for pilots in all career stages. Pilots completing CQs might be altogether new to carrier landings, pilots who have moved on from training aircraft and are becoming familiar with their assigned aircraft, or seasoned pilots keeping carrier launch and recovery skills honed. All have training obligations to fulfill to keep their certifications current and performance at the highest level.

The period of getting qualified can be a harrying experience for any new pilot, but they don’t do it alone.

Sailors on the flight deck and behind the scenes are essential to get them in the air and back on the deck safely. From the landing signal officers who serve as the pilots’ safety net, to the trapping crew, arresting gear operators, helmsman steering the ship and aircraft maintenance personnel, all must come together to form a cohesive team who can complete the mission.

“One of the great things about the Navy is that we all work together to make it happen,” Lt. j.g. David Cassalia, a pilot from VFA-106, said. “The men and women on GW’s deck are so impressive, and we couldn’t do it without them.”