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CVW-17 Joins GW CSG to Support "Partnership of the Americas"

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060406-19
Release Date: 4/6/2006 3:10:00 PM

By Journalist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Jennifer Crowell, USS George Washington Public Affairs

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- As USS George Washington (CVN 73) (GW) continues to steam south for the “Partnership of the Americas” deployment, the first aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 touched down on GW’s flight deck April 5 to begin three days of carrier qualifications.

Aircraft from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11 “Red Rippers,” VFA-81 “Sun Liners” and Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121 “Bluetails” arrived Wednesday as part of George Washington Carrier Strike Group’s (GW CSG) participation in the “Partnership of the Americas” deployment, while aircraft from Sea Control Squadron (VS) 22 “Checkmates” will join the April 6.

Aircraft from CVW-17 will support the deployment designed to enhance regional security and strengthen ties through operations and exercises with Caribbean and Latin American nations.

“The air wing will be doing unit-level training while we’re in the Caribbean,” said Lt. Derek Fix from CAG Operations. “We’re here to support operations for U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).”

According to Fix, the wing will spend the next two months conducting training in support of operations in the Caribbean and interacting with participating countries in the region. The deployment will also provide an opportunity for U.S. and other forces to operate and train in a multinational environment, refine coordination and improve interoperability.

“Right now we have four Brazilian officers onboard,” he said. “They’re here to observe how we operate and to take what they learn back with them.”

The assigned units of the GW CSG and the partnering countries in the region will focus their efforts on being ready to deal with threats, such as narco-terrorism and illicit trafficking, as well as improving training levels in a variety of mission areas.

“This deployment offers us an outstanding opportunity to increase our proficiency in a new arena,” said Lt. Michael Holland from CVW-17. “It’s not everyday that we get a chance to work with our friends in the south, and we look forward to it.”

GW left her homeport April 4 to operate in the SOUTHCOM area of operations in the “Partnership of the Americas” deployment. The GW/CVW-17 team is being joined by units of Destroyer Squadron 40 - USS Monterey (CG 61), USS Stout (DDG 55), and USS Underwood (FFG 36).