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Enterprise Strike Group Continues Missions in Afghanistan

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060921-12
Release Date: 9/21/2006 2:58:00 PM

From USS Enterprise Public Affairs

ABOARD USS ENTERPRISE (NNS) -- Aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 stationed aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) continued their support of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops on the ground as part of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) from Sept. 12 through Sept. 19.

F/A-18C Hornets from the “Sidewinders” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86, based in Beaufort, S.C., F/A-18C Hornets from the “Knighthawks” of VFA-136, based in Virginia Beach, Va., and F/A-18F Super Hornets from the “Checkmates” of VFA-211, based in Virginia Beach, Va., have flown nearly 100 missions in the last seven days.

On Sept. 12, Enterprise-based aircraft performed strafing runs against both Taliban extremists preparing for operations against ISAF forces and a building suspected of housing Taliban extremists. The ship’s aircraft also expended Guided Bomb Unit (GBU) 12 bombs against a Taliban fortification near Kandahar. The GBU-12 is a general-purpose, laser-guided 500-pound bomb.

Combat operations continued Sept. 14 when Enterprise-based aircraft strafed and expended additional GBU-12 bombs against known Taliban targets east, north and northwest of Kandahar. Additionally, aircraft investigated a suspected Taliban compound near Moqor.

“The strength of the Enterprise Strike Group team has been clearly demonstrated over the skies of Afghanistan during the last 19 days,” said Capt. Mark Wralstad, commander, Carrier Air Wing 1. “Whether we fly attack missions against known Taliban locations or investigate potential sources of hostile fire aimed against coalition troops on the ground, our aircraft are inflicting significant damage against those trying to destabilize the region.”

Since close air support missions over Afghanistan began Sept. 3, Enterprise-based aircraft have focused their efforts on protecting ISAF ground forces near Kandahar and have flown more than 225 sorties and delivered more than 60 precision weapons against Taliban extremists in support of Operations Medusa and Enduring Freedom.

“Over the last three weeks, Enterprise Strike Group has contributed substantially to coalition force progress on the ground,” said Rear Adm. Ray Spicer, commander, Enterprise Strike Group. “Enterprise-based aircraft, in coordination with the substantial support of our coalition partners, are assisting ground forces in defeating Taliban strongholds and making a difference in providing for the safety and security of the people of Afghanistan.”

Other squadrons of CVW-1 include the “Thunderbolts” of Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 251, the “Screwtops” of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123, the “Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137, the “Maulers” of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 32, the “Rawhides” of Carrier Logistics Support (VRC) 40 and the “Dragonslayers” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 11.

Enterprise is the flagship in the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, which includes the cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74), frigate USS Nicholas (FFG 47), all based in Norfolk, the attack submarine USS Alexandria (SSN 757), homeported in Groton, Conn., and the fast-combat supply ship USNS Supply (T-AOE-6), homeported in Earle, N.J.

The nuclear-powered Enterprise and embarked Carrier Air Wing 1 departed Naval Station Norfolk May 2 for a regularly scheduled six-month deployment in support of the global war on terrorism.

The Enterprise Strike Group is currently operating in the northern Arabian Sea in support of maritime security operations and Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.