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USS Iwo Jima Air Department, Aviation Ordnancemen Provide Support to OEF Missions

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061002-06
Release Date: 10/2/2006 11:44:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Mike Jones, USS Iwo Jima Public Affairs

USS IWO JIMA, At Sea (NNS) -- AV-8B Harriers, as part of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU (SOC)) Air Combat Element (ACE) presently attached to USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) completed combat missions Sept. 21 in direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), against Taliban strongholds in Afghanistan.

To date, the Harriers have completed approximately 136 sorties to include 17 precision-guided munitions (PGM) in support of OEF and coalition efforts.

At the base of the air support from the multipurpose amphibious assault ship, Iwo Jima’s aviation ordnancemen (AO) and Air Department personnel played pivotal roles provding close air support to International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops on the ground.

“The phenomenal performance of the men and women of Iwo Jima’s Air Department, and aviation ordnance teams have yielded positive results towards the efforts of our coalition forces in OEF,” remarked Iwo Jima Commanding Officer, Capt. Michael A. Walley. “The pride and dedication of these Sailors serve is an absolute testament to the professionalism Iwo Jima is known for.”

Since the start of combat missions, Iwo’s AOs have been busy assembling and arming the Harriers with precision-guided munitions

Nearly two tons of explosives, in the form of 500-pound ordnance, have been successfully dropped since combat operations began earlier this month. Working in teams of 11, the AOs were able to safely assemble and prepare the ammunition at a rate of eight to 10 an hour.

“The AOs are a truly unified group. The quality of their work is nothing short of spectacular,” said Chief Aviation Ordnanceman (AW) Keith Turnipseed, from Powder Springs, Ga.

Once armed, the Harriers arrived to the flight deck where Iwo’s aviation boatswain’s mates (AB) took over.

“It never ceases to amaze me how hard ABs work,” said Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (AW/SW) Michael Mappin, air department’s leading chief petty officer. “Even in almost intolerable heat, and after 14 hour days, those men and women will treat each aircraft launch like it is the most important thing they have done in their entire life. It makes me proud.”

Iwo Jima serves as the flagship for the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG), which includes USS Nashville (LPD 13), USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41), USS Cole (DDG 67), USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), and USS Albuquerque (SSN 706). Additionally, the Iwo Jima ESG includes the 24th MEU (SOC), as well as various supporting elements from Assault Craft Unit 4, Beachmaster Unit 2, and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26.

Iwo Jima left its homeport of Norfolk, Va., June 6, and began a regularly scheduled six-month deployment to the U.S. European Command and U.S. Central Command areas of responsibility to conduct maritime security operations (MSO).

MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations deny international terrorists the use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other materials.