VFA 106 Gladiators Train Aboard Enterprise
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS100716-07
7/16/2010
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stacy D. Laseter, USS Enterprise Public Affairs
USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) departed Naval Station Norfolk for Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications (FRS CQ) exercises July 14.
Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 "Gladiators" pilots are on board Enterprise to gain valuable practice conducting flight operations aboard an aircraft carrier.
Carrier qualifications are an opportunity for the crew to brush up on the proficiency of their jobs and for pilots of the FRS squadron to gain valuable experience.
"There are new pilots here who are trying to become aviators and get qualified, and there are also pilots here who are re-qualifying on the F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets," said Lt. Matthew Rhodes, the officer in charge of VFA-106.
The pilots will have the opportunity to practice both day and night operations, gaining valuable experience, and ensuring their ability to execute their mission anytime, anywhere.
"This is a beneficial time for our new pilots, because it is giving them fleet training, not only with landing the aircraft aboard the ship, but also what it is like living day-to-day underway," Rhodes said.
During this underway period, the crew of Enterprise will also be conducting ship-based training and drills daily. Some of those drills will include general quarters, flight deck drills, engine testing and man overboard.
Enterprise is at sea preparing for work-ups leading to its 21st deployment.
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