• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Marine Thunderbolts Embark Aboard Enterprise

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100821-12
8/21/2010

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Jared M. King, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- Marines aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) are training for deployment as the ship and air wing work to complete their Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) / Final Evaluation Period (FEP) Aug. 20.

The "Thunderbolts" of Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 251, are embarked aboard Big E as part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) One and continually train to complete aircraft maintenance qualifications.

"The attachment to the ship is no different than the attachment to anything else," said Master Sgt. Joseph R. Nelson, VMFA-251 maintenance control chief. "We are here to do a job, and we are going to do that 110 percent."

The squadron maintains a total of 15 aircraft, and plans to deploy with 10 F/A-18C Hornets. The Thunderbolts' role is to provide close-air support, air interdiction and aerial reconnaissance. The squadron's motto is "Custos Caelorum," meaning "Guardians of the Sky."

"We have a certain role just like everybody else on the ship," said Nelson. "We have a specific mission and certain goals we have to achieve in order to make the whole strike group come together. It's teamwork."

Nelson said the Sailors and Marines are striving to personify the "one team, one fight" mentality as they work together to successfully complete the TSTA/FEP phase of Enterprise's work-ups.

Marine Observation Squadron 251 was activated in 1941 at Naval Air Station North Island, Calif. Through the years, the squadron changed its name several times as the aircraft changed. In 1964, the Thunderbolts became the first Marine squadron in the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing to transition to the F-4 Phantom and receive its current designation as VMFA 251.

Enterprise is conducting work-ups in preparation for its 21st deployment.

For more information about USS Enterprise, Carrier Strike Group 12 or Carrier Air Wing One visit www.Enterprise.navy.mil, www.ccsg12.surfor.navy.mil, and www.cvw1.navy.mil.

For more news from USS Enterprise (CVN 65), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn65/.