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America's Big Stick Launches Operation Iraqi Freedom Strikes

Navy NewStand

Story Number: NNS030324-01
Release Date: 3/24/2003 6:29:00 AM

By Journalist 1st Class (SW) Rob Kerns, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs

ABOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At Sea (NNS) -- Months of training and sacrifice paid off for the crew of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 March 22, with the launch of its first strikes in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

All of the squadrons embarked aboard TR participated, whether in a strike or support role, in the attack against one of Sadam Hussein's palace complexes and an AM broadcasting station in central Iraq.

One of the main goals of the coalition air strikes is to sever the Iraqi governments' ability to stay in control of Iraq and the ability to communicate with the military forces. The aim of attacking command and control, and military infrastructure targets is to speed up the fall of the Iraqi regime, said TR Public Affairs Officer Lt. John Oliveira.

"As we flew away, we could see the targets engulfed in flames," said Fighter Squadron (VF) 213 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Anthony "Gandhi" Gaiani. "The mission was a total success."

By 7:30 a.m., all 20 planes launched in the strike were back aboard TR.

"The success of tonight's missions gives me a great sense of satisfaction," said TR Commanding Officer Capt. Richard J. O'Hanlon. "This crew was tasked to train and perform at an accelerated schedule, and they preformed magnificently."

According to Capt. David A. Newland, Commander of Carrier Air Wing 8, the mission presented many challenges to the pilots. The flying time to the targets was several hours long and involved multiple refuelings, and the pilots still preformed flawlessly, returning home to TR safe, and with a tremendous sense of accomplishment.

"Everyone is excited," said Newland. "Our young guys now know that we can do this, and our old salts are glad to be back in the game."

TR's return to the game is unique in that it was certified for deployment in February and is now deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean.

"Last night validates all the accelerated training we have been through," said Commander, Theodore Roosevelt Battle Group Rear Adm. John C. Harvey. "In less than four months after our initial training, we are on the front lines answering the orders of the President. No other carrier out here can say that!"