USS Constellation Air Wing 2 Hits Targets Near Basra
Navy Newsstand
Story Number: NNS030325-07
Release Date: 3/25/2003 10:46:00 AM
By U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet
FIFTH FLEET AREA OF OPERATION (NNS) -- Aircraft from two squadrons with Carrier Air Wing 2, USS Constellation (CV 64) Battle Group successfully destroyed three significant Iraqi naval targets March 25. The aircraft involved received short-order tasking for a time-sensitive strike to engage several naval targets in the vicinity of Basra.
Two F/A-18C Hornets from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, "The Vigilantes," one of three F/A-18 squadrons aboard, participated in the strikes with one aircraft from Sea Control Squadron (VS) 38, "The Red Griffins," the S-3B Viking squadron, aboard Constellation. One Hornet independently identified and destroyed two naval targets. The second Hornet assisted the S-3B Viking with the third target.
The S-3B Viking, working in conjunction with the second F/A-18C, as the laser designator, destroyed its target by firing a laser guided missile, the AGM-65E Maverick. The F/A-18 provides laser illumination throughout target engagements.
This event was the first time the Navy's S-3 has received tasking for overland strikes in its 30 year history. In addition, it is also the first time the S-3 has fired a laser-guided missile in combat. The S-3 B Viking performs multiple missions to include tanking support, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), electronic support measures, and precision and general purpose strike.
The Hornet, a multimission fighter/attack aircraft, provides air to air and air to ground strike capabilities.
Air Wing 2 with Constellation is currently deployed in the Northern Arabian Gulf and is serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
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