Aircraft assigned to Carrier Air
Wing (CVW) 7 embarked aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS
Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (IKE), continue to provide close air
support and reconnaissance to International Security Assistance
Force (ISAF) troops on the ground in Afghanistan as part of
Operation Eagle.
CVW-7 began conducting Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) missions
Nov. 6, and after nine days of operations, Eisenhower-based
aircraft have flown 190 sorties, coordinating closely with
coalition forces to counter anti-coalition militants, their
movements and attacks, and to make a difference in providing for
the safety and security of the people of Afghanistan.
“We are really excited and proud to be able to support
ground combat operations,” said Cmdr. William Koyama,
executive officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83.
“IKE air power is making a difference for ISAF soldiers.
On one of these missions, we provided armed support as ground
troops tried to MEDEVAC (medical evacuation) a wounded Soldier in
close proximity to the enemy. In another case, one of our F/A-18C
Hornets dropped all its ordnance to support Soldiers ambushed and
pinned down in the open. As we reached a low fuel state and handed
off to another section of aircraft before leaving, the controller
on the ground thanked us and said, 'You are surely angels on our
shoulders.' I have never done a more meaningful flight in the
Navy.”
The air wing has expended Guided Bomb Unit (GBU) 12 bombs, a
general-purpose, laser guided 500-pound bomb; GBU-38 bombs, a
general-purpose Global Positioning System (GPS) guided 500-pound
bomb; as well as 20 mm rounds from M61A1 and M61A2 Gatling guns on
enemy positions.
“Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA), 143, the 'Pukin’
Dogs,' are excited to be able to support the OEF and ISAF
operations with our new jets and their capabilities as part of
CVW-7 and the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower team,” said Cmdr. Jim
Nichols, commanding officer of VFA-143. “Our air crew and
Sailors have worked hard over the last year to prepare for this
moment, and they are exceeding all expectations.
CVW-7 includes Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125
“Tigertails,” VFA-103 “Jolly Rogers,”
VFA-131 “Wildcats,” VFA-143 “Pukin’
Dogs,” VFA-83 “Rampagers,” Electronic Attack
(VAQ) Squadron 140 “Patriots,” and Helicopter
Anti-submarine (HS) 5 “Nightdippers.”
IKE is the flagship for the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group,
which includes its embarked air wing, CVW-7, and embarked Destroyer
Squadron (DESRON) 28; guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68);
guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61); guided-missile
destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87); and the fast-attack submarine USS
Newport News (SSN 750), all homeported in Norfolk, Va.
The IKE CSG departed Naval Station Norfolk, Oct. 3, for a
regularly scheduled deployment in support of maritime security
operations and entered the Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet area of
operations, Oct. 30.
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 use of the maritime environment as a venue
for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other
material.