Mon, Oct 24, 2005
Tomcats Destroy Insurgent IED Facility
Aircraft from the carrier US Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) have
reportedly destroyed a known Improvised Explosive Device (IED)
production facility northeast of Baghdad, scoring a major victory
against insurgents who use the deadly weapons against US and
coalition forces on the ground in Iraq.
According to a military press release, F-14 Tomcats flying from
Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, VF 31 conducted the precision strikes
October 19, joining a handful of other Roosevelt-based aircraft
flying similar strike missions in support of Operation Iraqi
Freedom.
"We are happy with what we have been able to bring to the fight
since our arrival in the theater a few weeks ago," said Rear Adm.
James A. Winnefeld, commander, Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike
Group. "Whether we are hitting targets of opportunity called in
from our troops on the ground, or conducting pre-planned strikes on
known terrorist sites, we will continue to do whatever is necessary
to protect our ground forces."
"At the same time, we will continue to do our part to help set
the conditions for security and stability so the Iraqi people have
the opportunity to determine their own future," added
Winnefeld.
IEDs have been one of the most deadly threats to ground forces
in Iraqi since the beginning of operations in March 2003.
According to the US Navy, the airstrikes are just the latest
success that Roosevelt-based aircraft have had working with
coalition troops on the ground in the last several weeks. Other
aircraft operating from CVW-8 continue to fly convey escorting
missions, as well as flights protecting oil pipelines and
protecting new construction.
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