Posted on 05/13/2010 6:07:19 PM PDT by ErnstStavroBlofeld
USS Enterprise (CVN 65) successfully recovered and launched fixed-wing aircraft May 12 after more than two years.
The “Checkmates” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211, landed four F/A-18F Super Hornets aboard the world’s first nuclear-powered carrier, and the “Salty Dogs” of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 followed shortly later with the first launch.
Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, also known as the “Red Rippers,” also launched and recovered aircraft on a day long anticipated by the crew.
In order to safely recover a jet there must be 16 personnel below the flight deck manning the arresting gear equipment, eight personnel on the flight deck, and one primary operator. These personnel are solely responsible for the safe recovery of any inbound aircraft.
From providing fuel to taxiing the aircraft after recovery, it’s a team project.
“No single qualification can recover an aircraft alone,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 1st Class (AW) David T. Ifill, the primary flight control operator for Air department’s V-2 catapult division. “Teamwork is the only way a carrier can safely do this.”
Enterprise spent more than two years in the Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard making sure the ship was ready for her 21st deployment.
During that time frame, Enterprise has seen many Sailors leave the command and many more arrive. There are some who have been on other carriers, seen and participated in flight operations, but many more arrived aboard Enterprise as their first command, new to the fleet.
(Excerpt) Read more at sofmag.com ...
Final deployment?
There is a movement to have CVN-79 to be named Enterprise
“During that time frame, Enterprise has seen many Sailors leave the command and many more arrive. There are some who have been on other carriers, seen and participated in flight operations, but many more arrived aboard Enterprise as their first command, new to the fleet.”
Somehow the wording doesn’t seem quite right. Do we really refer to all sailors reporting aboard as “their first command”, or only the actual “Commanding Officers”?
Her next-to-last deployment, I believe.
We have more strike projection capability than all the other navies put together with out carrier fleet.
That works for me.
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