Enterprise-Based F/A-18s Hit Hard

For nine consecutive days, aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 stationed aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) provided support to International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops on the ground as part of Operations Medusa and Enduring Freedom near Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Coordinated with coalition air forces and ISAF troops on the ground, Enterprise aircraft provided close air support for ISAF troops encountering resistance from Taliban extremists in multiple locations around Kandahar on September 9, 10 and 11.

F/A-18C Hornets from the "Knighthawks" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136, based in Virginia Beach, Va., and from the "Sidewinders" of VFA-86, based in Beaufort, S.C., performed strafing runs to destroy Taliban extremist fortifications west of Kandahar Sept. 9.

In addition, "Sidewinder" Hornets expended both Guided Bomb Unit (GBU) 12 and GBU-38 bombs against Taliban fortifications near Kandahar. The GBU-12 is a general-purpose, laser-guided 500-pound bomb. The GBU-38 is a general-purpose, Global Positioning System (GPS) guided 500-pound bomb, also known as the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM).

Also on September 9, F/A-18F Super Hornets from the "Checkmates" of VFA-211, based in Virginia Beach, Va., and Hornets from VFA-86 performed strafing runs against Taliban extremist forces northwest of Kandahar.

On September 10, Super Hornets from VFA-211 were involved in multiple bombing and strafing attacks in areas immediately east and northwest of Kandahar, expending both GBU-12 and GBU-38 bombs against insurgent buildings and safe houses. Hornets from VFA-136 struck insurgent buildings west of Kandahar.

Hornets from VFA-136 were also involved in attacks against Taliban extremists September 11, executing strike missions against known Taliban buildings located northwest of Kandahar.

Since their arrival in the northern Arabian Sea, Enterprise-based aircraft have focused their efforts on providing air power to support ISAF ground forces near Kandahar and have flown more than 160 sorties and delivered more than 55 precision weapons against Taliban extremists in support of Operations Medusa and Enduring Freedom.

FMI: www.news.navy.mil/local/cusnc/