Formation Flyover Celebrates His 100th Year

On October 1, The US Navy conducted a flyover with four F/A-18E/F Super Hornets in commemoration of former President James Earl “Jimmy” Carter’s 100th birthday. This event paid tribute to Carter's extensive legacy as both a naval officer and public servant.

“Today, the Navy is proud to commemorate the 100th birthday of a tremendous leader,” stated Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy. “USS Jimmy Carter (SSN 23), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, continues to serve our Navy and nation in his honor. The flyover today demonstrated that President Carter’s selfless service and inspiration live on in our Sailors.”

Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 provided aircraft from its “Fighting Swordsmen” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32 and its“Wildcats” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131. These two squadrons are based at Virginia’s Naval Air Station Oceana.

CVW-3 recently returned from a nine-month combat deployment with USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the 5th and 6th Fleet areas. They were sent following last year’s Hamas attacks, completing more than 13,800 sorties totaling over 31,000 flight hours.

“Only a few months ago, we welcomed all CVW-3 squadrons home from deployment,” commented Rear Adm. Doug Verissimo, commander of Naval Air Force Atlantic (AIRLANT). “Now, today, these naval aviators were able to honor the former president with a flyover above President Carter’s home of Plains, Georgia. The men and women of Naval Aviation are grateful to have the privilege to celebrate this incredible milestone with the nation.”

Former President Carter graduated from the Naval Academy with distinction in June of 1946. He served on USS Wyoming (E-AG 17) and USS Barracuda (SSK-1) as an officer and submariner. Carter was then promoted to Lieutenant and, from November 1952 to March 1953, served on the US Atomic Energy Commission of the Naval Reactors Branch in Washington, D.C.

Until October 1953, Carter was working to take over the engineering officer role for USS Seawolf (SSN-575): one of the first atomically powered submarines. However, following his father’s death, Carter resigned from the Navy and returned to his family in Georgia.

In 2005, to honor Carter’s unique service, the Navy commissioned its USS Jimmy Carter. This is the third and final Seawolf-class, nuclear-powered, fast-attack submarine.

FMI: www.navy.mil