Renewed Extremist Action Means More Super Hornets Overhead

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 for the third consecutive day, September 5, as part of Operation Medusa near Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Coordinated with coalition air forces and ISAF troops on the ground, Enterprise aircraft provided close air support for troops encountering resistance from Taliban extremists west of Kandahar.

F/A-18F Super Hornets from the "Checkmates" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211, based in Virginia Beach, Va., expended Guided Bomb Unit (GBU) 12 bombs to suppress the extremists. The GBU-12 is a general-purpose, laser-guided 500-pound bomb.

F/A-18C Hornets from the "Sidewinders" of VFA-86, based in Beaufort, SC expended both GBU-12 and GBU-38 bombs, as well as 20 mm rounds from the aircraft’s M61A1 gatling gun on enemy positions, ending the engagement. The GBU-38 is a general-purpose, Global Positioning System (GPS) guided 500-pound bomb, also known as the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM).

"We have spent our entire careers training for exactly these kinds of missions and the 'Checkmates' stand ready to support ISAF forces in Afghanistan," said Cmdr. Kenneth Reynard, executive officer of VFA-211. "I am proud of this squadron, and the Enterprise Strike Group team, especially as we fly combat missions in support of the global war on terrorism and help to set the conditions for security and stability in Afghanistan."

Aircraft from CVW 1 began providing air support for Operation Medusa September 2 by flying reconnaissance and strike missions as required to support ISAF ground troops. As ISAF troops made contact with Taliban extremists, the extremist positions were called in to Carrier Air Wing 1 aircraft, which responded to the calls.

"For three straight days the 'Sidewinders' have executed missions safely in the skies over Afghanistan," said Cmdr. Richard McCormack, commanding officer of VFA-86. "Everyone is working incredibly long hours, without any complaints, and with an incredible spirit of determination - I am honored to be associated with the outstanding men and women of the 'Sidewinders' and the entire Enterprise Strike Group."

Since their arrival in the northern Arabian Sea, Enterprise-based aircraft have focused their efforts on protecting ISAF ground forces near Kandahar and have flown 78 sorties in support of Operation Medusa and Operating Enduring Freedom.

In addition to the "Sidewinders" of VFA-86 and the "Checkmates" of VFA-211, other squadrons of CVW-1 include the "Knighthawks" of VFA-136, the "Thunderbolts" of Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 251, the "Screwtops" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123, the "Rooks" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137, the "Maulers" of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 32, the "Rawhides" of Carrier Logistics Support (VRC) 40, and the "Dragonslayers" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 11.

Enterprise is the flagship in the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, which includes the cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74), frigate USS Nicholas (FFG 47), all based in Norfolk, the attack submarine USS Alexandria (SSN 757), homeported in Groton Conn., and the fast combat supply ship USNS Supply (T-AOE-6), homeported in Earle, N.J.

The nuclear powered Enterprise and embarked Carrier Air Wing 1 departed Naval Station Norfolk May 2 for a regularly scheduled six-month deployment in support of the global war on terrorism.

The Enterprise Strike Group is currently operating in the northern Arabian Sea in support of maritime security operations and Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

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