48-Year-Old Carrier At Sea For The First Time In Two Years

The crew of USS Enterprise (CVN 65) briefly celebrated during flight operations May 27,  as the 1,000th landing, or "trap", since the ship got underway for flight deck certification and carrier qualifications was successfully completed.

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Anyone who's been on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier knows it's one of the most dangerous places on earth. Safety is paramount, and the key to safe operations is training. The crew of Enterprise executed the precision ballet that is orchestrated daily on the busy flight deck, proving that their training is effective when it counts.

As Knighthawk 310, an F/A-18F, piloted by Lt. j.g. Chris Salliotte, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136, came down the glide slope towards the pitching deck, the training of hundreds of people was a vital part of the precision that marked the 1,000 trap. The trap was completed just a few weeks after the 48-year-old carrier departed from the shipyard and commenced at-sea operations for the first time in more than two years. "Safety is paramount on the flight deck," said Lt. Cmdr. Larry R. Spradlin, the ship's aircraft handling officer. "One misstep can mean disaster, so everyone has to stay focused."

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The 1,000th trap marks another milestone in an underway full of them. In every successful event completed during this underway period, safety has played a vital role. From proper protective equipment to operational risk management, the crew of Enterprise has done it right, and done it safely.

Enterprise has rapidly stretched her sea legs which became stiff in the shipyards, and has emerged as the mighty, combat-ready warship that she has been for the last five decades. "Rest assured, Enterprise and Carrier Air Wing One are back and ready for action," said Spradlin.

Enterprise and Carrier Air Wing 1 are currently underway conducting operations and training for the ship's 21st deployment.

FMI: www.navy.mil/local/cvn65/