Aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 embarked aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (IKE), continue to provide close air support and reconnaissance to International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops on the ground in Afghanistan as part of Operation Eagle.

CVW-7 began conducting Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) missions Nov. 6, and after nine days of operations, Eisenhower-based aircraft have flown 190 sorties, coordinating closely with coalition forces to counter anti-coalition militants, their movements and attacks, and to make a difference in providing for the safety and security of the people of Afghanistan.

“We are really excited and proud to be able to support ground combat operations,” said Cmdr. William Koyama, executive officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83.

“IKE air power is making a difference for ISAF soldiers. On one of these missions, we provided armed support as ground troops tried to MEDEVAC (medical evacuation) a wounded Soldier in close proximity to the enemy. In another case, one of our F/A-18C Hornets dropped all its ordnance to support Soldiers ambushed and pinned down in the open. As we reached a low fuel state and handed off to another section of aircraft before leaving, the controller on the ground thanked us and said, 'You are surely angels on our shoulders.' I have never done a more meaningful flight in the Navy.”

The air wing has expended Guided Bomb Unit (GBU) 12 bombs, a general-purpose, laser guided 500-pound bomb; GBU-38 bombs, a general-purpose Global Positioning System (GPS) guided 500-pound bomb; as well as 20 mm rounds from M61A1 and M61A2 Gatling guns on enemy positions.

“Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA), 143, the 'Pukin’ Dogs,' are excited to be able to support the OEF and ISAF operations with our new jets and their capabilities as part of CVW-7 and the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower team,” said Cmdr. Jim Nichols, commanding officer of VFA-143. “Our air crew and Sailors have worked hard over the last year to prepare for this moment, and they are exceeding all expectations.

CVW-7 includes Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125 “Tigertails,” VFA-103 “Jolly Rogers,” VFA-131 “Wildcats,” VFA-143 “Pukin’ Dogs,” VFA-83 “Rampagers,” Electronic Attack (VAQ) Squadron 140 “Patriots,” and Helicopter Anti-submarine (HS) 5 “Nightdippers.”

IKE is the flagship for the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, which includes its embarked air wing, CVW-7, and embarked Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28; guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68); guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61); guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87); and the fast-attack submarine USS Newport News (SSN 750), all homeported in Norfolk, Va.

The IKE CSG departed Naval Station Norfolk, Oct. 3, for a regularly scheduled deployment in support of maritime security operations and entered the Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, Oct. 30.

MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

FMI: www.navy.mil