Carrier Air Wing Seven begins OEF Missions

Photo By Lt. Edward Ward | Arabian Sea (Nov. 7, 2006) An F/A 18C from the "Rampagers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VF) 83 launches from the number three catapult on board USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Official U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Edward F. Ward III (RELEASED)  

ABOARD USS EISENHOWER, AT SEA

11.08.2006

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet           

From Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

USS EISENHOWER, At Sea – Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, embarked aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), began conducting Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) missions in support of ground troops in Afghanistan, Nov. 6.

An F/A-18F Super Hornet from the "Jolly Rogers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103 was the first to launch from IKE in support of Operation Eagle.

"[CVW-7] has the ability and agility to provide the right support at the right time, in very close coordination with the multi-national ground forces in Afghanistan," said Capt. Bud Bishop, commander CVW-7. "We're here to help those ground forces set the conditions that allow the citizens of Afghanistan to have the opportunity to determine their own future. Our aircrew and all the support personnel really appreciate the crewmembers aboard IKE and are proud to have them as a major part of our team in this effort."

CVW-7 aircraft continue to fly command and control, surveillance and reconnaissance, aerial tanking missions and reconnaissance and precision strike missions to support International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) ground troops.

"Successfully supporting our ground troops is one of the main reasons we're here, and I want the multinational forces operating in Afghanistan to know that we are here, on station, providing whatever it takes to support them," said Rear Adm. Allen G. Myers, commander, IKE CSG.

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

IKE is the flagship for the Eisenhower CSG, 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 U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of operations, Oct. 30.

• Date Taken: 11.08.2006
• Date Posted: 11.08.2006 15:06
• Story ID: 8229
• Location: ABOARD USS EISENHOWER, AT SEA