Theodore Roosevelt Launches First Sorties in Support of Operation Enduring Freedom

ABOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, AT SEA

10.18.2008

Courtesy Story

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

By the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command

ABOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT IN THE GULF OF OMAN – The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group launched its first sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Oct. 18, 2008, and assumed duties as Commander, Task Force 50.

Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing 8 departed the decks of the strike group's flagship, the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt bound for the skies over Afghanistan to support coalition ground forces.

"We are very proud to be here, flying combat missions in support of our fighting forces ashore," said Rear Adm. Frank Pandolfe, Commander, Carrier Strike Group 2. "The men and women of the Theodore Roosevelt Strike Group are performing their duties with tremendous skill and great spirit. We are doing our part to bring security and stability to Afghanistan."

Theodore Roosevelt relieved USS Ronald Reagan in the Gulf of Oman as part of a normal rotation of forces and marked the end of the Reagan Strike Group's deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. Reagan operated in theater since August supporting coalition forces operating on the ground in Afghanistan.

"This day has been a longtime coming," said Capt. Ladd Wheeler, Theodore Roosevelt's commanding officer. "The turnover with Ronald Reagan was a complete success, we wish them a safe and speedy voyage back to their home port and we will press on with what is now our mission in providing support to our troops on the ground."

During the Ronald Reagan's deployment to the region, Carrier Air Wing 14 flew more than 1,100 sorties into Afghanistan providing vital close air support to coalition forces operating as part of the International Security Assistance Force.

"Our aircrews played a part in saving lives of coalition troops and innocent civilians. It is very satisfying," said Rear Adm. Phil Wisecup, commander of the Ronald Reagan Strike Group. "Having to return hundreds of miles and land aboard an aircraft carrier at night requires an amazing amount of consistent focus by the ship and air wing team. It also a huge maintenance effort; our Sailors worked tirelessly to keep those planes in the air. I could not be more proud of our team."

The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group is on a routine deployment to the region and will conduct Maritime Security Operations along with providing support to Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

CSG-2 ships including USS Monterey, USS Nitze, USS Mason and USS The Sullivans will help deter destabilizing activities and ensure a lawful maritime order in the Perisan Gulf, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman and Gulf of Aden.

The squadrons of CVW-8, led by Capt. Kevin "Komrade" Kovacich, include the "Tomcatters" of Strike Fighter Squadron 31, the "Blacklions" of Strike Fighter Squadron 213, the "Valions" of Strike Fighter Squadron 15, the "Golden Warriors" of Strike Fighter Squadron 87, the "Shadowhawks" of Electronic Attack Squadron 141, the "Bear Aces" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 124, the "Rawhides" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40 and the "Tridents" of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 3.

Operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet AOO are focused on reassuring regional partners of the United States' commitment to security, which promotes stability and global prosperity.

• Date Taken: 10.18.2008
• Date Posted: 10.19.2008 11:08
• Story ID: 25211
• Location: ABOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, AT SEA