Beltsville, Maryland Sailor Serves Abroad as part of the USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Askia Collins | 221012-N-YQ181-1039 PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 12, 2022) Aircrew Survival Equipmentman Airman Papa Cissokho, from Dakar, Senegal, assigned to the Shadowhawks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141, poses for a photo in the VAQ 141 equipment shop aboard the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan, in the Philippine Sea, Oct. 12. The Shadowhawks pilot EA-18G Growlers and their primary role is to disrupt the ability to communicate between units in combat through the use of electronic warfare. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Askia Collins)  

PHILIPPINE SEA

10.31.2022

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Askia Collins 

Commander, Task Force 70 / Carrier Strike Group 5

PHILIPPINE SEA– A Beltsville, Maryland Sailor, born in Dakar, Senegal, and 2018 Highpoint High School graduate is underway aboard the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), and is assigned to the Shadowhawks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141.

Aircrew Survival Equipmentman Airman Papa Cissokho is currently on his first deployment since joining the U.S. Navy in 2021.

Airman Cissokho ensures all worn survival equipment used by pilots and Naval Flight Officers in VAQ 141 is fully operational. The Shadowhawks fly EA-18G Growlers and their primary role is to disrupt the ability to communicate between units in combat through the use of electronic warfare.

“I like doing what I do and everyone in the squadron is really cool,” said Cissokho. “I can go to anyone for help or advice and they’ll steer me in the right direction.”

After finishing Sea Trials and departing Yokosuka, Japan, in late May, the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (CSG) returned to sea. The CSG has conducted exercises across multiple bodies of water, including the highly contested South China Sea. They conducted bi-lateral and tri-lateral exercises with allies in the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the Republic of Korea (ROK) armed forces. By working with allies and partners, the CSG promoted adherence to a rules-based
International order, as well as maintained its presence and flexibility.

“Being on deployment is eye opening,” said Cissokho. “I go out to the weather decks every day to see the sun and open ocean. I feel lucky to have the opportunity to be a part of all this.”

In late May the Strike Group participated in bi-lateral operations with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship JS Teruzuki, integrating the destroyer into the strike group for operations near Japan. After training and certifying the Air Wing for full operations, USS Ronald Reagan participated in CSG EX with our ROK Navy Allies in early June. Also in June, the strike group completed its participation in Exercise Valiant Shield 2022 with the Abraham Lincoln CSG, USS Tripoli, and worked with more than 200 aircraft and an estimated 13,000 personnel from the U.S. Navy, Air Force, Army, and Marine Corps and Space Force during the Valiant Shield Exercise, a U.S.-only, biennial field training exercise (FTX) focused on integration of joint training in a multi-domain environment.

Ronald Reagan had port visits in Guam, Singapore, ROK, also known as South Korea, and the Philippines; these were the carrier’s first port visits in two years. The ship’s visit to South Korea was the first time a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier visited the country since 2017.

“I loved sightseeing when we hit the ports,” said Cissokho. “It was nice to take a break, hang out with friends and try out restaurants in different countries.”

While underway, Cissokho has accomplished attaining his apprentice and journeyman qualifications for his job.

“I worked hard to get my qualifications,” said Cissokho. “In addition to my job-specific qualifications, I also became a flight deck observer and now I’m working on my plane captain qualification.”

Beyond working on professional goals, Sailors have access to recreational activities provided by the ship’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) team. MWR plans events such as movie nights, video game tournaments and workout challenges. A few hobbies of Cissokho’s include working out and watching movies.

“I make time to go to the gym a couple times every week,” said Cissokho. “When I’m not doing that, I spend my free time watching movies with friends.”

Cissokho works diligently to ensure the success of their team. They do so knowing that their hard work ultimately plays a part in ensuring their friends and families back home remain safe.

“I want everyone back home to remember to never let other people’s vision of them define who they are,” said Cissokho.

The Ronald Reagan CSG is committed to continuing the long legacy of building and maintaining alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific. Ensuring a continuation of peace and prosperity while promoting a rules-based international order for all countries in the region. The efforts of Sailors, like Airman Cissokho, aboard Ronald Reagan is crucial to protecting the rights, freedoms, and lawful use of the sea and the ability of all countries to exercise those rights.

• Date Taken: 10.31.2022
• Date Posted: 10.31.2022 05:03
• Story ID: 432299
• Location: PHILIPPINE SEA
• Hometown: BELTSVILLE, MD, US