The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) reached an aviation milestone March 4, after completing its 225,000th arrested landing since the ship’s commissioning in 1986.
Lt. Andrew Lacosse, a pilot from the Black Knights of Strike Fighter Attack Squadron (VFA) 154, landed an F/A-18F Super Hornet to reach the milestone. The event occurred while Roosevelt was conducting routine flight operations in the Eastern Pacific.
“The 225,000th trap was my first ever landing at nighttime on a carrier,” said Lacosse. “The hardest part of flying is the last couple of seconds when you’re getting close. You have to maintain focus all the way until the aircraft touches down. All I could see were the lights in the landing area.”
Lacosse expressed his gratitude to the Roosevelt Sailors who work on arresting gear for maintaining the equipment that allowed him to be a part of the momentous occasion.
“I would like to thank the Black Knights and the Roosevelt crew for assisting me in this accomplishment and for the privilege to be part of this remarkable opportunity,” said Lacrosse.
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Airman Cynthia Barraza, a member of the arresting gear crew in the ship’s V-2 division, monitored the arresting gear wire engine below the flight deck during the landing. For Barraza, it was a unique experience to be involved in the achievement.
“We always make sure all of the equipment is working and maintained correctly in order to mitigate any mishaps,” said Barraza. “It’s nice knowing that our hard work has paid off and contributed to the success of the ship.”
The extensive work of air department has provided an opportunity for the entire command to be recognized for their teamwork and commitment to excellence.
“It’s a great accomplishment for the crew,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 1st Class Bihn Tran, assistant leading petty officer for V-2. “It’s taken a lot of manpower and flight operation hours to keep all of the equipment maintained. This in whole is dedicated to the arresting gear team for all their hard work.”