Reagan Carrier Strike Group Launches First Air Missions
Otis Willie
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Feb2006/20060224_4301.html
{EXCERPT} , By Petty Officer 2nd Class Shane Tuck, USN Special to
American Forces Press Service
ABOARD THE USS RONALD REAGAN, Feb. 24, 2006 - F/A-18E Hornets assigned
to the "Eagles" of Strike Fighter Attack Squadron 115 on Feb. 22
became the first aircraft launched from the flight deck of USS Ronald
Reagan to drop ordnance on enemy targets in support of Operation Iraqi
Freedom.
Reagan is the Navy's newest Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft
carrier and is currently on its maiden deployment. Commissioned in
2003, the San Diego-based aircraft carrier is part of a routine
rotation of U.S. maritime forces in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of
operations.
"Our air wing is comprised of the most advanced aircraft in the world
and is a key player in deterring aggression from the insurgency within
Iraq," Rear Adm. Michael H. Miller, commander of Carrier Strike Group
7, said. "With the speed, agility and persistence of the modern
carrier strike group, we intend to make a difference in helping to set
the conditions for security and stability."
An important part of the strike group's mission in the Arabian Gulf is
to support troops on the ground while they work to provide training
and support to Iraqi forces, Miller said.
"The coalition efforts are designed to enable Iraqis to defeat the
insurgency by building their own security force and political
process," he said. "Our goal is to enable the Iraqis to rebuild and
secure their country with assistance from the United States and
coalition forces."
Capt. Terry Kraft, Reagan's commanding officer, emphasized that Reagan
Carrier Strike Group has trained for months, and the officers and crew
are prepared to successfully carry out any mission. The strike group
is committed to setting conditions for security and stability within
Iraq and providing the Iraqi people with the best opportunity for
self-determination, he said.
"This is where the rubber meets the road," Kraft said. "Conducting
operations in the Arabian Gulf is the culmination of our training."
The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is supporting operations Iraqi
Freedom and Enduring Freedom as well as conducting maritime security
operations in the Arabian Gulf. Such operations set the conditions for
security and stability in the maritime environment as well as
complement counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations.
They deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as
a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons and other
material. Officials said.
The Ronald Reagan Strike Group is made up of Carrier Air Wing 14,
Destroyer Squadron 7, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Reagan, the
guided missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain, the guided-missile
destroyers USS McCampbell and USS Decatur, the fast combat support
ship USS Rainer, and Explosives Ordnance Disposal Unit 11, Detachment
15.
The squadrons of Carrier Air Wing 14 include the "Redcocks" of Strike
Fighter Squadron 22, the "Fist of the Fleet" of Strike Fighter
Squadron 25, the "Stingers" of Strike Fighter Squadron 113, the
"Eagles" of Strike Fighter Squadron 115, the "Black Eagles" of
Airborne Early Warning Squadron 113, the "Cougars" of Tactical
Electronic Warfare Squadron 139, the "Providers" of Carrier Logistics
Support Squadron 30, and the "Black Knights" of Helicopter
Anti-Submarine Squadron 4.
(Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Shane Tuck is assigned to the USS Ronald
Reagan.)
Related Site:
USS Ronald Reagan [
http://www.reagan.navy.mil/
NOTE: View the original version of this web page on DefenseLINK, the
official website of the U.S. Department of Defense, at
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Feb2006/20060224_4301.html
-- Otis Willie (Ret.)
Military News and Information Editor (http://www.13105320634.com)
The American War Library, Est. 1988 (http://www.amervets.com)
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Freeman
Otis Willie wrote:
> Reagan Carrier Strike Group Launches First Air Missions
> http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Feb2006/20060224_4301.html
>
> {EXCERPT} , By Petty Officer 2nd Class Shane Tuck, USN Special to
> American Forces Press Service
>
> ABOARD THE USS RONALD REAGAN, Feb. 24, 2006 - F/A-18E Hornets assigned
> to the "Eagles" of Strike Fighter Attack Squadron 115 on Feb. 22
> became the first aircraft launched from the flight deck of USS Ronald
> Reagan to drop ordnance on enemy targets in support of Operation Iraqi
> Freedom.
Which target is that, Iran? <yawn>