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On 31 July 2005, Carl Vinson with CVW-9 embarked arrived Norfolk, Virginia, ending her second around-the-world deployment and home port transfer from Bremerton, Washington, she will begin planning for 2005’s Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) at Northrop Grumman's Newport News Shipbuilding, her tenth Indian Ocean deployment and fifth Arabian Sea/Gulf (Persian Gulf deployment) in support for Operation Iraqi Freedom on the US Navy’s 79th Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf deployment since September 1945 operating under operational control of the US Naval Forces Central Command and 5th Fleet., enforcing the no-fly zone south of the 32nd parallel in Iraq, while U.S. Naval Forces Central Command operational control extends to the Indian Ocean following the war with Iraq (Operation Desert Storm), with the Commander, 7th Fleet, serving as naval component commander for Central Command. Departing her former home port of Bremerton, Washington, she operated in the Eastern Pacific from 13 to 15 January 2005 conducting carrier qualifications for CVW-9, visiting San Diego, Calif. from 16 to 18 January 2005 before conducting JTFEX (Joint Task Force Exercise) off the coast of Calif. from 19 to 30 January 2005. Carl Vinson visited San Diego, Calif. from 31 January to 1 February 2005, departing San Diego, Calif. on 2 February 2005 and began its journey west, underway in the Pacific Ocean from 2 to 20 February 2005, pulling into Apra Harbor, Guam on 21 February 2005, making a port call at Apra Harbor, Guam from 21 to 24 February 2005, underway in the Pacific Ocean from 25 February to 5 March 2005, arriving Changi Naval Base, Singapore on 6 March 2005, making a port call at Changi Naval Base, Singapore from 6 to 9 March 2005, underway in the Indian Ocean from 10 to 11 March 2005, underway in the Arabian Sea from 14 to 15 March 2005, underway in the North Arabian Sea from 16 to 18 March 2005, relieving HST-CSG on 19 March 2005 in the North Arabian Sea, underway in the Persian Gulf from 19 March to 28 June 2005, concluding operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and maritime security operations in the Persian Gulf on 30 June 2005, underway in the Persian Gulf from 30 June to 1 July 2005, underway in the Arabian Sea 2 July 2005, underway in the Arabian Sea 2 July 2005, underway in the Red Sea, on her first Red Sea voyage steaming from the Gulf of Aden from 5 to 7 July 2005, transiting the Suez Canal for the first time on 8 July 2005, entering the Med between from 8 and 9 July 2005, on her second voyage in the Mediterranean Sea since her eight-month around the world deployment on her first deployment (1 March to 29 October 1983), visiting Rhodes, Greece from 11 July to 12 July 2005, underway in the Mediterranean Sea from 15 to 18 July 2005, underway in the Atlantic on 19 July 2005, visiting Lisbon, Portugal from 20 to 23 July 2005, departing Lisbon, Portugal on July 2005, underway in the Atlantic from 24 to 30 July 2005; her 15th deployment since her commission.

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) was towed from Naval Station Norfolk to Northrop Grumman's Newport News Shipbuilding in order to begin the Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) 11 November 2005, where she will be completely refitted, and the nuclear fuel that powers the Nimitz-class carrier will be replenished in a period of 3 1/2 years; commencing planning for 2005’s RCOH upon return from her second around-the-world deployment and home port transfer from Bremerton, Washington, upon conclusion of her six-month deployment 31 July 2005.

USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) was decommissioned in Mayport, Fla., March 23, 2007. After a 17 gun salute, USS John F. Kennedy Commanding Officer Capt. Todd Zecchin addressed the more than 5,000 guests, former commanding officers, city officials and distinguished visitors. In his speech, he described his feelings for the ship and the legacy of its crew.

After a 17 gun salute, USS John F. Kennedy Commanding Officer Capt. Todd Zecchin addressed the more than 5,000 guests, former commanding officers, city officials and distinguished visitors. In his speech, he described his feelings for the ship and the legacy of its crew.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=28500

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) with CVW 11 embarked departed San Diego, Calif. on 2 April 2007, on her ninth “Westpac” deployment, and ninth Arabian Sea/Gulf (Persian Gulf) deployment in support of her 1st Operation Enduring Freedom, 2nd Operation Iraqi Freedom and 2nd Maritime Security Operations (MSO) scheduled to relieve USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) CSG operating in the Persian Gulf, demonstrating the U.S. resolve to build regional security and bring long-term stability to the region, on the US Navy’s 84th Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf deployment since September 1945, operating with the 5th Fleet and Central Command. Upon conclusion of OEF, OIF and MSO, Nimitz is scheduled to participate in joint exercise "Valiant Shield 2007" in the Guam operating area and exercise "Malabar 07-2" in the Bay of Bengal prior the ending her deployment. She will under go her 20th deployment since she was commissioned on 3 May 1975 by President Gerald Ford and approximately the U. S. Navy’s 784th FWFD.

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) was towed from Naval Station Norfolk to Northrop Grumman's Newport News Shipbuilding in order to begin the Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) 11 November 2005, where she will be completely refitted, and the nuclear fuel that powers the Nimitz-class carrier will be replenished in a period of 3 1/2 years; commencing planning for 2005’s RCOH upon return from her second around-the-world deployment and home port transfer from Bremerton, Washington, upon conclusion of her six-month deployment 31 July 2005.

“On 23 May 2007, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) with CVW-7 embarked arrived Norfolk, Va., with nearly 6,000 Sailors from Eisenhower (Ike) Carrier Strike Group’s (CSG) ships and aircraft squadrons returned home after successfully completing an extended deployment of almost eight months, ending her 10th Mediterranean Sea deployment (17th voyage) operating with the 6th Fleet and fifth Arabian Sea/Gulf (Persian Gulf) and 2nd Indian Ocean deployment (off the Somali coast) in support of her 1st Maritime Security Operations (MSO), her 1st Operation Enduring Freedom and 1st Operation Iraqi Freedom on the US Navy’s 83rd Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf deployment since September 1945, operating with the 5th Fleet and Central Command. Underway from Norfolk, Va. on 3 October 2006, “Ike” conducted operations in the Atlantic from 3 to 13 October 2006; entered the Med on the 14th remaining underway in the Med from 14 to 16; visiting Naples, Italy from 17th to 20th . In addition to the many liberty prospects in Naples, the port visit provided hundreds of Italian and American citizens in the area a chance to tour the aircraft carrier and attend a reception held in the ship’s hangar bay and hosted by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe Adm. Harry Ulrich, enabling the Sailors to share a piece of the U.S. Navy with the Italian community. During his welcoming remarks at the reception, Rear Adm. Al Myers, commander, Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, expressed gratitude to the citizens of Naples for their hospitality and thanked the Italian community for their enduring friendship. “As partners, Italy and the United States work closely together with other regional allies to strengthen our efforts to keep the sea free and safe for trade and commerce,” said Myers. Entering Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Europe/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet’s area of responsibility in early October, Ike CSG began planning theater security cooperation engagements and maritime security operations with the militaries of Italy, Cyprus, Bosnia, Greece, Croatia, Montenegro and Romania. Dwight D. Eisenhower conducted operations in the Mediterranean Sea, her 16th voyage in the Med, from 21 to 24, making a port call at Limassol, Cyprus from 25 to 27, entering the Med on the 28th, remaining until the 29th when she made ready for her 11th transit of the Suez Canal on October 30th, making the US Navy’s 123rd Suez Canal transit, entering the Red Sea on her eighth Red Sea voyage in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, entering the Gulf of Aden on the 2nd prior to entering the Arabian Sea on the 3rd, during which time, show host Montel Williams visited Dwight D. Eisenhower, "Ike," Dec. 3 for an overnight visit in the Persian Gulf to bring families closer together and to give Sailors a chance to send warm holiday greetings to the people who support them from home. Ike remained in the Arabian Sea until the 5th. As reported on 6 December 200, Trees for Troops started in Columbus, Ohio, when FedEx joined forces with the Ohio Christmas Tree Association’s “Operation Evergreen” to donate more than 200 Christmas trees to deployed service members. The Christmas trees were set up on the mess decks and decorated by ship crew members to bring a sense of home to Ike. Ike commenced Operation Enduring Freedom missions in support of ground troops in Afghanistan in the Northern Arabian Sea from 6 November to 10 December 2006. CVW-7 began conducting Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) missions Nov. 6, and after nine days of operations, Eisenhower-based aircraft flew 190 sorties, coordinating closely with coalition forces to counter anti-coalition militants, their movements and attacks, and to make a difference in providing for the safety and security of the people of Afghanistan. “We are really excited and proud to be able to support ground combat operations,” said Cmdr. William Koyama, executive officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83. “IKE air power is making a difference for ISAF soldiers. On one of these missions, we provided armed support as ground troops tried to MEDEVAC (medical evacuation) a wounded Soldier in close proximity to the enemy. In another case, one of our F/A-18C Hornets dropped all its ordnance to support Soldiers ambushed and pinned down in the open. As we reached a low fuel state and handed off to another section of aircraft before leaving, the controller on the ground thanked us and said, ‘You are surely angels on our shoulders.’ I have never done a more meaningful flight in the Navy.” The air wing has expended Guided Bomb Unit (GBU) 12 bombs, a general-purpose, laser guided 500-pound bomb; GBU-38 bombs, a general-purpose Global Positioning System (GPS) guided 500-pound bomb; as well as 20 mm rounds from M61A1 and M61A2 Gatling guns on enemy positions. “Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA), 143, the ‘Pukin’ Dogs,’ are excited to be able to support the OEF and ISAF operations with our new jets and their capabilities as part of CVW-7 and the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower team,” said Cmdr. Jim Nichols, commanding officer of VFA-143. “Our air crew and Sailors have worked hard over the last year to prepare for this moment, and they are exceeding all expectations. Sailors Ike took a break in the Arabian Sea to participate in a swim call Nov. 28. More than 1,850 Sailors leaped from Ike’s Elevator 3, 27 feet above the warm salt water and then swam to the aft stern dock. Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 5’s and Ike’s Search and Rescue (SAR) swimmers maintained a watchful eye and helpful hand in the water, while members of deck and engineering departments manned rigid hull inflatable boats. Senior enlisted advisors from throughout the Middle East area of responsibility visited Ike,” Dec. 3 to talk with Sailors and experience life at sea. The visit was an opportunity for senior members of each branch of service to help strengthen the bond between the carrier and the troops on the ground. “It bridges the gap,” said Army Master Sgt. Steven Gillespie, Combined Joint Task Force 76’s Joint Visitors Bureau non-commissioned officer-in-charge. “Sailors get to see the Soldiers. I’ve gotten to talk to some Sailors and tell them what the Soldiers are doing in Afghanistan and how they [Sailors] are helping us.” Dwight D. Eisenhower entered the Persian Gulf from 11 December 2006. The world famous Harlem Globetrotters visited Dwight D. Eisenhower Dec. 11-13, bringing great basketball and entertainment to Ike Sailors deployed in the Persian Gulf. Priding themselves on being “Ambassadors of Goodwill,” the Harlem Globetrotters have entertained more than 123 million people in more than 100 different countries. “A Globetrotter is a great basketball player, a skilled entertainer, a charismatic individual, one who has integrity, and one who is an ambassador of goodwill,” said Globetrotters power forward Eugene “Killer” Edgerson. “It’s not only about representing ourselves and basketball, but also the United States of America.” Dwight D. Eisenhower commenced Operation Iraq Freedom on 12 to 21 December 2006 operating in the Persian Gulf. U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for Dec. 13 noting 16 Air Force, Navy and RAF ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Navy and Air Force fighter aircraft performed in non-traditional ISR roles with their electro-optical and infrared sensors. Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Mullen and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Joe R. Campa, Jr. visited Sailors underway in the Fifth Fleet Area of Operations (AOR) Dec. 21 to bring holiday greetings and to thank the Sailors for the sacrifices they are made in the ship’s hangar bay. Dwight D. Eisenhower visited Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates from 22 to 26 December 2006. Their stops in the Persian Gulf also the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68), before continuing on to the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4). Sailors enjoyed some time off as well as a chance to experience a foreign culture during a five-day port visit to Jebel Ali. While in Jebel Ali, crew members had the opportunity to sightsee in nearby Dubai. Some opted for one of many Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) organized tours and still others ventured out to explore the glamorous Middle Eastern city. Dwight D. Eisenhower returned to the Persian Gulf on the 27th, arriving in Northern Arabian Sea on the 28th December 2006. CNO, MCPON Visited Naval Support Activity Bahrain on a tour of U.S. Navy assets in the region hosted an All Hands call with more than 500 Sailors and Department of Defense personnel assigned to the nearly 80 different commands based at Naval Support Activity Bahrain December 27th. Two Soldiers deployed to the Combined Air and Space Operations Center (CAOC) in Al Udeid, Qatar, have joined the crew aboard Dwight D. Eisenhower Dec. 31 as Ground Liaison Officers (GLOs). Maj. Dan Collins, and Sgt. 1st Class Richard Elias, from the 4th Battlefield Coordination Detachment, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, began their tour Aug. 29 as GLOs with the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). They spent two months performing their duties aboard Enterprise before IKE entered the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, Oct. 30, to relieve Enterprise during regularly scheduled deployments. Ike Commanding Officer, Capt. Dan Cloyd, watches from auxiliary control as a wave crashes alongside the Military Sealift Command (MSC) fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8) during an underway replenishment January 4, 2007. As reported on 4 January 2007, the E-7 exams during January commenced and the E-4, E-5 and E-6 exams will take place in March. Dwight D. Eisenhower conducted operations in the Northern Arabian Sea from 28 December to 5 January 2007. Forty-three Sailors aboard Dwight D. Eisenhower were awarded their warfare pins at a mass pinning ceremony held Jan. 6. Ten Sailors earned their Enlisted Air Warfare Specialist (EAWS) designation, and 33 earned their Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) designation. The EAWS/ESWS pin signifies a high level of professional skill, knowledge and experience in their respective warfare area. Dwight D. Eisenhower operations not reported from 6 to 8 January 2007. Ship’s Vision: Ike’s Plan for today and tomorrow – 9 January 2007. Dwight D. Eisenhower conducted operations off the Somali coast, Indian Ocean from 8 to 9 January 2007, with U.S. Air Force AC-130 gunships strikingal Qaeda targets in Somalia on the 8th. The operation allegedly hit al Qaeda concentrations in the southern part of the country, but Pentagon officials did not comment. The U.S. 5th Fleet moved Dwight D. Eisenhower into the waters off Somalia in an effort to capture al Qaeda terrorists attempting to flee the country, a 5th Fleet spokesman said. United Nations-recognized Somali government officials said the strikes were aimed at al Qaeda terrorists who planned the attacks against the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998. The Ethiopian military entered Somalia Dec. 24 with the mission of neutralizing the Council of Islamic Courts, a Muslim extremist group that took power in the Somali capital of Mogadishu. The Ethiopian forces took the capital in 10 days and terrorists and their sympathizers allegedly moved south toward the border with Kenya to escape. More U.S. ships are moved in to the waters off Somalia to reinforce the maritime interdiction effort there, said U.S. 5th Fleet officials. “Due to rapidly developing events in Somalia, U.S. Central Command has tasked Dwight D. Eisenhower to join USS Bunker Hill, USS Ramage, USS Anzio and USS Ashland to support ongoing maritime security operations off the coast of Somalia,” said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Charlie Brown, a spokesman for 5th Fleet in Bahrain. The ships will stop vessels and search them for al Qaeda terrorists attempting to escape from Somalia, officials said. Press reports said the AC-130 attacks hit an area called Ras Kamboni, a heavily forested area near the Kenyan border. The area is allegedly a terror training base. Press reports said there were casualties in the area, and Somali officials said they had captured 28 suspected al Qaeda terrorists. Sailors on board and throughout the Navy had the opportunity to give their minds a proper workout by participating in the Navy Professional Reading Program announced on 21 January 2007. The Navy Professional Reading Program, introduced in October by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Mullen, was created to encourage independent reading which contributes to education, development, personal and professional growth, and the stimulation of critical thinking. The books are selected by the Naval War College. Dwight D. Eisenhower off the Somali coast, Indian Ocean from 8 to 29 January 2007. IKE reached the halfway point in their deployment Jan. 28, during which time CVW-7 has flown 5,839 sorties and has put in more than 15,489 flight hours since the deployment began, providing air support for multi-national coalition ground forces in support of various operations in U.S. Central Command’s AOR. A critical part in supporting operations is underway replenishments (UNREP). So far, IKE has completed 18 UNREPs. From bringing everything from jet parts to food to fuel to the ship, an UNREP is essential. IKE has taken on more than 19,000 pallets of supplies. “I think the most memorable rapped g at sea was with USS Anzio (CG 68). We provided more than 300,000 gallons of JP-5 to them when they really needed it,” said Ship’s Boatswain Chief Warrant Officer Lyedell Gibson. “We made it look like we were one of the combat logistics force ships that do these types of refuelings routinely.” The ship’s post office keeps Ike Sailors in touch with their loved ones, and has taken on about 235,000 pounds of mail. “Two days before we pulled into Jebel Ali, we received the largest amount of mail to date, around 41,000 pounds,” said Postal Clerk 2nd Class Adrien Dicks of Supply Department’s S-12 division. “It took about a week to fully process it out to the crew.” Food Service Division has also played a big part in keeping the crew happy. In the past four months, the carrier’s personnel have consumed 12,095 gallons of milk, 340,920 eggs, 51,000 pounds of ground beef, 106,851 pounds of chicken and 195,624 cups of cereal. Sailors from Ike and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 participated in a historic reenlistment ceremony of astronomical proportions. Astronaut and Capt. Michael Lopez-Alegria, commander of the International Space Station (ISS), presided over the ceremony from space Jan. 29, via video teleconference (VTC), along with astronaut and Cmdr. Suni Williams, flight engineer. Sixteen Sailors became the first from Ike to be reenlisted by an officer from NASA in a ceremony which crossed Earth’s atmosphere to the ISS orbiting 200 miles above. The VTC included the ISS, NASA, Ike, and a Norfolk, Va., site for families to participate. Dwight D. Eisenhower left Somali’s coast to return to the Persian Gulf region on 30 January 2007, underway in the Arabian Sea from 31 January to 3 February 2007. Sailors aboard Ike took time out from their deployment operations to enjoy a steel beach picnic Feb. 13 on the ship's flight deck. On Feb. 23, Dwight D. Eisenhower broke the record set by the Enterprise-class aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) for the most participation in the United Through Reading (UTR) program, producing a record number of 1,671 messages during a single cruise. United Through Reading is a quality of life program for military families which helps keep parents and children connected, by videotaps of the deployed service member reading aloud to their children. As reported on 25 February 2006, The Dwight D. Eisenhower earned the Commander Naval Air Force Carrier Battle Efficiency “E” award for the East Coast, calendar year 2006. Dwight D. Eisenhower underway in the Northern Arabian Sea from 4 to 26 February 2007, providing close air support and reconnaissance missions for International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops on the ground in Afghanistan, starting Feb. 4, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. CVW-7 flew more than 6,900 sorties and logged more than 18,000 flight hours since deployment began or an additional 1,061 sorties and 2,511 flight hours since last reported during the half way of the deployment. Its missions have included providing air power support for multi-national forces on the ground in support of operations in the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Area of Responsibility and contributing to security and stability in the region. “The ability of the carrier to move quickly within the 5th fleet area of operations and provide support wherever needed demonstrates the flexibility that this team brings to the theater,” said Rear Adm. Al Myers, commander of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG). “We’re here to do our part, alongside our multi-national partners, promoting peace, stability and security for the people of Afghanistan.” ISAF is comprised of more than 35,000 troops, with contributions from 37 nations. Dwight D. Eisenhower earned the Commander Naval Air Force Carrier Battle Efficiency “E” award for the East Coast, calendar year 2006. Ike and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 were awarded the “Jig Dog” Ramage Carrier and Carrier Air Wing Operational Excellence Award for 2006 on Feb. 27. The Navywide award is selected jointly by Type Commanders (TYCOM) and is presented to the Carrier/Air Wing team with the best performance. In late February, Ike was joined in the theater by the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSCSG) 3. The strike groups conducted a dual-carrier exercise in the Persian Gulf demonstrating multidimensional task force operations. Dwight D. Eisenhower underway in the Persian Gulf from 27 February to 8 March 2007, underway in the Northern Arabian Sea from 9 to 14 March 2007, entering the Persian Gulf on 15 March 2007, during which time Comedian Russell Peters performed his stand up routine in the hangar bay on the same day. Ike held a 3-on-3 basketball tournament to raise money for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) on March 15. By taking donations from passersby and with widespread support from Ike’s departments and CVW-7 squadrons, the tournament is just one more step toward reaching the command goal of $75,000 and 100 percent participation. Sultenfuss said it’s a win-win situation for everyone involved. Dwight D. Eisenhower received the Atlantic Fleet “Best of Class” designation for the 2006 Ship’s Store Retail and Service Excellence Award on March 23. The “Best of Class” designation signifies a superior level of service beyond the normal service provided on other ships in Ike’s class. The designation is a culmination of a year’s worth of accomplishment by S-3 Division. Dwight D. Eisenhower conducted a massive military exercise in the Persian Gulf from 27 to 28 March 2007. Members of the U.S. House of Representatives visited Dwight D. Eisenhower at sea April 9th to observe flight operations and the strike group concept. The group, led by Rep. Gene Taylor from the 4th Congressional District of Mississippi, is visiting Ike Sailors and getting the chance to see them in their normal working environment to have better information about how the decisions they make back in Washington relate to IKE and her crew. Sailors aboard Ike completed the Chefs at Sea Apprenticeship Program after six months of dedication and hard work April 2. The Chefs at Sea Program is designed to give Sailors the opportunity to take culinary classes while underway. The program is offered to all ships on the Atlantic Coast, as well as shore commands such as Guam, Okinawa, Sicily and Spain, to include host programs at the White House, Pentagon and Camp David. The six-month program covered four categories: professional chef, sanitation, nutrition and supervision. It also gave Sailors a new perspective on how to cook a variety of food. Forty-five civilian guests visited the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower on April 25 as part of the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference (JCOC) where they got the opportunity to see various aspects of the ship, meet with Sailors and view flight operations. JCOC is sponsored by the Department of Defense and is the oldest military public affairs program, having been held more than 72 times since its inception in 1948. JCOC is a weeklong journey covering 18,000 miles to introduce civilians to members of the armed forces who carry out military operations in Southwest Asia and the Horn of Africa. After landing aboard Ike in a C-2 Greyhound Carrier On-board Delivery (COD) aircraft they descended to Ike’s hangar bay by way of an aircraft elevator. The participants then split up into separate groups and were given a tour of the ship and the chance to eat lunch with Ike Sailors. As announced by the CO April 25, 2007, “sailors of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower can return to Norfolk, Va., proudly, knowing that they made a difference in the global war on terror, the ship’s commander said. “I believe this crew understood its mission and has been more fulfilled than any previous deployment,” Navy Capt. Dan Cloyd told 45 civic and business leaders visiting the carrier today. “They know that what they did made a difference and saved lives every day.” Strike group commander Navy Rear Adm. Allen Myers told participants that the ship’s 5,000 sailors have provided support from the air and sea to CENTCOM, in addition to having boots on the ground in places like the Horn of Africa. The 61 aircraft on the carrier have flown more than 2,000 combat sorties, dropped more than 150,000 pounds of ordnance, and continuously provided close-air support to troops and shows of force during operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. “As impressive as the ship is and as impressive as the aircraft are, it’s the sailors – the young men and women, America’s sons and daughters – who are the most impressive part of what we do here,” Myers said. “With an average of 75 flight missions per day,” Seaman Zack Schutze an aviation boatswain’s mate said, “our work has to have a big impact on operations.” Schutze’s job is to help man the circular booth high over the ship’s deck to closely monitor and track each aircraft that the carrier launches and recovers. Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph Anthony, a nuclear electrician who spent two years in training before taking his first assignment on the Eisenhower, works on the carrier’s two nuclear reactors that not only keep the ship moving in excess of 30 knots, they provide enough energy to keep the carrier in operation for 18 years without refueling. The reactors also provide the steam that catapults aircraft from its deck at nearly 170 miles per hour. “Our job operating the reactors is critical,” Anthony said. And while the separation from his family is difficult, he said it’s a small sacrifice to make for the nation. The carrier is a national asset that has the capability to strategically and operationally effect what’s going on in the region, said operations officer Navy Cmdr. Mike Baker. “We are 4.5 acres of sovereign U.S. territory,” he said. “And with 70 percent of the world covered in water, we can play a role in operations nearly everywhere.” Members of the crew repeatedly told their guests how much they enjoy their jobs and the positive impact they are having on the world. One “Ike” catapult officer, who was temporarily reassigned from his duties as a pilot, told Joint Civilian Orientation Conference participants that he enjoys his job just as much today as when he joined the Navy eight years ago. “This job is awesome,” the “shooter” said. “I love it, and that will never change.” Dwight D. Eisenhower underway in the Persian Gulf from 15 March to 25 April 2007. Ike with CVW-7 provided support to American and coalition ground forces in Iraq and Afghanistan since the end of October, taken part in maritime operations in the region by maintaining open channels for commerce, allowing freedom of the seas, and dealing with issues like piracy and human trafficking, Capt. Dan Cloyd said. On its last day in the Arabian Gulf, the aircraft carrier hosted educators, entrepreneurs and civic leaders who were participating in the Defense Department’s Joint Civilian Orientation Conference. The group is traveling in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility for a crash course in the capabilities of the U.S. military. More than 1,600 Sailors from the air wing will return aboard Ike on May 23. Commanded by Capt. Scott “Sterno” Stearney, CVW-7 flew more than 11,000 sorties and more than 31,500 hours, providing both air support for multinational coalition forces on the ground in Afghanistan and Iraq and maritime security in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility (AOR). CVW-7’s 233-day deployment began Oct. 3, when the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (CSG) left its homeport of Norfolk, and headed east toward the Mediterranean Sea. Three U.S. Navy ships sharing the same hull number on April 28, 2007, aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69), and guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) sail in formation in the Arabian Sea. Photos. Dwight D. Eisenhower underway in Arabian Sea on 30 April 2007, underway in Red Sea from 1 to 3 May 2007, her ninth voyage (1st one on a deployment). Dwight D. Eisenhower left the 5th Fleet operations area, passing through the Suez Canal to begin the westward trek home 4 May 2007, making her 12th Suez Canal transit and the US Navy’s 124th Suez Canal transit, entering the Mediterranean Sea on the 4th, her 17th voyage in the Med, in which 9 were deployments on the US Navy’s 123rd and 124th Suez Canal transit. Underway in Mediterranean Sea from 4 to 11 May 2007, visiting Lisbon, Portugal from 12 to 16 May 2007. Pilots and air crew from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 embarked on board Dwight D. Eisenhower returned from a nearly eight-month deployment May 21 and 22. Commanded by Capt. Scott “Sterno” Stearney, CVW-7 flew more than 11,000 sorties and more than 31,500 hours, providing both air support for multinational coalition forces on the ground in Afghanistan and Iraq and maritime security in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility (AOR). “I’m extremely proud of our nearly 2,000 men and women of CVW-7. We were successful in supporting our coalition and regional allies flying missions in support of U.S. and multinational ground troops in both OIF and OEF. The hard work of the Sailors of CVW-7 helped safe lives everyday,” said Stearney. During the extended deployment, the two F/A-18 Hornet squadrons, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131 “Wildcats” and VFA-83 “Rampagers,” and the two F/A-18E/F Super Hornet squadrons, VFA-103 “Jolly Rogers” and VFA-143 “Pukin’ Dogs,” expended more than 140 laser-guided bombs and Joint Direct Attack Munitions, and performed nearly 70 strafing runs using 20 mm cannons on numerous targets in support of ground forces. This support for the global war on terrorism was in addition to the essential missions of strike group defense and maritime security operations. Of note, this deployment marked the first for VFA-103 and VFA-143 since their transition from the F-14 Tomcat to the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. Command and control of all aircraft transiting in and out of overland missions, as well as all aircraft providing strike group defense and conducting traditional maritime security operations was professionally handled by the E-2C Hawkeyes of the Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 125 “Tigertails.” Dominance of the electromagnetic spectrum of both Iraq and Afghanistan was conducted simultaneously by the Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140 “Patriots,” a first for any EA-6B Prowler squadron. In addition to providing the strike group’s anti-submarine and anti-surface defense, as well as combat search and rescue, the “Nightdippers” of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 5 conducted eight replenishments at sea and logistics flights into almost a dozen countries totaling more than 500,000 pounds of cargo and 900 passengers delivered. This fleet support was in addition to the impressive performance of the Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40 “Rawhides.” Their two C-2 Greyhound aircraft transported more than 1.2 million pounds of cargo and nearly 5,000 passengers to and from Ike. Having traveled more than 69,000 nautical miles, conducted operations in support of three campaigns, and visiting four foreign ports, CVW-7 began its transition home on May 21 with the fly-off of VRC-40. On May 22, air crews returned to Norfolk and Virginia Beach, Va., Jacksonville, Fla., and Oak Harbor, Wash. Dwight D. Eisenhower underway in Atlantic from 17 to 22 May 2007. “I’m extremely proud of our nearly 6,000 men and women of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group,” said Rear Adm. Allen G. Myers, Commander CSG 8. “We were successful in supporting our coalition and regional allies by strengthening our collective efforts to keep the seas free, safe and secure for trade and commerce, conducting maritime security operations and flying missions in support of U.S. and multinational ground troops in both OIF and OEF. “Ike CSG’s deployment reflected the speed, agility, persistent presence and joint/combined warfighting capabilities that a carrier strike group provides in support of our national defense.” Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 flew approximately 12,000 sorties and has put in more than 31,400 flight hours since deployment began, providing air support for multinational coalition forces on the ground in support of various operations in the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command AOR. “We supported joint coalition forces both in Iraq and Afghanistan, not only with kinetic effects, such as precision guided weapons and 20 mm cannon fire, but also with essential non-kinetic support through show of force and the work of the EA-6B, helicopter and E-2C squadrons,” said Lt. Dale Gregory, CVW-7 operations staff officer. “Throughout our deployment, we have been an essential part, whether that be in support of troops on the ground or in our mere presence at sea, global war on [terrorism].” The guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) supported MSO throughout the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR, from the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea. Anzio participated in 32 compliant boardings, demonstrating our nation’s commitment to maintaining international sea lines of communications open to all mariners, free from the threats of piracy, smugglers and terrorists. Anzio’s boarding teams provided both local fishermen and merchants with fuel, food and medical care to ensure their safety and spread a sense of cooperation to fellow mariners. While deployed to the Central Command AOR working for Combined Task Forces 150 and 152, the guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61) participated in multiple pulse operations across the AOR. These pulse operations focused on building a comprehensive recognized maritime picture in support of national and coalition tasking in numerous regions, to include the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Horn of Africa. Ramage conducted more than 40 approach and assist visits, three boardings, more than 100 maritime-awareness calls and 13 coordinated maritime-awareness calls. The guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) successfully executed Exercise Neon Falcon, a bilateral exercise between the United States and Royal Bahraini navies. The exercise was a vital step toward the chief of Naval Operation’s goal of an international “1,000-ship navy.” Additionally, Mason, USS Whirlwind (PC 11), and Bahraini ships participated in extensive in-port and at-sea exercises designed to flex the warfighting capabilities of both navies. A critical part in supporting sustained operations are underway replenishments (UNREP). From bringing to the ship everything from jet parts to food to fuel, an UNREP is essential. Dwight D. Eisenhower completed 36 UNREPs, taking on more than 8,000 pallets of supplies and approximately 21,000,000 gallons of JP-5. “The underway replenishment operations are critical to keeping Eisenhower Strike Group on-station and combat-ready,” said Ike ship’s bos’n, CWO3 Lyedell Gibson. Boosting morale and keeping Ike Sailors in touch with their loved ones, the ship’s post office and mail are very important to Ike and her mission. During deployment, Ike’s postal clerks brought on more than 300,000 pounds of mail. Another division tasked with keeping the lines of communication open is Combat Systems, CS-3 Division. Since deployment began, there were approximately 6,800,000 e-mails sent off the ship and approximately 7,300,000 e-mails sent to the ship. “I think the techs in CS-3 Division are amazing,” said CWO3 Ken Kipler, CS-3 Division officer. “They have directly impacted the mission of the strike group by ensuring that when the top leaders have had to make decisions, they had all the required information at their fingertips and the ability to communicate that decision over multiple communications paths.” Sailors have many opportunities to stay in touch with their loved ones at home, including use of the United Through Reading (UTR) program, which was established to provide a way for Sailors to comfort their children during an extended absence, such as deployment. Ike broke the record set by the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) for the most participation in UTR, producing a record number of 2,066 messages during a single cruise. Food Service Division also played a big part in keeping the crew happy. In eight months, Ike Sailors have gone through 45,780 gallons of milk, 633,120 eggs, 155,189 pounds of ground beef and 238,970 pounds of chicken. Food Service Division served a total of 3,190,211 meals to the crew. “We have a lot of pride in preparing the quality food for the crew,” said Culinary Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Jerry Johnson. “We do our best to make sure everybody is happy with the food we serve. Ike Sailors also had the opportunity to take part in a Navy tradition when the ship conducted a “crossing the line” ceremony to commemorate the ship’s crossing of the equator. “What surprised me the most was when we crossed the equator,” said Yeoman Seaman Eric Tyson. “My dad is a Shellback, and I am really glad that I got to follow in his footsteps and become one myself.” The world famous Harlem Globetrotters visited Ike, bringing great basketball and entertainment to Sailors. “I believe this team excelled at every mission they were assigned. Our Sailors, 70 percent of whom had never deployed before, are the most inspiring men and women I’ve ever served with,” said Capt. Dan Cloyd, commanding officer of Dwight D. Eisenhower. “Looking back on the past eight months we know we’ve made a difference, that we saved lives every day and that we contributed significantly to the security and stability of uniquely important and remarkable parts of the world. We also know that our families helped make this excellence possible – we can’t thank them enough for their sacrifices and support. It’ll be great to be together with them again,” Cloyd added. CVW-7 squadrons returned to Norfolk on May 21 and 22. Dwight D. Eisenhower made her 11th and 12th Suez Canal transits on the U. S. Navy’s 123rd and 124th Suez Canal transit. Visited Naples, Italy; Limassol, Cyprus; Jebel Ali, U.A.E. and Lisbon, Portugal. Her 16th deployment since her commission 18 October 1977, Captain William E. Ramsey in command (3 October 2006 to 23 May 2007) and approximately the U. S. Navy’s 780th carrier Foreign water Fleet Deployment (FWFD)” (Ref. 44, 47, 72, 84A & 383).
http://www.freepowerboards.com/owcommandpost/owcommandpost-about1405.html

Commanded by Rear Adm. Allen G. Myers, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CCSG) 8, IKE CSG includes the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower, with its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, and embarked Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28; the guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68); guided-missile destroyers USS Ramage (DDG 61) and USS Mason (DDG 87); and the fast-attack submarine USS Newport News (SSN 750), all homeported in Norfolk, Va.

CVW-7 includes Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) One Two Five “Tigertails,” Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) One Zero Three “Jolly Rogers,” Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) One Three One “Wildcats,” Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) One Four Three “Pukin’ Dogs,” Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) Eighty-three “Rampagers,” Electronic Attack (VAQ) Squadron One Four Zero “Patriots,” Helicopter Anti-submarine (HS) Five “Nightdippers,” and Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) Forty “Rawhides.” http://www.cusnc.navy.mil/articles/2007/023.html

USS Enterprise (CVN-65) with CVW-1 embarked departed Norfolk, Virginia 7 July 2007, on her tenth Mediterranean Sea deployment operating with the 6th Fleet and 17th voyage in the Mediterranean Sea; on her 3rd Operation Enduring Freedom (15th USN OEF) and 3rd Operation Iraqi Freedom (19th USN OIF); her 15th Gulf of Aden & Red Sea voyage; she will under go her 15th Suez Canal transit and the US Navy’s 125th carrier Suez Canal transit and upon return will make her 16th Suez Canal transit and the US Navy’s 126th carrier Suez Canal, on the US Navy’s 86th Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf deployment since September 1945, operating with the 5th Fleet and Central Command. She will under go her 28th deployment since her commission on November 25, 1961 and approximately the U. S. Navy’s 786th carrier FWFD.

USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) was towed from NS Mayport, and taken to NS Norfolk, instead of a mothball berth at the old Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, as originally planned on 26 July 2007. The trip was expected to take about five days.

USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) arrived at Naval Station Norfolk, Va. on 31 July 2007.

USS George Washington (CVN-73) departed Norfolk 18 September 2007.

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-67) with CVW-5 embarked arrived its forward-deployed operating port of Yokosuka, Japan 21 September 2007, ending its Summer Underway Period in the Western Pacific, Tasman Sea, her 26th Westpac and 19th deployment in foreign waters as a forward deployed carrier operating with the 7th Fleet, participating in exercise Talisman Saber 2007 in the Coral Sea near the coast of Australia from 18 June to 3 Jul 2007, South China Sea, participating in joint exercise "Valiant Shield 2007” in the Guam operating area 7 August 2007 with USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74), while the USAF 93d Bomb Squadron was tasked with participating in the SINKEX portion of the exercise and Kitty Hawk conducted exercise "Malabar 07-2" in the Bay of Bengal from 4 to 9 September 2007 with USS Nimitz (CVN-68). Her 42nd deployment since her commission on 29 April 1961 (23 May to 21 September 2007) and approximately the U. S. Navy’s 785th carrier FWFD.
http://www.freepowerboards.com/owcommandpost/owcommandpost-about1410.html

Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Group consists of USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, along with other strike group units supporting TS07 -- USS Cowpens (CG 63), USS Shiloh (CG 67), and USS Stethem (DDG 63). Also participating, but under CTF 70 control, is USS Lake Erie (CG 70), homeported in Pearl Harbor.

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-67) conducted "Friends and Family Day Cruise" on 23 September 2007.

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) underway in the Western Atlantic from 14 to 28 September 2007.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) shifted berths from homeport pier at Bremerton to a drydock at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF) for a scheduled six-month docking-planned incremental availability (DPIA) on 28 September 2007.

USS George Washington (CVN-73) conducted carrier qualifications and flight deck certification in the Western Atlantic from 18 to 28 September 2007.
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U. S. Navy Veteran
August 1977 to July 1983

Yoeman Second Class,
with student pilot's license