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Batman47 Board Founder/CNC User is Offline Joined: 10 Feb 2007 Posts: 368 Karma: 5 applaud / smite 397 points 0 warnings 0 tempbans	Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2008 3:00 pm    Post subject: USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) - Westpac - 793rd FWFD · Quote USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) with CVW-5 embarked departed its forward-deployed operating port of Yokosuka, Japan 28 May 2008, on her final departure from Japan with hundreds of friends, family members and distinguished visitors watching as the ship left the piers where it has operated from for nearly a decade. She will undergo her 28th Westpac and 21st deployment in foreign waters as a forward deployed carrier operating with the 7th Fleet on its spring deployment in the Western Pacific Ocean.  To be decommissioned in Bremerton, Washington the Navy's oldest active-duty aircraft carrier (48 years old since her commission) will pass on its responsibilities as the only carrier operating permanently outside of the United States to the USS George Washington (CVN 73) later this summer in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008 Exercise scheduled to take place in the Hawaiian operating area from June 29 through July 31. Prior forward deployed carriers turned over duty in Hawaii. She will undergo her 44th deployment since her commission on 29 April 1961 and approximately the US Navy’s 793rd carrier FWFD. Thomas Schieffer, the U.S. ambassador to Japan; Hitoshi Kimura, Japan's senior vice-minister of foreign affairs; and Rear Adm. James Kelly, U.S. Naval Forces Japan commander, were among the guests that included local business, civic and military leaders. Rear Adm. Rick Wren, Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Group commander, highlighted and praised the ship's accomplishments during its time in Yokosuka. "As commander of Battle Force 7th Fleet, I want to thank the men and women of USS Kitty Hawk for their contributions to maritime security in this region," Wren said. Kitty Hawk made 20 deployments in the Western Pacific during that time, taking part in a number of exercises, including: Cobra Gold; Foal Eagle; Malabar; Annual Exercise; Rim of the Pacific; Talisman Saber; and Keen Sword, the largest joint exercise for the Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Wren also thanked the Japanese for their help and cooperation in hosting Kitty Hawk. "I also want to extend my deepest appreciation to the citizens of this wonderful nation … for their support to the [Forward Deployed Naval Forces] carrier," Wren said. Wren and Capt. Todd Zecchin, Kitty Hawk's commanding officer, then boarded and waved goodbye to the crowd as the ship's crew raised its brow from the quarterdeck and flag on its mast. More than 1,000 Kitty Hawk Sailors 'manned the rails' as the ship pulled out into Truman Bay while the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's band played "Anchor's Aweigh" from the pier. As the ship pulled away, it released hundreds of red, white and blue balloons. Sailors then formed on the flight deck and spelled out 'sayonara,' which means 'goodbye' in Japanese for a commemorative farewell photograph. About 900 Kitty Hawk Sailors and over 100 members of will return to Japan in the embarked Carrier Strike Group 5 and Destroyer Squadron 15 staff members will return to Japan in August on George Washington, as will the 2,000 Sailors of Carrier Air Wing 5, which operates from Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, when not embarked on the carrier. The remainder of Kitty Hawk's crew will return to the West Coast to decommission the ship in Bremerton, Wash., in early 2009. The ship's pending decommissioning has stirred some nostalgic feelings from the crew. "It's going to be emotional for me, because in my opinion, Kitty Hawk still has a lot of years left," said Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuel) Geronimo Crisostomo, who served a total of three tours on Kitty Hawk. "It can still do the job out there." During its 10 years in Japan, the Kitty Hawk has proven it can do the job – and make history. On March 22, 2001, Kitty Hawk became the first aircraft carrier to enter Singapore's Changi Naval Base Pier. The first F/A-18F Super Hornet landing on board Kitty Hawk's 4.1-acre flight deck took place Feb. 19, 2004. Kitty Hawk also worked to establish itself as a symbol of goodwill and friendship with the Japanese, making port visits to Otaru and Sasebo. The ship was also the first U.S. Navy aircraft carrier to visit Muroran on the northern island of Hokkaido. The strike group is the U.S. Navy's largest and includes the carrier, seven ships of Destroyer Squadron 15, two Aegis weapons system equipped guided-missile cruisers and Carrier Air Wing 5. The ships operate from Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, and the air wing operates from Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan. Together, they serve as the 7th Fleet's combatant force. http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37528 Commander, Carrier Strike Group 5 (CCSG 5) COMCARSTRIKGRU FIVE http://www.ccsg5.navy.mil/index.html The Forward Deployed Naval Forces of Carrier Strike Group Five http://www.ccsg5.navy.mil/history.html Task Force 70 is the Carrier Strike Group component of Battle Force Seventh Fleet commanded by Rear Admiral Richard B. Wren. It is centered on the USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63) and the embarked Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CVW-5). Admiral Wren also commands Surface Combatant Force Seventh Fleet (or Task Force 75) comprised of Aegis Cruisers USS SHILOH (CG 67) and USS COWPENS (CG 63) and the seven assigned ships of Destroyer Squadron FIFTEEN (CDS-15). KITTY HAWK and the nine surface combatant ships operate out of Yokosuka, Japan, while Carrier Air Wing FIVE operates out of Atsugi, Japan, when not embarked on the KITTY HAWK. Together, they form the critical combat elements of the U.S. Seventh Fleet as the U.S. Navy’s only permanently forward deployed and largest carrier strike group, designated Carrier Strike Group Five (CSG 5). CSG5 forces have a higher operational tempo and are an average of 17 steaming days closer to locations in Asia than naval forces based in the continental United States. As Commander of Battle Force Seventh Fleet, Rear Admiral Wren has operational control of all carrier strike groups and surface combatants that deploy or transit through the Seventh Fleet area of responsibility. CTF 70 is preparing to transfer to the USS George Washington(CVN73) and carry on our duties as the nations Forward Deployed Command Task Force. http://www.ccsg5.navy.mil/history.html Surface Combatant Force Seventh Fleet (Task Force 75) Ships include DESRON FIFTEEN SHIPS Ships, Kitty Hawk and USS Cowpens (CG 63) and USS Shiloh (CG 67). Kitty Hawk underway in the Western Pacific from 28 May to 9 June 2008. Kitty Hawk visited Apra Harbor, Guam from 10 to 13 June 2008. Kitty Hawk underway in the Philippine Sea on 13 June 2008. Kitty Hawk underway on “WestPac” from 14 to 29 June 2008. Kitty Hawk underway on RIMPAC2008 in the Hawaiian Operating Area from 29 June to 31 July 2008 Kitty Hawk pulled into Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on 1 July 2008. Kitty Hawk visited Pearl Harbor, Hawaii from 1 to 7 July 2008. Kitty Hawk departed Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on 8 July 2008 to participate in the RIMPAC 2008 exercise. Kitty Hawk underway on RIMPAC2008 in the Hawaiian Operating Area from 9 July to 29 July 2008. Kitty Hawk performed its first bio-warfare drill to test the crew’s ability to handle such threats. The Navy Environmental Preventive Medicine Unit 6, a special unit designed to counter bio-terrorism outbreaks and provide preventative medical attention to disaster stricken areas, came to Kitty Hawk from Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, as evaluators and observers. “These types of drills prepare ships for any type of bio threat,” said Lt. Cmdr. Patrick Rozmajzl, the Medical Service Corps’ head of Threat Assessment and NEPMU-6’s lab director. “It shows that in a real threat, we do have the capability to isolate and identify a biological agent. We’ve practiced individual pieces of the drill separately, but this is the first time Kitty Hawk has ever run the entire thing from beginning to end,” he said. The drill began in Kitty Hawk’s mail room, where a ‘suspicious’ package was suspected of containing a deadly biological agent, which, according to Rozmajzl, was actually made up of ground Cheetoes and macaroni and cheese powder. The drill involves a lot of departments and is carefully coordinated from beginning to end, Rozmajzl said. “The whole thing is so well choreographed it’s almost like a ballet – the bio-terrorism ballet—although sometimes it comes off as more of a hoedown,” he said. After the threat is reported to the quarterdeck, damage control teams and medical department personnel are notified. Damage control Sailors shuts down ventilation while medical teams don chemical-protective suits and security blocks off the area. “Everything went smoothly,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Barrington Hamilton, Kitty Hawk’s laboratory technician. “Everyone knew exactly what to do, and how to do it efficiently.” Hamilton is responsible for identifying the agent after the Chemical, Biological, Radiological Team collects a sample of the ‘agent.’ Once inside the affected space, the CBR team ensures there is a Sailor using a hand-held assay, which tests for 10 different agents. “The HHA looks like a bunch of pregnancy tests lined up next to one another, only it’s not good news if we get a ‘yes’,” said Hamilton. If the HHA tests positive for a biological agent, the CBR team packs a sample, ensuring none of the agent gets outside the quarantined area by ‘triple bagging’ it, said Hamilton. Each layer of containment is decontaminated before the next is applied. The agent is then transported to the medical laboratory where it can be identified using Polymerase Chain Reactions, which Hamilton said is just a fancy name for DNA testing. “Each biological agent has a specific DNA signature,” said Hamilton. “If we’re going to effectively fight the contamination, we have to know what we’re dealing with, so I find out what it is.” Rozmajzl said every step of the drill was run perfectly. “Kitty Hawk performed in such an exemplary fashion,” he said. “It’s truly a tribute to the crew’s training and their readiness to respond to this sort of event. Were this to actually happen on board, I’d feel comfortable being on Kitty Hawk.” http://www.kittyhawk.navy.mil/news/Story%20Pages/Story3.htm This year’s ‘Rim of the Pacific’ exercise is in full swing on Kitty Hawk, as the exercise passes its halfway point. For the rest of July, Kitty Hawk will be working with military units and personnel from Canada, Australia, Japan, the Netherlands, Chile, Peru, South Korea, Singapore, the United Kingdom. Kitty Hawk will focus on working effectively with other navies, said Capt. Patrick Walsh, Kitty Hawk’s operations officer. “Expanding these cooperative relationships contributes to the security and stability of the maritime domain for the benefit of all,” Walsh said. Walsh expects a high operating tempo throughout the exercise for all involved units, including the 35 ships, six submarines, more than 150 aircraft and 20,000-plus Sailors, airmen, Marines, soldiers and Coast Guardsmen. RIMPAC will give participants the chance to work on a number of skills through simulated scenarios involving anti-submarine warfare, air operations and surface warfare. “This exercise gives the battle group, as a whole, a great opportunity to flex its collective muscle,” Walsh said. As RIMPAC’s only carrier, Kitty Hawk will play two roles. It will first serve as a command platform for Task Force 70’s Rear Adm. Rick Wren and Canadian Pacific Fleet Commander Commodore Nigel Greenwood. Second, Kitty Hawk will continue doing what it was built for: launching and recovering aircraft. “It’s about building and refining our war fighting capabilities,” said Greenwood, who directs the operations of more than 14 ships from six different countries as the exercise’s sea combat commander. This is the first time a Canadian has had a RIMPAC command while embarked in a U.S. aircraft carrier. The 21-day exercise -- the largest in the world -- gives participants a chance to build their skills in a scenario bigger than their national context, Greenwood added. RIMPAC also presents an opportunity for partner countries to improve their communication with each other and find ways to improve their working relationships. “All of this will improve our tactical proficiency in a wide range of military operations with our friends and allies,” said Walsh. Ultimately, learning about other navies and sharing knowledge is what RIMPAC boils down to. All of the training leads to a good working relationship with other militaries, which is crucial in times of war and crisis, such as hurricanes or other natural disasters, Walsh said. “It’s about fine-tuning our schedules to work together as a functional force,” said Royal Australian Navy Lt. Steve Young, a financial supply officer at HMAS Coonawarra, who has been temporarily assigned to Kitty Hawk’s S-1 Division as assistant material control officer during RIMPAC. The Australians brought three ships and one submarine to the exercise. Young says he noticed a lot of similarities between Australian and Kitty Hawk’s supply system. One major difference, he said, were the numbers. “The quantities, especially, are quite staggering,” Young said about Kitty Hawk’s supply requirements for a crew of nearly 5,000. There’s another aspect of Kitty Hawk that stood out for Young, who has been aboard Kitty Hawk for about two weeks. “I think the one thing I’ve noticed was the level of pride in this ship,” he said. Chilean, Korean and Canadian military personnel also embarked on Kitty Hawk for the exercise. The 21st biennial RIMPAC will be Kitty Hawk’s ‘swan song’ before returning to the U.S. mainland for decommissioning in early 2009. The carrier first participated in the exercise in 1973. http://www.kittyhawk.navy.mil/news/Story%20Pages/Story4.htm The reigns of Strike Fighter Squadron 192 changed hands in a ceremony that included a fly-by over USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) July 22. Cmdr. John Enfield relieved Cmdr. Greg McWherter to become the 51st commanding officer of the “World Famous” Golden Dragons.  http://www.kittyhawk.navy.mil/news/Story%20Pages/Story8.htm Adm. Robert Willard, the Navy’s Pacific Fleet commander, visited Kitty Hawk as the ship was nearing the end of the Rim of the Pacific exercise July 28. This was a return trip to Kitty Hawk for Willard who served on board as the embarked Carrier Strike Group 5 commander from 2000 to 2001. The admiral took the opportunity to thank Kitty Hawk’s crew for their contribution during RIMPAC. “I know it was disruptive for your crew to be thrust into an exercise when you had [decommissioning] in mind.” He also commended the crew on the accolades he has received from foreign visitors who embarked the carrier while it was operating off Hawaii for the exercise. While addressing the crew from the ship’s public announcement system, Willard praised Kitty Hawk’s 47 years of service. “This ship has done some great work for our Navy and our nation. When you look at the miles we put on this ship, and you look at her condition, that’s a credit to all of you,” he said. “She still looks great. We’ll be sad to see her go.” http://www.kittyhawk.navy.mil/news/Story%20Pages/Story7.htm This year’s ‘Rim of the Pacific’ exercise is in full swing on Kitty Hawk wrapped up the operational phase of the biggest naval exercise in the world, Rim of the Pacific, before pulling in to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, July 29. RIMPAC will be the 47-year-old Kitty Hawk’s last exercise before returning to the United States for decommissioning early next year. More than a dozen nations participated in the 21st biennial RIMPAC, which included units from: Australia; Canada; Chile; Japan; the Netherlands; Peru; South Korea; Singapore; and the United Kingdom. The exercise involved 35 ships, six submarines, more than 150 aircraft and more than 20,000 Sailors, airmen, Marines, soldiers and Coast Guardsmen. Colombia, Mexico and Russia sent representatives to observe. “There is nothing like RIMPAC for demonstrating how much our Pacific navies have in common,” said Canadian Navy Commodore Nigel Greenwood, Canada’s Pacific Fleet commander and sea combat commander for RIMPAC. All the navies involved have proven their commitment to international cooperation, Greenwood said. RIMPAC is more than just an opportunity for navies to assess and build their war fighting capabilities, however. “The purpose of RIMPAC is to teach multiple high-end navies to work together,” said Rear Adm. Rick Wren, Kitty Hawk’s Carrier Strike Group commander and Task Force 170 commander for RIMPAC. With so many different navies, communication and technical differences played a major challenge. “You can see by the length of RIMPAC … that it is in fact a long process to learn to work together … to work through some of those communication challenges,” Wren said. Navies also learn to cooperatively respond to whatever security or humanitarian assistance crisis arise in the Pacific, Greenwood said. As part of Task Force 170, Kitty Hawk served as a command platform during the exercise, with Greenwood and Wren on board. The task force, which consisted of Kitty Hawk, Carrier Air Wing 5 and 15 ships from seven different countries, conducted hundreds of training missions including air strike and anti-submarine warfare exercises, said Cmdr. Jeff Debolt, Task Force 70’s RIMPAC planner. Some portions of the task force role-played hostile forces while the majority served as friendly forces to enforce simulated United Nations Security Council resolution sanctions against a hostile nation, Debolt said. The daily routine for most of Kitty Hawk’s 5,000 Sailors didn’t change much for RIMPAC, except for the presence of 20 to 30 foreign military members who embarked as liaison officers for the exercise. “It was our great honor to be present and share this experience with Kitty Hawk’s crew, who have all made us feel so welcome,” Greenwood said. http://www.kittyhawk.navy.mil/news/Story%20Pages/Story9.htm Kitty Hawk visited Pearl Harbor, Hawaii from 30 to 31 July 2008. Kitty Hawk departed Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on 1 August 2008. Kitty Hawk deck department’s boatswain’s mates completed the ship’s last refueling at sea August 6. For some, this marks the end of an era, as diesel fuel will no longer be needed to fuel the Navy’s remaining aircraft carriers, which are nuclear powered. “Nuclear carriers only take on JP-5 for the air wing to fly their jets. They don’t take on the [diesel fuel] the Kitty Hawk needs to keep her moving through the water,” said Chief Boatswain’s Mate (SW/AW) Anthony Matthews. The main difference between refueling a nuclear carrier and Kitty Hawk, is time, according to Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Michael Pipolo “[Fuel replenishment] on Kitty Hawk will be a lot longer when compared to a nuclear carrier, simply because we take on a lot more fuel,” he said. Pipolo said underway replenishment plays a huge role in the boatswain’s mate rating. “I’ve been here for almost three years now and we’ve accomplished a little over 150 underway replenishments,” he said, adding that the ship averages about one replenishment every three days at sea. With so many replenishments under their belts, one might think they’d be ready to celebrate, but Matthews said there won’t be time to party now. Deck department needs to concentrate on pulling into San Diego August 7. “No partying like a rock star until we get her to her final destination,” said Matthews, Kitty Hawk’s only chief boatswain’s mate. Pipolo, a ‘rig captain,’ said the usual cause for celebration is when every member of the team comes off with all ten fingers and toes. “As a rig captain, I have to ensure that everyone on my team is conducting a safe and steady-paced evolution, or someone might get hurt,” said Pipolo. “Safety is a big role in what we do,” he said. “Anything can go wrong at any point during our evolutions.” In his three years on board he hasn’t had a single casualty during replenishments. Guidance from the upper chain of command and training from petty officers is what keeps the department safe, Pipolo said. Lt.j.g. David Dagostino, the ship’s final boatswain said he’s proud to be Kitty Hawk’s last. “I am one of many [officers] that has proudly taken the responsibility to drive this ship and replenish her so we can continue our mission,” he said. “I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for 47 years of dedication by past Sailors.” Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class James Wilks said no other ship in the Navy does as many underway replenishments as Kitty Hawk, and that gives him a sense of pride in the ship. “It’s an honor to say I was a part of the last underway replenishment on the last conventional steam aircraft carrier in the Navy,” said Wilks. http://www.kittyhawk.navy.mil/news/Story%20Pages/Story6.htm Kitty Hawk underway in the Pacific from 1 to 7 August 2008. USS Kitty Hawk (CV-67) with CVW-5 embarked arrived San Diego, Ca. on 7 August 2008, ending her final forward-deployed deployment  operating out of the port of Yokosuka, Japan, departing on 28 May 2008, from Japan with hundreds of friends, family members and distinguished visitors watching as the ship left the piers where it has operated from for nearly a decade. Her 28th Westpac and 21st deployment in foreign waters as a forward deployed carrier operating with the 7th Fleet on its spring deployment in the Western Pacific Ocean ENDED.  Kitty Hawk participated in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008 Exercise in the Hawaiian operating area from June 29 through July 31. Prior forward deployed carriers turned over duty in Hawaii. Prior forward deployed carriers turned over duty in Hawaii. To be decommissioned in Bremerton, Washington the Navy's oldest active-duty aircraft carrier (48 years old since her commission) will pass on its responsibilities as the only carrier operating permanently outside of the United States to the USS George Washington (CVN 73) in port San Diego, Ca. Her 44th deployment since her commission on 29 April 1961 and approximately the US Navy’s 793rd carrier FWFD ended. Kitty Hawk was homeported at Naval Air Station North Island for 25 years of its 47-year life. While moored at North Island, Kitty Hawk will turnover its responsibilities as the Navy’s only aircraft carrier operating from Japan to the USS George Washington (CVN 73). The aircraft and more than 2,000 members of Carrier Air Wing 5, and about 600 Kitty Hawk Sailors, will cross over to the George Washington before it departs for Japan. Kitty Hawk will sail to Bremerton, Wash., later this month where it will decommission in January 2009. As the oldest active-duty warship and last diesel-fuel powered aircraft carrier in the Navy, Kitty Hawk made history during its return to the U.S.: it is the only aircraft carrier to have more than 100,000 launches from one of its waist catapults. Throughout its lifetime, Kitty Hawk has had 407,511 arrested carrier landings and 448,301 launches. Kitty Hawk’s voyage home started when the ship left Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, May 28. Since then the ship made its final port visit to Guam, then on to Hawaii, where it took part in the 21st biennial Rim of the Pacific exercise with a nine other nations. Lt.j.g Brian Page, Strike Fighter Squadron 195’s intelligence officer, said he’ll miss Kitty Hawk’s sense of history and tradition. “I don’t think a lot of other ships have that,” said Page. “It’s almost like Kitty Hawk is a living person, and that comes with age.” Kitty Hawk is special to Lt. Stephen Lamoure, of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 115, because of everything that the ship has been through; from Vietnam to being forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan. “Kitty Hawk is a war hero,” Lamoure said. “I feel privileged to have ridden on this ship.” Lamoure had the honor of landing the last E-2C Hawkeye on Kitty Hawk August 5. For Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Recruit Vladzimir Ilnitskiy, originally from Vitebsk, Belarus, Kitty Hawk has been a growing experience. “I’ll miss the ship because it’s given me new opportunity, and I’ve become familiar to it, but I’m ready for new challenges in a new environment,” he said. For some, this was a first taste of life at sea. “VAW-115 was my first squadron, so it’s always the most memorable,” said Lamoure. “I’ll always remember the camaraderie I’ve been able to gain with the squadron and air wing.” For others, Kitty Hawk is just another carrier to add to a long list of Navy experiences. Master Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate James Giangrosso, Air Department’s leading chief petty officer, said he’ll always appreciate the functionality of the chief’s mess. “It’s a very close mess, and I’ve seen a few in my time,” he said. “Kitty Hawk seems to bring people together. There must be something in the air that generates camaraderie.” Aviation Ordnaceman (AW/SW) 1st Class Jorge Maldonado of Strike Fighter Squadron 102 cross-decked from USS Independence (CV 62) to Kitty Hawk in 1998. Years later he came back to Kitty Hawk, and is now cross-decking with the air wing to George Washington. Maldonado said Kitty Hawk will always be special to him because he got to go through the crossing-the-line ceremony on the flight deck. Becoming a shellback is one of his favorite Kitty Hawk memories. “You’re only a pollywog once,” he said. http://www.kittyhawk.navy.mil/news/story%20pages/story3.htm PEARL HARBOR -- USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) was scheduled to replace USS George Washington (CVN 73) in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008 Exercise scheduled to take place in the Hawaiian operating area from June 29 through July 31. A fire occurred onboard USS George Washington on May 22 while the ship was at sea. The ship is currently in port at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, conducting repairs to spaces and equipment affected by the fire. The timeline for repairs to the ship has not yet been determined. Once repairs to the ship are complete, USS George Washington will replace USS Kitty Hawk as the United States Navy's forward deployed aircraft carrier in the Pacific. In San Diego, California, CVN-73 will relieve USS Kitty Hawk (CV-43), forward deployed in Japan, with CVW-5, arriving with Kitty Hawk to San Diego, California and would be the first time turning over duty as the forward deployed carrier occurred state side. RIMPAC, hosted by Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, demonstrates the U. S. Navy's commitment to working with our global partners in protecting the maritime freedom as a basis for global prosperity and to ensure stability throughout the Pacific. RIMPAC has been conducted since 1971. This year's exercise consists of 10 nations, 35 ships, six submarines, over 150 aircraft and 20,000 Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Soldiers and Coast Guardsmen. Units from Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, Netherlands, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, United Kingdom and the U.S. are scheduled to participate. http://www.kittyhawk.navy.mil Commander Rear Adm. Philip H. Cullom, CCSG 8, and CVW-17 embarked USS George Washington (CVN 73) to participate in Partnership of the Americas in  the U.S. Southern Command area of focus (AOF) .Brazil, Argentina and the United States conducted UNITAS 49-08. After approximately two months, the ship continued on its transit while Carrier Strike Group 8 and CVW-17 returned to Norfolk. DESRON 40, Kauffman and Farragut remained in the SOUTHCOM AOF to continue their participation in Partnership of the Americas for a six-month deployment. Prior to entering the Pacific, CVW-17 (AA) and CCSG-8 returned to Oceana. VFA-143; VFA-103; VFA-83; VFA-131 and VAW-121 are assigned to CVW-7 (AG) stationed at  Naval Air Station Jacksonville, FL and reported to be onboard in the Pacific, while CVW-17 squadrons were not reported publicly during the first two months of deployment. http://www.nasjax.navy.mil Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Group consists of Commander, Carrier Strike Group 5 (CCSG 5), Rear Adm. Richard B. Wren, Commander Destroyer Squadron Fifteen, Captain Mark Montgomery and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, Aegis cruisers USS Cowpens (CG 63), USS Shiloh (CG 67), and seven ships of DESRON FIFTEEN Oscar Austin-Class guided missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG-82); Arleigh Burke Class guided missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG-85); USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62); USS John S. McCain (DDG-56); USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG-54) and USS Mustin (DDG-89) and USS Stethem (DDG 63) (Based on Task Force 70 and DESRON FIFTEEN Ships). USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), former CVA-63 Present http://www.kittyhawk.navy.mil Commanding Officer Captain Todd Zecchin, former Captain Edward P. McNamee III http://www.kittyhawk.navy.mil/command/biographies/CO.htm Executive Officer Captain Stephen Vissers, former Captain Jeffrey C. Amick http://www.kittyhawk.navy.mil/command/biographies/XO.htm Command Master Chief CMDCM Master Chief (SW/AW) Charles Clarke, former CMDCM Master Chief (SW) Ashley B. Smith http://www.kittyhawk.navy.mil/command/biographies/CMC.htm Commander, Carrier Strike Group 5 (CCSG 5) COMCARSTRIKGRU FIVE http://www.ccsg5.navy.mil/index.html Commander Commander Rear Adm. Richard B. Wren http://www.ccsg5.navy.mil/commander.html Chief of Staff Captain Barry L. Bruner http://www.ccsg5.navy.mil/cos.html CMDCM(SW/AW) William T. Etherton, Former MASTER CHIEF GAS TURBINE SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN (SURFACE WARFARE) GSCM Master Chief Napier MICHAEL A. NAPIER http://www.ccsg5.navy.mil/cmc.html COMDESRON FIFTEEN (CDS 15) Commander Destroyer Squadron Fifteen DESRON FIFTEEN http://www.desron15.navy.mil Commodore Captain Mark Montgomery, former Captain Robert P. Girrier http://www.desron15.navy.mil Chief of Staff Commander Thomas W. Tedesso DESRON FIFTEEN SHIPS USS Lassen (DDG-82) - Oscar Austin-Class guided missile destroyer. The USS Lassen, an Arleigh Burke-Class destroyer, is 505.5 feet in length, has a beam of 66.9 feet and displaces 8,315 tons fully laded. The ship has a normal complement of 303 officers and enlisted personnel. http://www.lassen.navy.mil USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG-54) Arleigh Burke-Class guided missile destroyer. The USS Curtis Wilbur, an Arleigh Burke-Class destroyer, is 504.5 feet in length, has a beam of 66.9 feet and displaces 8,315 tons fully laded. The ship has a normal complement of 303 officers and enlisted personnel. http://www.curtis-wilbur.navy.mil USS John S. McCain (DDG-56) Arleigh Burke-Class guided missile destroyer. The USS John s. McCain, an Arleigh Burke-Class destroyer, is 504.5 feet in length, has a beam of 66.9 feet and displaces 8,315 tons fully laded. The ship has a normal complement of 303officers and enlisted personnel. http://www.mccain.navy.mil USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62) Arleigh Burke-Class guided missile destroyer. The USS Fitzgerald, an Arleigh Burke-Class destroyer, is 504.5 feet in length, has a beam of 66.9 feet and displaces 8,315 tons fully laded. The ship has a normal complement of 303 officers and enlisted personnel . http://www.fitzgerald.navy.mil USS Stethem (DD-63) Arleigh Burke-Class guided missile destroyer. The USS Stethem, an Arleigh Burke-Class destroyer, is 504.5 feet in length, has a beam of 66.9 feet and displaces 8,315 tons fully laded. The ship has a normal complement of 303 officers and enlisted personnel . http://www.stethem.navy.mil USS Mustin (DDG-89) FLT IIA Arleigh Burke Class guided missile destroyer The USS Mustin, an Arleigh Burke-Class destroyer, is 509 feet in length, has a beam of 66.9 feet and displaces 9,200 tons fully laded.  The ship has a normal complement of 313 officers and enlisted personnel. http://www.mustin.navy.mil Former USS Gary (FFG 51) Oliver Hazard Perry-Class guided missile frigate. USS Gary is 445 feet in length, has a beam of 45 feet and displaces 4,100 tons fully loaded. The ship has a normal comp, compliment of 290 officers and enlisted personnel. Its maximum speed is 29 knots. http://www.gary.navy.mil http://navysite.de/ffg/FFG51.HTM USS McCampbell (DDG-85)   FLT IIA Arleigh Burke Class guided missile destroyer The USS McCampbell, an Arleigh Burke-Class destroyer, is 509 feet in length, has a beam of 66.9 feet and displaces 9,200 tons fully laded.  The ship has a normal complement of 313 officers and enlisted personnel. http://www.mccampbell.navy.mil Former USS Vandegrift (FFG-48) Oliver Hazard Perry-Class guided missile frigate. USS Vandegrift is 445 feet in length, has a beam of 45 feet and displaces 4,100 tons fully loaded. The ship has a normal complement of 290 officers and enlisted personnel. Its maximum speed is 29 knots. http://www.vandegrift.navy.mil As of 10 December 2006: The Kitty Hawk Strike Group includes the Kitty Hawk, the aircraft squadrons and staff of Carrier Air Wing 5, the guided-missile cruisers USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) and USS Cowpens (CG 63), and Destroyer Squadron 15 staff. The group’s ships and destroyer squadron staff are based at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, and the air wing and staff are based at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan. COMCARAIRWING FIVE (CVW-5) Commanding Officer Deputy Commander Command Master Chief CMDCM STRKFITRON 102 (VFA-102) https://www.atsugi.navy.mil/vfa-102 "DIAMONDBACKS" - Strike Fighter Squadron FA-18F Hornet Strike Fighter Squadron ONE ZERO TWO VFA-102 Diamondbacks' F/A-18 F SUPER HORNETS are the Navy’s new long-range, multi-mission, all-weather strike fighter. The SUPER HORNET can conduct day/night air-to-air/air-to-ground missions, strike with precision-guided weapons, fighter-escort, close air support, suppress enemy air defenses, reconnaissance, forward air control and refueling STRKFITRON 27 (VFA-27) https://www.atsugi.navy.mil/VFA-27/index.html "ROYAL MACES" FA-18C (N) Hornet Strike Fighter Squadron TWO SEVEN VFA-27 Royal Maces' F/A-18E SUPER HORNETS can carry up to 17,000 lbs. of weapons, including Sparrow III and Sidewinder missiles. On a fighter mission, the HORNET's takeoff weight may be as high as 36,710 lbs., and on an attack mission it may be as much as 49,224 lbs. STRKFITRON 192 (VFA-192) https://www.atsugi.navy.mil/cvw5/VFA-192/index.htm "WORLD FAMOUS GOLDEN DRAGONS" FA-18C (N) Hornet Strike Fighter Squadron ONE NINE TWO VFA-192 Golden Dragons' F/A-18C HORNETS are all-weather fighters and attack aircraft. The single-seat F/A-18 C HORNET is the nation's first strike-fighter. The F/A-18C is a twin engine, mid-wing, multi-mission tactical aircraft. STRKFITRON 195 (VFA-195) https://www.atsugi.navy.mil/cvw5/VFA195/index1.htm "DAMBUSTERS" FA-18C (N) Hornet Strike Fighter Squadron ONE NINE FIVE VFA-195 Dambusters' F/A-18C HORNETS are both fighter and attack aircraft. Superb flight characteristics and payload versatility make it a true force multiplier -- whether attacking targets with the strike force, or, with a change in weapons payload, flying overhead as an air interceptor. VAQRON 136 (VAQ-136) https://www.atsugi.navy.mil/VAQ136/html%20docs "GAUNTLETS" EA-6B Prowler Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron ONE THREE SIX VAQ-136 Gauntlets' EA-6B PROWLERS are used for electronic warfare support of the strike force. The PROWLER’s sensitive receivers and high-powered electronic jammers enable its four-person crew to confuse enemy radar and radio equipment. The PROWLER is one of the most expensive planes in the air wing. CARAEWRON 115 (VAW-115) https://www.atsugi.navy.mil/vaw-115 "LIBERTY BELLS" E-2C Hawkeye Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron ONE ONE FIVE VAW-115 Liberty Bells' E-2C HAWKEYES are the eyes of the air wing. The HAWKEYE’s electronic dome allows its five-person air crew to provide air intercept information, attack mission data, air traffic control instructions, and offer search-and-rescue assistance. HELANTISUBRON 14 (HS-14) https://www.cvw5.navy.mil/hs-14 "Chargers" SH-60F / HH-60H Seahawk Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Fourteen HS-14 Chargers' SH-60F SEAHAWK helicopters are equipped with a dipping sonar probe and two Mark 46 torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare. It provides close-in, undersea warfare support to the ship. The SEAHAWK's three-person crew also performs vital search-and-rescue missions. HSL-51 DET 3 Warlords’ Sikorsky SH-60B Light Airborne Multipurpose System (LAMPS) Mk III SEAHAWK and Sikorsky UH-3H SEAKING helicopters provide combat-ready armed, anti-surface and anti-submarine helicopter support as well and vital search-and-rescue missions to the Kitty Hawk Strike Group. FLELTACSUPPRON 30 DET 5 (VRC-30 DET 5) "THE PROVIDERS" C-2A Greyhound https://www.atsugi.navy.mil/VRC-30Det5/Det5_Home.html Fleet Tactical Support Squadron THREE ZERO DET FIVE VRC-30 DET 5 Passwords' C-2A GREYHOUNDS, or Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD), are a welcome sight to the Kitty Hawk crew. In addition to bringing people, parts and supplies aboard, it is the primary means to bring mail from family members and friends ashore. Naval Air Facility, Atsugi, Japan https://www.atsugi.navy.mil/Atsugi_new/index_Tenant.html Builder: New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey Total Cost: $265,200,000 in 1961 Draft: 36 feet Total Height Above Waterline: 201 feet Total Number of Decks & Levels: 8 decks (down) and 11 levels (up) Electrical System Capacity: 14,000,000 watts Fuel Capacity: 4,000,000 gallons (15,200,000 liters) Anchors: Two - 30 tons each (27.3 mt)Weight of Anchor Links: 360 pounds each (162 kg) Max Length of Anchor Chain: 1,080 feet (327.6 m) Propellers: Four, 21 feet wide (7m)Estimated Number of Spaces: 2,400+Flight Deck Area: 4.1 acres USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) is planned to decommission in 2009 and be replaced by USS George Washington (CVN-73) as the Navy's forward-deployed carrier in Yokosuka, Japan USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) Official U. S. Navy http://www.kittyhawk.navy.mil USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) News http://www.news.navy.mil/local/cv63 USS Kitty Hawk Strike Group Story Archive http://www.news.navy.mil/local/story_archive.asp?id=111 and http://www.navy.mil/local/story_archive.asp?id=118 Focus on Carrier Group Five/USS Kitty Hawk Strike Group http://www.navy.mil/local/cg5 USS Kitty Hawk Strike Group Photo Gallery http://www.navsource.org/archives/02/63.htm Current Aircraft Carrier Location - http://www.gonavy.jp/CVLocation.html References:  1, 72, 76, 84A, 690 & U.S. Navy Deployment History Resources _________________ U. S. Navy Veteran  August 1977 to July 1983 Yoeman Second Class, with student pilot's license
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