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Batman47 Board Founder/CNC User is Offline Joined: 10 Feb 2007 Posts: 394 Karma: 5 applaud / smite 425 points 0 warnings 0 tempbans	Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2008 3:26 am    Post subject: U. S. Aircraft Carrier Status - 29 Sep 2007 to 8 May 2008 · Quote USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) was formally decommissioned on 30 September 2007. http://navysite.de/cvn/cv67.htm USS Nimitz (CVN-68) with CVW 11 embarked arrived San Diego, Calif. on 30 September 2007; ending  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) relieving USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) CSG operating in the Horn of Africa and Persian Gulf regions; Nimitz joined  the John C. Stennis CSG, which was already operating in the theater, arriving  in C5F May 8, the squadrons of embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 began flying operations in support of ground troops, while CF5 maintained a two-carrier presence in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, 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 (C5F ) and Central Command. Underway in the Pacific from 2 to 26 April 2007, the crew received mandatory anthrax vaccinations April 5 through 10 to reduce risks of contracting the disease while deployed to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility (AOR). The crew of Nimitz and USS Princeton (CG 59) made history during the San Diego Padres military appreciation day with a live feed April 7 at PETCO Park. Nimitz participated in replenishment at sea (RAS) with USNS Rainier (T-AOE 7) and USNS Flint (T-AE 26) April 12, completing their final evolution for combat readiness April 13. Sailors from Nimitz’s Combat Systems Seven (CS-7) Division spent more than 20 hours loading 16 NATO Sea Sparrow missiles and 42 Rolling Airframe missiles (RAM) into their launchers. The “Providers” of Carrier Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30, hosted four goodwill flights open to all crew members aboard Nimitz April 14 and 17 to promote high morale. Sailors and Marines participated in the La Jolla Half Marathon aboard Nimitz April 22, while underway in the Pacific Ocean. Six new additions to their E-9 ranks after the chief of Naval Operations released a naval message announcing the new master chiefs across the fleet April 26 assigned to Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11, Nimitz and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11. Underway in the Philippine Sea from 27 April to 29 April 2007 and the Indian Ocean from 30 April to 7 May 2007, Nimitz entered the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations May 8. “The Nimitz CSG joins the John C. Stennis CSG, which was already operating in the theater,  and relieves the Dwight D. Eisenhower CSG operating in the Horn of Africa and Persian Gulf regions. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 began conducting missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) May 11, providing close airpower support and reconnaissance to International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops on the ground in Afghanistan. ISAF comprises more than 35,000 troops, with contributions from 37 nations. “Carrier-based aircraft provide close airpower support and deliver ordnance on enemy positions designated by ground forces” (Ref. Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command- Office of Public Affairs). Underway in the Northern Arabian Sea from 11 to 14 May 2007, Nimitz  operated off the Somali coast, Indian Ocean from 15 to 21 May 2007, during which time Cmdr. Gregory Keithley became the 55th commanding officer (CO) of the “Black Aces” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41 when he relieved Cmdr. Dell Bull during a ceremony in the hangar bay May 16 aboard and Former NASCAR and current Craftsman Truck Series driver Geoff Bodine spent time with Sailors and Marines aboard Nimitz May 16-18. “Nimitz Carrier Strike Groups transited the Gulf of Oman on 22 May 2007, joining up with USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Carrier Strike Groups  and USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) Expeditionary Strike Group, entering the Arabian Gulf May 23. The carriers and amphibious strike groups and their associated forces conducted missions in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and also performed Expeditionary Strike Force (ESF) training in the Persian Gulf from 23 to 27 May 2007. JCS was the flagship for this training, “designed to demonstrate the importance of the strike groups’ ability to plan and to conduct multiple task-force operations as part of the United States’ long-standing commitment to maintaining security and stability in the region” (Ref. Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command- Office of Public Affairs). Nimitz visited Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates from 28 May to 2 June 2007, during which time Sailors and Marines aboard were surprised by a visit from the legendary rock band Aerosmith on May 30. “Nimitz began conducting missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OiF) on 3 June 2007, providing close air-power support, shows of force, armed and tactical reconnaissance and electronic warfare missions for ground forces operating in Iraq. “We are supporting 150,000 troops on the ground,” said Capt. David B. Woods, commander, Carrier Air Wing 11.  “We use armed reconnaissance to give troops on the ground an ‘eye in the sky.’” “It’s not just for the American troops; it is for all the troops we work with.  Everyone is utilizing our services,” said Woods.  ISAF is comprised of troops from 37 nations. Underway in the Persian Gulf from 3 to 26 June 2007, CVW-11 flew 788 sorties and more than 2,800 hours in direct support of multinational Coalition forces, providing close air-power support and delivering ordnance on enemy positions designated by ground forces” (Ref. Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command- FPO AE 09501-6008). Underway in the Arabian Sea from 27 to 30 June 2007 and the Indian Ocean on 1 July 2007, Nimitz headed to India, joining the guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91) becoming the first American aircraft carrier to make a port visit to Chennai, India from 2 to 5 July 2007, where senior leadership met with Indian military and government officials. In all, 659 crew members from Nimitz and Pinckney donated over 3,900 hours of their time and labor to take part in 11 community relations projects in India” (Ref. USS Nimitz (CVN-69) web site). Upon conclusion of her port visit, Nimitz Entered the Bay of Bengal on 6 July 2007, commencing operations in the Arabian Sea from 7 to 11 Jul 2007 and the Persian Gulf from 12 to 23 July 2007. While operating in C5F, CVW-11 during two stints flew more than 2,600 sorties and 7,332 to 8,240 hours in support of ground forces participating in OEF in Afghanistan and OIF in Iraq before leaving the Persian Gulf. Underway in the Indian Ocean from 25 to 28 July 2007, Nimitz began operating as a part of the U.S. 7th Fleet (C7F) in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. C7F is the largest of the forward-deployed U.S. fleets covering 52 million square miles, with approximately 50 ships, 120 aircraft and more than 22,000 Sailors and Marines assigned at any given time. On July 31 approximately 36 members and two B-52s from the 917th Wing deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to participate in Valiant Shield 2007. Underway in the Western Pacific from 1 to 6 August 2007, Nimitz participated in joint exercise "Valiant Shield 2007” in the Guam operating area 7 to 14 August 2007 with USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) with CVW-5 embarked and USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) with CVW-9 embarked. More than 25 Navy ships joined units from the Army, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Air Force off the coast of Guam for the weeklong exercise. The eight-day exercise conducted off the coast of Guam tested the military’s ability to rapidly bring together joint forces in response to any regional contingency. It also enabled the United States to contribute to regional security and stability and demonstrated U.S. commitment in the Pacific. Valiant Shield is a training exercise designed to bring multiple branches of the military together in response to global contingencies. The focus is to provide a seamless force which can respond to a broad range of mission scenarios. The 93d Bomb Squadron was tasked with participating in the SINKEX portion of the exercise. "SINKEX is a scenario within Valiant Shield," said Lt. Col. William Floyd, 917th Operations Support Flight director of operations. "Our mission here is to drop laser guided bombs on target ships out in the ocean."  The Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force pooled their resources and people to perform a joint-operation at-sea rescue exercise during Valiant Shield 2007 in the vicinity of Guam Aug. 11. USS Pinckney (DDG 91), USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) and USS Lake Erie (CG 10) along with the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Washington (WPB 1331) worked together to simulate the rescue of an Air Force Survival Evasion Resistance Escape specialist under hostile conditions. During the field training exercise, more than 2,900 sorties were flown, with KC-135 Stratotankers and KC-10 Extenders offloading 2.29 million pounds of fuel to airborne aircraft. B-52 Stratofortress, F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, KC-135 and E-3 Sentry aircraft flew defensive counter air, electronic attack, suppression of enemy air defense, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, aerial refueling, air interdiction, and antisurface warfare missions to support synchronized, joint operations in the vicinity of Guam. Navy F/A-18 Hornets, Hawker Hunters and Lear jets, along with F-16s and B-52s flew more than 400 additional sorties as opposing forces during the exercise. Thirteenth Air Force at Hickam Air Force Base was the overall lead agency for planning the joint U.S. exercise and served as the joint force air component command under Joint Task Force-519. The 917 WG B-52s that participated in Valiant Shield left Barksdale AFB, La., carrying four GBU-12s, 500-pound laser-guided bombs. After landing at Guam, the aircraft parked alongside active-duty B-52s from Barksdale, which have been positioned at Andersen since May fulfilling an Air and Space Expeditionary Force commitment. "Because folks from the 20th were already in place here, it cut down on the amount of equipment we would normally have to bring to support our aircraft," said Master Sgt. Wesley Phillips, 917th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron superintendent while deployed. "The maintainers here have been great and have really bent over backward to help us." "In an exercise such as Valiant Shield, 13th Air Force, as the JFACC, provides the command and control capability that allows a synchronized air effort with the surface and the sub-surface efforts, as well as space and other capabilities, into one campaign," said Lt. Gen. Loyd S. Utterback, the Valiant Shield joint force air component commander. "During Valiant Shield, we were able to validate our capability to work through a tough tactical- and operational-level problem in a joint construct." Given the Herculean task to plan this large-scale event, exercise planners established specific training objectives that broadly defined enhanced joint war fighting integration and synchronization of forces at the tactical level. Building upon the lessons learned from last year and under the direction of the JTF-519 commander, "exercise planners built upon the overall vision to integrate the force jointly to create the seamless operations that allow real-time application of military power when needed," said Col. Tim Saffold, the lead exercise planner and 613th Air and Space Operations Center deputy commander. "Forces, command and control elements, and additional units that didn't participate in last year's exercise created a more robust, energetic training opportunity this year." "The complexity level mixed with the scale of the field-training exercise, along with the command and control, makes Valiant Shield unmatched," General Utterback said. "Our operational tempo this year was higher than last year because we learned lessons and are attempting to apply those lessons and integrate new technologies and command and control capability." "For example, bombers coming out of a continental U.S. base were integrated with aircraft launching from aircraft carriers and more than 60 aircraft based at Andersen AFB, Guam, into one scenario. The integration of global capability has taken us to a new level in this exercise," the general said. Exercise planning had to incorporate long flight times, long transit times for surface vessels, and integrate communications, the space element, and intelligence that provides war fighters the information necessary to create the desired effect on the battlefield. Meanwhile command and control elements under the control of the JFACC coordinated the effort with the joint force maritime component command in San Diego. This is the second year the United States has conducted Valiant Shield. The first was in June 2006. The series of exercises focus on integrated joint training among U.S. military forces and enable real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces and in detecting, locating, tracking and engaging units at sea, in the air, on land, and in cyberspace in response to range of mission areas. The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSSG) USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) and Nimitz successfully wrapped up Exercise Valiant Shield 2007 while operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) Aug. 14.“The purpose of the exercise was to train in our ability to work in a strike force and joint environment,” said Rear Adm. Kevin M. Quinn, Commander, Carrier Strike Group 3. “We practiced our ability to carry out all of our mission areas in a very dynamic and robust training environment. It’s been great training.” CVW-11, one of three air wings participating in the exercise, flew 677 sorties and 1,450 flight hours for the exercise, including maritime interdiction, defensive counter-air and tanking missions. Underway in the Western Pacific from 15 to 18 August 2007 and the South China Sea on 19 August 2007, the “Grapes” of Nimitz Air Department, V-4 division, celebrated Aug. 19 the mishap-free transfer of more than 11 million gallons of jet fuel. As of Aug. 19, the Sailors of V-4 have safely issued 11,337,104 gallons, received 9,534,095 gallons and executed 9,028 total fueling evolutions. Their work allowed Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11’s pilots to fly more than 6,378 sorties, including missions in support of Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF), Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Valiant Shield. Nimitz visited Hong Kong from 20 to 23 August 2007, departing Hong Kong Aug. 24 after a four-day port visit. Nimitz, along with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, was joined by the five other ships in the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) - the guided-missile destroyers USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53), USS Chafee (DDG 90), USS Pinckney (DDG 91) and USS Higgins (DDG 76); and the guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59). Crew members aboard Nimitz spent time giving back to the world community during the ship’s August port visit to Hong Kong. More than 100 Sailors and Marines donated over than 500 hours during their liberty to assist local Hong Kong organizations including the Nesbitt Centre; Crossroads International; Po Leung Kuk-Siu Ming Memorial Home Care and Attention Unit; and the Hong Chi Pinehill Village. Underway in the South China Sea from 24 August to 2 September 2007, Nimitz CSG 11, commanded by Rear Adm. John Terence Blake, embarked onboard Nimitz with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11; Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23; the guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59); and the guided-missile destroyers USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53), USS Higgins (DDG 76), USS Chafee (DDG 90), and USS Pinckney (DDG 91); Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 49 “Scorpions,” HSL-37 “Easy Riders,” and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit 11, Det. 15; entered the Bay of Bengal on 3 September 2007, returning to the waters off the coast of India Sept. 4 to join the Kitty Hawk CSG and India’s aircraft carrier, INS Viraat (R 22), for the multilateral Exercise "Malabar 07-2" in the Bay of Bengal from 4 to 9 September 2007. participate in the multilateral Exercise Malabar 07-2. The guidd-missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG 90); Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 49 “Scorpions,” and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit 11, Det 3 are based in Pearl Harbor. An annual exercise between the navies of the United States and India, this iteration of the exercise was expanded to also include the navies of Japan, Australia and Singapore. “The idea is to promote communication,” said Commander, Carrier Strike Group 11, Rear Adm. Terry Blake, during a visit to Viraat Sept. 4. “This is the most complex series of events we’ve done to date.” During the exercise, Sailors from Nimitz cross-decked to Viraat and Indian Sailors visited Nimitz. The exercise included aviation, anti-submarine and multi-carrier operations and featuring more than 28 ships, 150 aircraft and 20,000 service members from five nations.“In a sense, it is another day at sea with friends,” said Indian Navy Rear Adm. Robin Dhowan, commander in chief, Indian Eastern Fleet. “It is another way of exercising. We feel at home with other navies and are happy to strengthen our friendships with them. This multilateral exercise includes naval forces from India, Australia, Japan, Singapore and the United States. The Malabar exercise series has historically been a bilateral exercise between the Indian and U.S. Navy. This year, the Indian navy invited other regional countries to participate. Exercise Malabar 07-2 is designed to increase ability to operate among the Indian, Australian, Japanese, Singaporean, and U.S. maritime forces to develop common understanding and procedures for maritime operations. Interoperability among maritime forces allows for a more effective capability to respond, as necessary, to maritime threats such as terrorism proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and transnational challenges such as pandemic disease and natural disaster. The at-sea training included sea control operations, multi-carrier operations as well as exercises all major air, surface and subsurface maritime skill sets. The participants will also conduct personnel exchanges and professional discussions at sea and ashore. This annual exercise included ships from India, Australia, Japan and Singapore in the Bay of Bengal to advance mutual maritime understanding and interoperability. Underway in the South China Sea on 10 September 2007, Nimitz operated in the Western Pacific from 13 to 21 September 2007. The chief petty officers’ mess aboard Nimitz added 41 to its ranks during an underway pinning ceremony Sept. 21.Nimitz visited Pearl Harbor, Hawaii from 22 to 24 September 2007, welcoming 1,295 family, friends and special guests aboard for their last stretch of their six-month deployment for a scheduled Tiger Cruise 2007 as the ship departed Naval Station Hawaii Sept. 24 introducing the experience of shipboard life first hand in the Pacific from 24 to 29 September 2007 and final voyage home. Throughout the deployment, Nimitz’ Sailors strived to maintain the ship’s material condition and kept a 95 percent PMS success rate. They managed to match that grade in a ship-wide 3M Inspection Aug. 24-25 and earned the best score ever by an aircraft carrier in the program’s history, according to 3M inspectors. Aside from Chennai, Nimitz also made liberty port calls to Singapore, Hong Kong and the Middle East, where crew members not only enjoyed exploring the sites and culture of the foreign countries, but also contributed their time and hard work participating in community relations projects. In all, more than 300 Sailors and Marines volunteered more than 1,250 man-hours performing eight community relations projects in Hong Kong and Singapore. Nimitz Commanding Officer Capt. Michael Manazir noted he is proud of the crew’s performance while serving as American ambassadors abroad. Her 20th deployment ended (2 April to 30 September 2007) since she was commissioned on 3 May 1975 by President Gerald Ford and approximately the U. S. Navy’s 784th FWFD. (Several sortie totals were released by the U. S. Navy) http://www.freepowerboards.com/owcommandpost/owcommandpost-about1409.html CVW-11’s squadrons include “Tophatters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14, “Black Aces” of VFA-41, “Sunliners” of VFA-81, “Wallbangers” of Airborne Early Warning Squadron 117, “Red Devils” of Marine Corps Strike Fighter Squadron 232, “Black Ravens” of Electronic Warfare Squadron 135, “Providers” of Carrier Logistics Support Squadron 30 and the “Indians” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 6. Nimitz is the flagship for Commander, Carrier Strike Group 11. Commanded by Rear Adm. Terry Blake, Nimitz CSG also includes embarked Destroyer Squadron 23 with guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59), guided-missile destroyers USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53), USS Higgins (DDG 76), USS Chafee (DDG 90) and USS Pinckney (DDG 91) as well as the “Scorpions” of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 49, “Easy Riders” of HSL-37 and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11, Det. 3. http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=32232 http://www.freepowerboards.com/owcommandpost/owcommandpost-about1409.html USS George Washington (CVN-73) Friends and Family Day Cruise from 13 October 2007. USS Kitty Hawk (CV-67) departed Yokosuka for Fall Deployment on 21 October 2007. USS George Washington (CVN-73) departed Norfolk, Va. on 22 October 2007. USS Kitty Hawk (CV-67) conducted carrier qualifications off the Japan coast from 21 to 25 October 2007. US Kitty Hawk (CV-67) visited Muroran, Japan from 26 to 29 October 2007. USS Kitty Hawk (CV-67) departed Muroran on 30 October 2007. USS George Washington (CVN-73) conducted carrier qualifications in the Western Atlantic from 22 October to 1 November 2007. USS George Washington (CVN-73) returned to Norfolk, Va. on 2 November 2007. USS Kitty Hawk (CV-67) underway in the Western Pacific from 30 October to 4 November 2007. USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) departed San Diego 5 November 2007. USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) with CVW-3 embarked departed Norfolk, Va., with Captain Herman A. Shelanski in command, on 5 November 2007, with CCSG10 commanded by Rear Admiral William E. Gortney and staff; her fifth Mediterranean Sea deployment (8th voyage) operating with the 6th Fleet, her third Arabian Sea/Gulf (Persian Gulf) deployment in support of 1st Maritime Security Operations and  3rd Operation Iraqi Freedom operating under operational control of the US Naval Forces Central Command and 5th Fleet., 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. She will make her 5th Suez Canal transit and the U. S. Navy’s 127th  Suez Canal transit enroute to the Arabian Sea via the Red Sea on the U. S. Navy’s 86th Arabian Sea/Gulf (Persian Gulf) deployment and upon return through the Suez Canal will make her 6th Suez Canal transit and the U. S. Navy’s 128th  Suez Canal; her sixth deployment since her commission and the approximately the U. S. Navy’s 787th FWFD. http://www.freepowerboards.com/owcommandpost/owcommandpost-about1412.html The HSTCSG is made up of CCSG 10 staff, Harry S. Truman, Carrier Air Wing 3, Commander, Destroyer Squadron 26 staff, guided missile cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and USS Hue City (CG 66); guided missile destroyers USS Carney (DDG 64), USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) and USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81); attack submarine USS Montpelier (SSN 765); fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8); the Canadian frigate HMCS Charlottetown (FFG 339); and the British destroyer HMS Manchester (D95). Carrier Air Wing 3 consists of Strike Fighter Squadrons VFA-11, VFA-32, VFA-37 and VFA-105; Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron VAQ-130; Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron VAW-126; and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 7. USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) conducted flight deck certification in the Eastern Pacific from 5 to 8 November 2007. USS Nimitz (CVN-68) Eastern Pacific from 26 October to 9 November 2007. USS George Washington (CVN-73) underway in the Western Atlantic 7 to 9 November 2007. USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) returned to San Diego 9 November 2007. USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) underway in the Western Atlantic from 7 to 9 November 2007. USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) conducted "Friends and Family Day Cruise" on 11 November 2007. USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) underway in the Atlantic from 5 to 15 November 2007. USS Kitty Hawk (CV-67) underway in the Western Pacific conducting exercises 9th Keen Sword and ANNUALEX 19G in waters and air space around Japan 5 to 16 November 2007. USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) transited through the straits of Gibraltar 16 November 2007. USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) conducted Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMTUEX) off the coast of Southern California from 18 October to 16 November 2007. USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) visited San Diego 17 to 18 November 2007. USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) underway in the Mediterranean from 16 to 19 November 2007. USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) underway in the Eastern Pacific on 19 November 2007, returning to Everett, Washington DC on 20 November 2007. USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) visited Naples, Italy from 20 to 25 November 2007. USS Kitty Hawk (CV-67) underway in the Western Pacific from 17 to 26 November 2007, returning to Yokosuka. On 28 November 2007, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) transited the Elizabeth River to return to homeport of Naval Station Norfolk after completing a nine-month PIA in Norfolk Naval Shipyard. USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) underway in the Mediterranean from 26 to 29 November 2007. USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) entered the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations on 30 November 2007, transiting the Suez Canal. USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) relieved USS Enterprise (CVN-65). USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) underway in the Red Sea from 30 November to 1 December 2007. USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) conducted sea trials and flight deck certification in the Western Atlantic from 4 to 6 December 2007. USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) underway in the Arabian Sea from 2 to 11 December 2007. USS Nimitz (CVN-68) conducted sustainment training exercises off the coast of Southern California from 3 to 14 December 2007. USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) conducted Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) off the coast of Southern California from 27 November to 17 December 2007, returning to San Diego, California on 18 December 2007. USS Enterprise (CVN-65) with CVW-1 embarked arrived Norfolk, Virginia 19 December 2007; ending her tenth Mediterranean Sea deployment operating with the 6th Fleet and 17th  voyage in the Mediterranean Sea; her 3rd Operation Enduring Freedom and 3rd Operation Iraqi Freedom and 1st Maritime Security Operations on the US Navy’s 85th Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf deployment since September 1945 operating with the 5th Fleet and Central Command; her 15th Gulf of Aden & Red Sea voyage; 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. Her 28th deployment since her commission on November 25, 1961 ended (7 July 2007 to 19 December 2007) and approximately the U. S. Navy’s 786th carrier FWFD. http://www.freepowerboards.com/owcommandpost/owcommandpost-about1411.html Enterprise is the flagship for Carrier Strike Group 12, which include the guided-missile destroyers USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98), USS James E. Williams (DDG 95), USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) and USS Stout (DDG 55); the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64); and the fast-attack submarine USS Philadelphia (SSN 690) all based in Norfolk, and also the fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 6) based in Earle, N.J. There are nearly 7,500 Sailors and Marines in the strike group. In addition to being the flagship of the strike group, Enterprise is also home to CVW 1. The air wing is comprised of the “Checkmates” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211 flying the F/A-18 Super Hornet and the “Knighthawks” of VFA-136; the “Sidewinders” of VFA-86; the “Thunderbolts” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 all flying the F/A-18 Hornet. Also joining CVW 1 are the “Dragonslayers” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 11 flying the SH-60 Seahawk; the “Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137 flying the EA-6B Prowler; the “Screwtops” of VAW-123 flying the E-2C Hawkeye; the “Maulers” of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 32 flying the S-3B Viking; and the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 flying the C-2A Greyhound.   http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=30463 USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) conducted carrier qualifications in the Western Atlantic from 17 to 20 December 2007. USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), flagship for Carrier Strike Group 2 (CSG2), completed its first work-up cycle, Dec. 20, following a nine-month Planned Incremental Availability (PIA). http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34090 USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) underway in the Persian Gulf from 14 to 24 December 2007. USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) visited Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates from 25 to 28 December 2007.   USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) departed San Diego, Calif. on 8 January 2008. USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) underway in the Eastern Pacific from 8 to 10 January 2008. USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) visited Santa Barbara from 11 to 13 January 2008 USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) underway in the Eastern Pacific 14 January 2008. The commander of Carrier Airwing 3 logged his 6,000th hour of flight Jan. 14 after a successful 3-wire trap aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in an E2-C Hawkeye assigned to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126, the "Seahawks". http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34364 Capt. Rick Pawlowski has spent 360,000 minutes, 250 days, 6,000 hours flying through the air in E2-C Hawkeyes, A-6 Intruders, Helicopters, F/A 18 Super Hornets and a conglomerate of other aircraft. USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) returned to San Diego, Calif. on 15 January 2008. USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) departed Everett on 17 January 2008. USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) underway in the Eastern Pacific from 17 to 19 January 2008. USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) visited San Diego from 19 to 20 January 2008. USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) moved to Norfolk Naval Shipyard for a six-month planned incremental availability (PIA) on 22 January 2008. USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) underway off the coast of Southern California from 21 to 22 January 2008. USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) underway in the Persian Gulf from 28 December 2007 to 24 January 2008. USS Nimitz (CVN-68) with CVW 11 embarked departed San Diego, Calif. on 24 January 2008 for a planned four-month deployment on her tenth “Westpac” deployment, participating in Expeditionary Strike Force (ESF) and Exercise Key Resolve/Foal Eagle 2008. She will under go her 21st deployment since she was commissioned on 3 May 1975 by President Gerald Ford and approximately the U. S. Navy’s 788th FWFD. http://www.freepowerboards.com/owcommandpost/owcommandpost-about1768.html The Nimitz CSG is comprised of Commander, CSG 11, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Nimitz; its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11; embarked DESRON 23; the guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59); the guided-missile destroyers USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53), USS Higgins (DDG 76), and USS Chafee (DDG 90); Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 49 "Scorpions," HSL-37 "Easy Riders"; and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11. CVW-11's squadrons include the "Tophatters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14, the "Black Aces" of VFA-41, the "Sunliners" of VFA-81, the "Wallbangers" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron 117, the "Red Devils" of Marine Corps Strike Fighter Squadron 232, the "Black Ravens" of Electronic Warfare Squadron 135, the "Providers" of Carrier Logistics Support Squadron 30 and the "Indians" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 6. USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) underway in the Persian Gulf from 29 December 2007 to 24 January 2008. USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) visited Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates from 25 to 28 January 2008. USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) underway in the Persian Gulf on 29 January 2008. USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) conducted carrier qualifications for the FRS off the coast of Southern California 28 January to 1 February 2008, returning to San Diego, Calif. USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) conducted Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) off the coast of Southern California from 23 January to 1 February 2008. USS Nimitz (CVN-68) underway in the Pacific from 24 January 1 February 2008. USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) conducted carrier qualifications for the FRS and the CNATRA off the Virginia coast from 28 January to 3 February 2008. USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) returned to Everett on 4 February 2008. USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) underway off the Virginia coast from 5 to 8 February 2008, completing a connected replenishment (CONREP) with ammunition ship USNS Mount Baker (T-AE 34) Feb. 6 as Sailors helped return supplies and ammunition offloaded last year before a routine maintenance period. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34814 USS George Washington (CVN-73) conducted live-fire exercises using the NATO Sea Sparrow, Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) and the Phalanx Close-in Weapons System (CIWS) in the Western Atlantic from 7 to 9 February 2008. USS Nimitz (CVN-68) underway in the Western Pacific from 2 to 10 February 2008. USS Nimitz (CVN-68) visited Sasebo, Japan from 11 to 14 February 2008. USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) underway in the Eastern Pacific from 10 to 14 February 2008, returning to San Diego, Calif. USS Nimitz (CVN-68) underway in the Western Pacific from 15 to 27 February 2008. USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) underway in the Persian Gulf from 29 January to 16 February 2008. USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) volunteered their liberty to three community relations projects during a four-day port visit to a Middle Eastern port Feb. 17-21. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=35249 USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) underway in the Persian Gulf on 22 February 2008. Four Canadian ships completed training with the USS George Washington (CVN-73) Carrier Strike (GW CSG) Group Feb. 29 following the completion of their Task Group Exercise 02-08 while at sea off the coast of Florida. http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=35340 Sailors on board USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) conducted a replenishment-at-sea (RAS) with the fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE8) and had the unique opportunity to hone their golf skills on the flight deck March 1. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=35822 USS Nimitz (CVN-68) visited Busan, Republic of Korea from 28 February to 2 March 2008. USS Nimitz (CVN-68) underway in the Sea of Japan from 3 to 7 March 2008. USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) tested the NATO Sea Sparrow Missile System, carrier qualifications for CNATRA, off the coast of Virginia 2 to 10 March 2008. USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) conducted Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications (FRSCQ) off the coast of Southern California from 9 to 12 March 2008, returning to San Diego, Calif. USS George Washington (CVN-73) underway in the Western Atlantic from 21 February to 13 March 2008 conducting carrier qualifications, flight deck certification, and Tailored Ships Training Availability and Final Evaluation Problem (TSTA/FEP), and also participated in Canada's Task Group Exercise 02-08 (TGEX 02-08) before a permanent homeport change in Yokosuka, Japan. During the several weeks of training and evaluation, the George Washington CSG also participated in Canada's Task Group Exercise 02-08 (TGEX 02-08) with four Canadian ships and a submarine. The destroyer HMCS Iroquois (DDG 280), frigates HMCS Ville de Quebec (FFH 332), HMCS St. John's (FFH 340), oil replenishment ship HMCS Preserver (AOR 510), and the submarine HMCS Corner Brook (SSK-878) trained cooperatively with USS George Washington (CVN 73), USS Farragut (DDG-99), USS Boone (FFG-28) and USS Kauffman (FFG-59). http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=35751 USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) with CVW 2 embarked departed San Diego, Calif. on 13 March 2008; on her ninth “Westpac” deployment, and seventh Arabian Sea/Gulf (Persian Gulf) deployment conducting her 1st Maritime Security Operations (MSO) and most likely her 2nd Operation Enduring Freedom and 2nd Operation Iraqi Freedom on the U. S. Navy’s 88th Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf deployment since September 1945 operating under operational control of the US Naval Forces Central Command and 5th Fleet. where she will relieve USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) operating in the Persian Gulf. She will under go her 12th deployment since her commission 11 November 1989; delivered to the U. S. Navy on 30 October 1989 and approximately the U. S. Navy's 789 th carrier FWFD. http://www.freepowerboards.com/owcommandpost/owcommandpost-about1822.html The Abraham Lincoln Strike Group includes the Abraham Lincoln, Commanding Officer Capt. Patrick Hall, Rear Adm. Scott Van Buskirk, Commander, Carrier Strike Group Nine, Carrier Air Wing TWO,  Capt. John Aquilino and Commander, Destroyer Squadron NINE, Captain James T. Loeblein directs Squadron Ships for the conduct of sustained naval operations and serves as Sea Combat Commander within its assigned Carrier Strike Group to include the USS Curts (FFG 38), guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), and the guide-missile destroyers USS Russell (DDG 59), USS Momsen (DDG-92)  and USS Shoup (DDG 86). USS George Washington (CVN-73) returned to Norfolk, Va. on the 14th. USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) underway in the Eastern Pacific from 13 to 14 March 2008. USS Nimitz (CVN-68) underway in the East China Sea 10 to 16 March 2008. The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is participating in a joint training exercise designed to demonstrate U.S. commitment to the Republic of Korea (ROK) and U.S. alliance. Exercise Key Resolve/Foal Eagle 2008 is also designed to enhance combat readiness of ROK and U.S. supporting forces through combined and joint training. "Foal Eagle is a vitally important exercise that reinforces our long-standing relationship with the Koreans," said Chief Operations Specialist (SW) Ian Kelley, Tactical Flag Command Center leading chief petty officer. "It also enhances our interoperability with a key ally." One of Foal Eagle's main purposes is to train Sailors and Marines in the event something should happen that would require the U.S. and ROK navies to work together to resolve a conflict, said Operations Specialist 1st Class (SW) Jeremiah Lockhart, Nimitz' combat direction center leading petty officer. "The two biggest goals are the reinforcement of the strategic relationship we have with South Korea and the enhancement of our ability to operate together as navies," said Kelley. "Ultimately, the goal is to be in perfect lock-step with each other. "Although we do things similarly, we don't do them exactly the same," added Kelley. "When we're talking about an entirely different navy, we have to spend a lot of time planning and ensuring that each of us understands how the other is going to conduct operations and respond to threats." http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=35568 Key Resolve/Foal Eagle (1) (2) Photos The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) conducted an Expeditionary Strike Force (ESF) exercise with the Essex Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) March 14-16. The ESF training brought together the two strike groups to test their ability to plan and conduct multitask operations across a broad spectrum of naval disciplines. The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) conducted an Expeditionary Strike Force (ESF) exercise with the Essex Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) March 14-16. The ESF training brought together the two strike groups to test their ability to plan and conduct multitask operations across a broad spectrum of naval disciplines. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=35791 USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) visited San Diego from 15 to 16 March 2008. USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) underway in the Persian Gulf on 22 February to 12 March 2008. USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) visited Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates from 13 to 16 March 2008 and must have picked up an owl. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=35896 USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) underway in the Persian Gulf (5th Fleet Theater of Operation) on 17 March 2008. USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) departed San Diego, Calif. 17 March 2008. USS Kitty Hawk (CV-67) with CVW-5 embarked departed its forward-deployed operating port of Yokosuka, Japan 18 March 2008 for an underway period. 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. USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) was towed into the Port of Philadelphia to join other decommissioned ships at the Navy Inactive Ships Maintenance Facility 22 March 2008. USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) conducted Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) off the coast of Southern California from 17 to 24 March 2008. http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36247 USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) underway in the Eastern Pacific from 17 to 21 March 2008. USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) visited Pearl Harbor, Hawaii from 22 to 23 March 2008. USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) departed Puget Sound Naval Shipyard on 24 March 2008 for approximately five days to conduct a testing phase as the final part of the DPIA. USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) conducted Sea Trials from 24 to 28 March 2008, completing her six-month docking-planned incremental availability (DPIA), commencing on 28 September 2007, at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF) on the 27th, returning to Bremerton on 28th. USS Kitty Hawk (CV-67) underway in the Western Pacific from 18 March to 3 April 2008. USS Nimitz (CVN-68) underway in the Western Pacific from 17 March to 2 April 2008. USS Kitty Hawk (CV-67) returned to Yokosuka 4 April 2008.   USS Nimitz (CVN-68) underway in the Western Pacific from 17 March to 2 April 2008. USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) visited Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates from 5 to 8 April 2008. USS Nimitz (CVN-68) visited Hong Kong from 3 to 6 April 2008. USS George Washington (CVN-73) with CVW 17 departed Norfolk en route to its new home base in Yokosuka, Japan, with its crew of approximately 3,200 Sailors departed Norfolk, April 7, to begin its journey to Yokosuka, Japan to replace USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the United States' only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008 Exercise scheduled to take place in the Hawaiian operating area from June 29 through July 31.  Enroute, GW will participate in UNITAS 49-08 in support of U.S. Southern Command's Partnership of the Americas 2008 (POA 08). She will under go her 9th deployment since her commission on the East Coast on 4 July 1992 and approximately the US Navy's 790th carrier FWFD. http://www.freepowerboards.com/owcommandpost/viewtopic.php?p=12529#12529 Commanded by Capt. Dave Dykhoff, the carrier will be the flagship for the George Washington Strike Group, commanded by Rear Adm. Phil Cullom and comprised of: Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17; guided-missile frigate USS Kauffman (FFG 59); homeported in Norfolk, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 40 and the guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99); homeported in Mayport, Fla. The George Washington Strike group will head to the U.S. Southern Command area of focus (AOF) to participate in Partnership of the Americas. Brazil, Argentina and the United States will conduct UNITAS 49-08 After approximately two months, the ship will continue on its transit while Carrier Strike Group 8 and CVW-17 return to Norfolk. DESRON 40, Kauffman and Farragut will remain in the SOUTHCOM AOF to continue their participation in Partnership of the Americas for a six-month deployment. George Washington is scheduled to reach its destination in Japan in August. George Washington's replacement of Kitty Hawk is part of the Navy's long-range effort to routinely replace older ships assigned to the Navy's forward deployed Naval forces with newer or more capable platforms, and is part of an ongoing effort to consider the nature of all forward deployed forces when looking at the unpredictable security environment in the Western Pacific. The Kitty Hawk is scheduled be decommissioned later this year. USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) conducted Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) off the coast of Southern California from March 17 to 7 April 2008. http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36247 USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) training availability and final evaluation problem (TSTA/FEP) from 17 to 8 April 2008. http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36280 USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) underway in the Pacific from 24 March to 8 April 2008. USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) returned to San Diego, California 8 April 2008. USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) training availability and final evaluation problem (TSTA/FEP) from 17 March to 9 April 2008.   USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) underway in the Philippine Sea from 9 to 10 April 2008. USS Enterprise (CVN 65) arrived at Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard for a 16-month Maintenance Work, Extended Drydock Selected Restricted Availability on 11 April 2008. USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) departed San Diego, California to participate in Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 08-5 off the coast of Southern California commencing on 11 April 2008, designed to be a realistic exercise in real-world operations and the operational challenges faced by U.S. forces in cooperation with coalition militaries. http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36383http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.as p?story_id=36383 Harry S. Truman welcomed aboard comedian "Rip" Michaels April 12, for a tour and to perform his act for the 'Comics on Duty Tour.' http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36422 USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) underway in the South China Sea from 11 to 15 April 2008. USS Kitty Hawk (CV-67) with CVW-5 embarked departed its forward-deployed operating port of Yokosuka, Japan on 15 April 2008, making her 27th Westpac and 20th deployment in foreign waters as a forward deployed carrier operating with the 7th Fleet. She will under go her 43rd deployment since her commission on November 25, 1961 and approximately the US Navy’s 791st carrier FWFD. http://www.freepowerboards.com/owcommandpost/viewtopic.php?p=12668#12668 Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead visited the crew of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) April 15 to address Sailors deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO).   http://www.cusnc.navy.mil/articles/2008/046.html Ships and aircraft from Carrier Strike Group 9 and the Republic of Singapore Navy conducted a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) while underway near Singapore, April 15. Republic of Singapore Formidable-class guided missile frigate RSS Steadfast (FFG 70) conducted flight deck training with an SH-60B Seahawk assigned to Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 47 "Saberhawks." http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36509 Rear Adm. Rick Wren, the commander of USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Carrier Strike Group (CSG), received the Northrup Grumman Hawkeye One Award for being the Navy’s longest-serving, active E-2C Hawkeye aviator during a ceremony in Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 115’s ready room Thursday, 17 April 2008. http://www.kittyhawk.navy.mil/news/Story%20Pages/Story9.htm Regional Security Education Program (RSEP) personnel were aboard George Washington from 7 to April 17, 2008 and then were airlifted to USS Farragut (DDG 99) and USS Kauffman (FFG 59) to conduct training for their respective crews. http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36541 The Royal Bahraini Navy, along with U.S. and Coalitions forces conducted Exercise Arabian Shark, April 15-17 in the North Arabian Sea. The multilateral exercise, led by Combined Task Force (CTF) 152, brought together RBNS Sabha (FFG 90), USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), USS Carney (DDG 64) and other Coalition ships. The exercise focused on building Coalition interoperability and improving anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities. “Arabian Shark was an opportunity to build Coalition interoperability in the region between Bahrain, the United States and other partners,” said Lt. Cmdr. Peter Halvorsen, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 operations officer. “As a single event, it focused on improving ASW capabilities, as well as building more robust command and control procedures, which each of the participants can take back to their respective navies and offer lessons learned for future interaction.” http://www.cusnc.navy.mil/articles/2008/050.html The USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Carrier Strike Group is currently on a deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO), where it has been operating for the past five months. http://www.cusnc.navy.mil/articles/2008/047.html Rear Adm. Mark I. Fox relieved Rear Adm. Bill Gortney as Commander, Carrier Strike Group 10 (CSG 10) during a change-of-command ceremony held at sea in the Arabian Gulf April 19. Rear Adm. William E. Gortney reported to his past position as Commander, Carrier Strike Group TEN in July 2006. Rear Adm. Gortney has flown more than 5300 flight hours. His command consists of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW 3) and various assigned cruisers and destroyers commanded by Destroyer Squadron TWO SIX (CDS 26). http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36503 USS Nimitz (CVN-68) underway in the Western Pacific from 7 to 19 April 2008. More than 170 Sailors from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) gave back to the Singapore community during community relations events while in port, April 16-20. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36511   USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) completed Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 08-5 off the coast of Southern California from 11 to 21 April 2008. http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36580 The Ronald Reagan Strike Group is comprised of CCSG 7, CVW-14, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), the guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur (DDG 73), USS Gridley (DDG 101), USS Howard (DDG 83) and the guided missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43). The squadrons of CVW-14 include the "Redcocks" of VFA-22, "Fist of the Fleet" of VFA-25, "Stingers" of VFA-113, "Eagles" of VFA-115, "Black Eagles" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113, "Cougars" of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 139, "Providers" of Carrier Logistics Support (VRC) 30 and the "Black Knights" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4. USS George Washington (CVN-73) underway in the Western Atlantic 7 to 22 April 2008. USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) returned to San Diego, California 22 April 2008. USS George Washington (CVN 73) arrives at Rio de Janeiro for a scheduled port visit participating in the opening ceremony for UNITAS 49-08 in Rio de Janeiro on April 22 April 2008. http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36591 Photo http://www.news.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=57844 USS Nimitz (CVN-68) visited Apra Harbor, Guam from 20 to 23 April 2008. USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) underway in the South China Sea on 23 April 2008. Ambassadors and senior military officials from Indonesia visited USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) for a tour and to observe a display of its air power April 23 underway in the Indian Ocean from 22 to 23 April 2008. Distinguished visitors included U.S. Ambassador Cameron Hume of the U.S. Embassy, Special Advisor to the Minister of Marine Affairs Ambassador Professor Dr. Hasyim Djalal, and Naval Attaché Capt. Kevin Wilson of the U.S. Embassy among several other high-ranking military officials. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36674 USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) underway in the 5th Fleet operating area on 23 April 2008. USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) operating with the Second Fleet on 24 April 2008 conducting Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) off the coast of Virginia. USS Nimitz (CVN-68) underway in the Pacific Ocean from 23 to 24 April 2008. Sailors of the George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWCSG) departed the South American port city of Rio de Janeiro April 25 after a scheduled four-day port visit and will now begin the operational phase of UNITAS 49-08. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36682 During the port visit, more than 200 Sailors from USS George Washington (CVN-73) (GW), USS Farragut (DDG 99) and USS Kauffman (FFG 59) were honored to be part of local improvement efforts. Following the port visit, the GWCSG will continue with UNITAS 49-08, a Partnerships of America exercise which began April 22 designed to enhance mutual cooperation, understanding and interoperability for participating navies.   During the ship's port visit in Rio de Janeiro, More than 700 GW Sailors were stranded and unable to get to shore or to the ship. However, local sailors came to the rescue by supplying three passenger transfer boats of their own. http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36681   While in Rio de Janeiro for a four-day port visit, the Commander, George Washington Carrier Strike Group, Rear Adm. Philip Hart Cullom participated in a wreath-laying ceremony April 24 at the Brazilian National World War II Memorial in the city's Flamengo Park. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36639 USS George Washington (CVN-73) underway in the Western Atlantic commencing the operational phase of UNITAS 49-08 on 25 April 2008. USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) conducted Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) off the coast of Virginia from 24 to 27 April 2008. USS Kitty Hawk (CV-67) underway in the Pacific from 15 to 27 April 2008. Sailors played football on the flight deck of USS Nimitz (CVN-68) in the Philippine Sea during their free time on 28 April 2008. Ships from three countries participating in UNITAS 49-08 joined together April 27 in a close quarters formation exercise sailing off the coast of Brazil. Brazil, Argentina and the United States had a total of 10 ships participating in the exercise, including BNS Niterói (F 40), BNS Greenhalgh (F 46), BNS Bosisio Almirante Brown (D 10), USS George Washington (CVN 73), USS Farragut (DDG 99), USS Kauffman (FFG 59), USCG Northland (WMEC 904), ARA Patagonia (B 1), and ARA Gomez Roca (P 46). http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36718 USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) underway in the Arabian Sea from 24 to 27 April 2008. USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) underway in the Arabian Sea from 24 to 27 April 2008. USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) underway in the Persian Gulf (5th Fleet Theater of Operation) from 17 March to 30 April 2008. USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW-1) were the recipients of the 2007 Admiral Flatley Memorial Award. Capt. Ron Horton, Enterprise's commanding officer, announced to the crew that Big "E" won the award, May 1. This aviation safety award, given to one aircraft carrier and associated carrier air wing and one amphibious assault ship and associated Marine expeditionary unit annually, covers a one year period. The award is based on a comprehensive evaluation of contributions to aviation safety. During 2007, Big "E" and CVW-1 successfully completed a strenuous six-month deployment leaving a huge impact in the Mediterranean Sea and the Persian Gulf while conducting continuous combat operations and Maritime Security Operations. With 24,297 flight hours, 11,502 catapult launches and 192 days embarked with the air wing, the Enterprise and CVW-1 teams worked as a cohesive team to increase flight deck safety, resulting in less than $100 in damage during the entire deployment. http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37054 Sailors from the George Washington Carrier Strike Group hosted and worked alongside Sailors from the Brazilian and Argentine navies from April 25 until May 1 during UNITAS 49-08, a training phase of Partnership of the Americas 2008. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36811 Seven weeks into their seven-month deployment, USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Sailors made time to celebrate the National Day of Prayer by gathering together May 1, for a special breakfast on the forward mess decks. As people across America celebrated a National Day of Prayer to commemorate unity in belief and spirit, so did Sailors aboard ships halfway around the world in the Persian Gulf. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36843 USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) held its first steel beach picnic of the deployment May 1, after spending more than 45 consecutive days at sea. Sailors were invited to enjoy a much needed break from the rigors of deployment in one fun-filled afternoon. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36828   USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) got underway from Bremerton, Wash. May 1, en route to San Diego to begin conducting a series of exercises including flight deck certification and working in conjunction with Carrier Wing 9 (CVW 9) during the Tailored Ship’s Training Availability. http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36793 The Atlantic phase of UNITAS 49-08, a multinational exercise designed to increase the interoperability of navies in North and South America, ended May 2 with the closing ceremonies in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Participants in UNITAS included elements of the Brazilian and Argentine Navies as well as the George Washington Carrier Strike Group which includes USS George Washington (CVN 73) (GW), Destroyer Squadron Four Zero, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, USS Farragut (DDG 99) and USS Kauffman (FFG 59). http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36832 USS George Washington (CVN-73) underway in the Western Atlantic from 25 April to 2 May 2008, scheduled to complete the operational phase of UNITAS 49-08 on the 2nd. USS Kitty Hawk (CV-67) visited Hong Kong from 28 April to 2 May 2008. In the first 24 hours underway, USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Air Station Port Angeles, Wash. combined efforts and showcased America’s dynamic ability to immediately respond as a joint force. http://www.cvn74.navy.mil/news%20Coast_Guard.html Crew members of USS George Washington (CVN 73) (GW) spent a week serving as Portuguese translators for Brazilian guests, media, and Sailors who embarked the aircraft carrier, ending May 3. The guests were aboard as part of a Sailor exchange program and distinguished visitor embarks for UNITAS 49-08, an exercise phase of Partnership of the Americas offering opportunities for navies of the western hemisphere to conduct exercises, build military relationships and enhance multinational force interoperability.  More than 45 Sailors cross-decked from Brazilian carrier Sao Paulo to GW for the week-long Sailor exchange program as part of UNITAS. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36856 USS Kitty Hawk (CV-67) underway in the Pacific on 3 May 2008. USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) underway in the Arabian Sea (5th Fleet Theater of Operation) from 1 to 3 May 2008. Naval pilots from Argentina trained with their counterparts from the U.S. Navy while performing low approaches to flight deck of the USS George Washington (CVN 73)(GW) May 5. The aerial evolution involved coordination with GW’s air department, Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17), currently embarked on GW, and an Argentine Landing Signal Officer (LSO), who was on station on the GW’s LSO platform during the evolution.   http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36944 USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) underway from 1 to 4 May 2008, heading toward San Diego to conduct a series of exercises including flight deck certification and working in conjunction with Carrier Wing 9 (CVW 9) during the Tailored Ship’s Training Availability. http://www.cvn74.navy.mil/news%20awardsMay2.html USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) pulled into San Diego to embark CVW-9 for a tailored ship's training availability (TSTA) on 5 May 2008. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 embarked USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Monday, 5 May 2008, getting underway for the first time in almost a year to accomplish flight deck certifications and a tailored ship’s training availability off the coast of Southern California.             During the nine months Stennis and CVW-9 have been apart, Stennis has gone through a docking-planned incremental availability (DPIA) in its homeport of Bremerton, Wash., while the Sailors from CVW-9 returned to their component squadrons.  When CVW-9 checked aboard Monday, they were pleased with the welcome they received.   http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36997 USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) underway in the Red Sea (5th Fleet Theater of Operation) from 4 to 5 May 2008. Naval pilots from Argentina trained with their counterparts from the U.S. Navy while performing low approaches to flight deck of the USS George Washington (CVN 73)(GW) May 5. The aerial evolution involved coordination with GW’s air department, Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17), currently embarked on GW, and an Argentine Landing Signal Officer (LSO), who was on station on the GW’s LSO platform during the evolution. http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36944   Sailors from the guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99), a component of the George Washington Carrier Strike Group, completed navy-to-navy exercises with Uruguayan forces, May 6, along the Atlantic Coast of South America. The day-long evolution included fast reaction drills, tactical maneuvers, communication exercises and helicopter landing qualifications. http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36954 USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) transited the Suez Canal and entered the Mediterranean Sea on 6 May 2008. USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) departed San Diego 6 May 2008. John C. Stennis commenced carrier qualifications for CTW-1 and CTW-2 off the coast of Southern California on 6 May 2008. USS George Washington (CVN-73) underway in the Southern Atlantic from 25 April to 8 May 2008. _________________ U. S. Navy Veteran  August 1977 to July 1983 Yoeman Second Class, with student pilot's license
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•	Announcement: Forum rules and code of conduct	10	Outsider	4053	Fri Oct 26, 2007 8:29 am Outsider
•	Announcement: Guidelines for interacting with Military personell	4	Outsider	975	Mon Aug 27, 2007 7:01 pm Outsider
•	Announcement: Posting Rule changes, updated:17 November 2006	0	Outsider	1339	Fri Nov 17, 2006 8:24 pm Outsider
•	Sticky: OPSEC & PERSEC	0	Outsider	4253	Fri Oct 27, 2006 9:32 am Outsider

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