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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: Tue Nov 13, 2007 11:40 pm    Post subject: Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) - OIF - 753rd FWFD · Quote “On 4 February 2003, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) with CVW-8 embarked and Captain Richard J. O’Hanlon, USN in command headed directly toward the  Middle East through the Atalantic upon conclusion of Composite training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) using the Vieques Island inner Range in conjunction with COMPTUEX in the Caribbean Sea, operating with the United States Atlantic Command (Atlantic Fleet) under the direction of the 2nd Fleet from 13 January to 4 February 2003, in what was to be an exercise to make ready the ship and crew for deployment, departing Norfolk, Virginia, 6 January 2003, she began her eighth Mediterranean Sea deployment (14th voyage) operating with the 6th Fleet in support of her 1st Operation Iraqi Freedom, operating under the direction of the 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 under go her ninth deployment since her commission at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Co., Newport News, Virginia on 25 October 1986" (Ref. 72, 76, 383 & 455). The words of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Commanding Officer Capt. R.J. O’Hanlon spoken over the ship’s main communications intercom chilled the warmth of a Caribbean Sunday afternoon. Aircraft were returning from the day’s flights as part of its Composite Training Unit Exercise. The ship’s crew had expected to wind down the day by watching the Super Bowl via satellite. That changed at 5:28 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time, 1 January 2003. An F-14D Tomcat from Fighter Squadron 213 went down in the water two miles short of the flight deck, but the pilot and radar intercept officer (RIO) had ejected cleanly from the aircraft. Now, it was up to a rescue crew from Helicopter Squadron 3, based out of Jacksonville, Fla., and deployed aboard TR. The helicopter assigned to patrol during air operations was conducting its annual Naval Aviation Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) certification nearby. Along with the normal crew of pilot Lt. Jason Young, Lt. John Smiley, Antisubmarine Warfare Specialist 1st Class (AC) Rafael Garcia, and search-and-rescue swimmer Antisubmarine Warfare Specialist 2nd Class (AC) Aaron Albright, Strike Fighter Squadron 201’s flight surgeon, Cmdr. Howard Eliason, happened to be along for the certification flight. The crew heard the call that the plane might be in trouble and turned its attention away from its training to the emerging situation. Both Young and Smiley saw the plane splash into the ocean. After coordinating with the ship, they headed to site where the pilots hit the water. It took two minutes for the helicopter to be over the pilots, ready for rescue. Ironically, part of the NATOPS flight Sunday was a simulated search-and-rescue (SAR) while simulating mechanical failure in the helicopter. “We practice daylight SAR every day we’re out here,” said Young. “Since we had very good visual cues (clear horizon, calm ocean), everything went very smoothly…, flawlessly.” “This was exciting,” Albright said of this, his first rescue. “The situation was ideal, almost as easy as what they taught us in “A” school.” Garcia, who operated the hoist to bring victims out of the water, said the hardest part of the rescue was to keep the parachutes from getting in the way of the rescue. “My first task is to get them in and see if they are okay, get their floats off, feed info to the pilots and get the second person in,” he said. “At the same time, I’m keeping the pilots away from the chutes. “We train for this every day so that it will be routine.” The pilot of the downed craft was in the water five minutes before being brought aboard the helicopter, and the RIO, who was able to put out a survival raft to await rescue, was aboard in another five minutes. The helicopter was back to TR 18 minutes after the plane was reported down. The two Tomcat crew members walked with Albright to TR’s medical department for treatment and observation. Eliason said that he was impressed with the courage of the rescue crew. He noted Albright had “no hesitation at all” in getting in the water in spite of obstacles and hazards of being in the water with downed pilots. “This team was so well prepared for this rescue,” said Eliason. “There was a lot of training and work that went into this rescue. Actually, it was a great honor to see the professionalism of the Sailors and Officers and how they handled everything.” Garcia summed up the unassuming attitude of the entire aircrew and its work in rescuing the two Tomcat crew members. “I’m glad we were able to make the difference in a couple of people who were having a bad day,” Garcia said. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=5587 http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=3971 030109-N-2410G-502 At sea aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Jan. 9, 2003 -- An F-14D “Tomcat” from the "Black Lions" of Fighter Squadron Two One Three (VF-213) lands on the ship’s flight deck after a training mission. VF-213 is embarked aboard Roosevelt and is currently underway conducting training missions in the Atlantic Ocean. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Brad Garner. (RELEASED) http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=3971 http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=4016 030113-N-2410G-506 At sea aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Jan. 13, 2003 -- An F/A-18C “Hornet” assigned to the “Valions” of Strike Fighter Squadron 15(VFA-15) launches from one of four steam powered catapults on the ship’s flight deck. The “Valions” are part of Carrier Airwing Eight (CVW-8) embarked aboard Roosevelt currently underway conducting training missions in the Atlantic Ocean. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Brad Garner. (RELEASED) http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=4016 USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) began its Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX), commencing use of the Vieques Island inner Range in conjunction with COMPTUEX Jan. 13 to complete another qualification in preparation for deployment. COMPTUEX is the second in a three-phase process to make sure a carrier group has all the basic skills needed to be a successful battle group. The first phase is the Final Evaluation Problem process, which sees if the carrier can act as one unit. The second phase is the COMPTUEX exercise. This phase checks if the carrier can act well as a battle group. The final phase in the process is the Joint Task Force Exercise. In that phase, the carrier battle group goes underway with Marines, Coast Guard and Air Force elements. This phase shows the battle group can operate alongside other armed forces. COMPTUEX will last approximately three weeks. The exercise is a series of tests, including blue water qualification, basic carrier operations skills and several days of war games to get the ship “battle ready.” The blue water certification tests the ability of the Carrier Air Wing 8 and TR to work hand-in-hand. The ship has to be able to handle problems with aircraft independently without the support of nearby air stations. It is with the combined effort of the air, aircraft intermediate maintenance and operations departments that this qualification can be met. "Getting the ship blue water qualified is important because it means we can operate independent of air stations ashore," said Cmdr. Mark Hunter, TR’s operations officer. “This is a vital qualification before we deploy.” Carrier Group 4 will be observing and grading the exercise. Rear Adm. Lindell Rutherford commands the group. The first series of exercises for COMPTUEX are known as a Schedule of Events period. This period has many scenarios that include barricade drills, crash drills, rigging drills, flight operations and tanker refueling exercises. The ship gets time to plan out these events with briefings to set plans of action. “COMPTUEX also has many scenarios in it to see if the carrier can handle different situations no matter what the weather conditions or what time of day or night it is,” said Rutherford. Near the end of the exercise, the ship will conduct a series of “war games." They will battle a group of six “opponent” ships commanded by the Command Task Force out of Puerto Rico. “We have an airwing in Puerto Rico. We can simulate both sides of the war games,” said Rutherford. The ship will have several unplanned scenarios to which it must respond. These scenarios are used to simulate real world threats. TR Commanding Officer Capt. Richard J. O’Hanlon added that this exercise will get the ship up to fighting speed. “You have to crawl before you can walk and walk before you can run,” He said. “By the end of the COMPTUEX we’ll be running.” http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=5398 http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=4070 030116-N-6895M-502 At sea aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) Jan. 16, 2003 -- A E-2C “Hawkeye” assigned to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron One Two Four (VAW-124) "Bear Aces" approaches one of four steam catapults on the ship’s flight deck in preparation for launch. Roosevelt and her embarked Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8) are currently underway conducting training missions in the Atlantic Ocean. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class James K. McNeil. (RELEASED) http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=4070 Many amazing things happen on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier. The ballet of planes moving over the flight deck to the careful choreography of its personnel is continually punctuated by the shriek of planes launching and the pounding of planes landing. On the flight deck of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), another amazing thing happened. Carrier Airborne Early Warning (VAW) Squadron 124's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Vincent Bowhers, landed after completing 4,000 hours of flight time in the E-2C Hawkeye Jan. 16. Bowhers has flown with VAW-120, VAW-122, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 and VAW-123. He credits his many hours of flying to the hard work of the Sailors that maintain the aircraft. “I’m lucky to have been in so many great squadrons to get that many hours,” said Bowhers. “Behind everyone of those flight hours are many hours of maintenance, and hard work by a lot of Sailors. It’s because of that maintenance that I was able to fly those 4,000 hours safely.” Bowhers, a former Boy Scout, attributed his influence in joining the Navy to one of his Boy Scout leaders, a retired Navy pilot, and the fact that he is quite fond of the sea. “The Navy just made sense,” he said. A couple of Bowhers’ naval career accomplishments include landing the first Navy E-2C on the French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles deGaulle. The deGaulle flies a variant of the E-2C, but his was the first American arrested landing of one aboard. He also took part in the D-Day celebrations in France, where he flew an E-2C in an air show that featured several planes painted in World War II colors. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=5460 http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=4190 030122-N-6895M-501 At sea aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Jan. 22, 2003 -- The guided missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) conducts an underway replenishment (UNREP) at sea off the starboard side of the Military Sealift Command oiler USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8), while Theodore Roosevelt conducts a simultaneous replenishment operations. Roosevelt is conducting training exercises in the Caribbean Sea. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class James K. McNeil. (RELEASED) http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=4190 http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=4251 030126-N-0275F-502 At sea aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Jan. 26, 2003 -- Crewmembers aboard Theodore Roosevelt enjoy Super Bowl Sunday "TR style" in the ship’s hangar bay. Roosevelt is conducting training exercises in the Caribbean Sea, while preparing to deploy to the Central Command Area of Responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Todd M. Flint. (RELEASED) http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=4251 Super Bowl XXXVII was an American football game played on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion following the 2002 regular season. The National Football Conference (NFC) champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers (15-4) won their first Super Bowl by defeating the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Oakland Raiders (13-6), 48–21. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Bowl_XXXVII The bulkheads of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) echoed Sunday with sounds familiar to sports fans: yelling, stomping, shouts of victory and moans of defeat. It was the Super Bowl, and again, TR was out to sea. America’s Big Stick witnessed the Super Bowl last year in the middle of the North Arabian Sea while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. This year, the ship is in the middle of the Caribbean Sea completing its Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX). The turnout was a mixture of people in every color of flight deck jersey, mixed with coveralls and utilities, as well as civilian clothes authorized for the special event. No matter what they were wearing, the crew shared the same expressions of waiting until a team scored. Then half of the crowd erupted into cheers, and the others mourned the mistakes of their team. “I think everyone’s having a great time,” said TR’s Commanding Officer Capt. Rich O’Hanlon. “It’s a great turn out and a festive occasion. MWR (Morale Welfare and Recreation) did a spectacular job!” The ship’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation division brought out its giant projection TV and had snacks galore for the festivities, including nachos, chili and buffalo wings. O’Hanlon did his part to rile up the crowd by throwing plush footballs into the crowd, along with little desk football games. The throng, which was a mix of people sitting, standing and jumping around, responded enthusiastically to the prizes. Other items given away as door prizes included portable DVD players and CD players. After handing out prizes, O’Hanlon stepped off the podium to watch the halftime show and commented on the game. “If New York isn’t in it, I’m not rooting for anyone. But I have a lot of family in Tampa, so I’ll pull for the Bucs,” he said. Throughout the commercial breaks, TR’s MWR threw out more novelty items, including light necklaces, noisemakers and Superbowl T-shirts. The crowd howled back their approval with each item thrown and each score made. “Good wings, great fun, and a much needed boost to morale,” was the summary from Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Jason Davis. The evening's festivities wouldn't have been as tasty without planning and hard work in the ship's galley. “We’ve been planning this event for a couple of days, and things are going smoothly,” said Mess Specialist 1st Class Jeffrey Loncto, who helped serve nachos, chili and buffalo wings, as well as the ever-popular ice cream, to the crew. “It’s a great party!” said TR’s Fun Boss and head of MWR Christine Cramer, who extended a heart-felt thanks to Supply, Hangar Bay, Weapons, Security and Combat System for pulling together and making everything happen. “The crew is having a great time. The crowd is riled up, and we’re giving away a bunch of prizes. It’s great to see so much excitement!” So, what was the best part of the party? “I think MWR and supply are doing a great job, but the commercials are still the best!” stated Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 3rd Class Dana Cichonski. To others, the chance to hang out with the rest of the crew was the enticement to watch the game. “I probably know half of these clowns up here,” said Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class James Kincaid, who is due to transfer in about a month. “This is probably my last chance to say good-bye, and I can catch the game at the same time.” The game came at a bit more convenient time than last year, when the ship was eight hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. “It’s a great turnout, much better than last year’s 3 a.m. party,” said TR’s administration officer, Lt. Cdr. Terry Chauncey. “Go Bucs!” For some, the chance to enjoy themselves and having a distraction from work made the party even better. “It’s nice to be able to see the game out to sea,” said Interior Communication Electrician 2nd Class Jonquil Hagan. “It takes your mind off what is really going on.” Part of the crew was reminded of previous games with friends and family. “This is great,” said Lt. David Stroud, Carrier Air Wing 8 chaplain. “It makes me feel like I’m at home.” Everyone who showed up seemed to have a good time. “It’s definitely a morale booster,” said Master-at-Arms 1st Class Justin Anderson. “You can tell that by the turnout.” MWR has even more things in store for TR’s crew. “I have great things planned for the flight deck picnic on the 5th that I know the crew is going to enjoy!” said Cramer. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=5589 http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=4397 030204-N-0275F-502 At sea aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Feb 4, 2003 -- Aerial view of the nuclear powered aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt with her embarked Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8). Roosevelt is conducting training exercises in the Caribbean Sea while preparing to deploy to the United States Central Command Area of Responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Todd M. Flint. (RELEASED) http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=4397 USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) concluded Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX) in the Caribbean Sea approximately three weeks from 13 January to 4 February 2003 operating with the United States Atlantic Command (Atlantic Fleet) under the direction of the 2nd Fleet, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) underway in the Atlantic on 7 February 2003, CMDCM Beth Lambert becomes 1st female CMC of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) in February 2003. Vice Adm. Scott Fry, Commander, 6th Fleet, visited USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Feb. 14 to welcome Rear Adm. John C. Harvey and the TR battle group to the theater. He visited with officers and presented awards to Sailors in the foc’sle. Fry presented Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class (NAC) Aaron Albright, search and rescue (SAR) swimmer, Helicopter Squadron (HS) 3, with a Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his heroism in rescuing the pilots who went down with an F-14 Tomcat in the Caribbean Sea in January. He presented Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 3rd Class Matthew Mintzmyer, SAR swimmer, HS-3, with the Sikorsky Aircraft Rescue Award for rescuing a Fighter Squadron (VF) 213 Sailor who fell overboard in December. Fry also presented three other Sailors with Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist and Enlisted Air Warfare Specialist pins, respectively. Fry spoke briefly to the awardees and their divisions during the presentation. “I appreciate the opportunity to come aboard TR. It is a great thrill for me to present awards to people,” said Fry. “This is a very important time in the history of the United States and the U.S. Navy. I’m delighted to have TR and the airwing here to participate in this mission.” TR and USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) are currently steaming in the Med. Fry said this deployment would be history making for both ships. “You are about to participate in something extremely significant,” he said. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=5887 USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) underway in the Atlantic from 7 to 18 February 2003. USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) underway in the Mediterranean Sea on 19 February 2003. “All engines ahead full.” “All engines ahead full aye. All engines ahead full.” “Very well.” This exchange is common on any ship's bridge, but aboard USS Anzio (CG 68), it takes on an earnestness seldom seen on other ships. “We protect the carrier battle group,” said Anzio’s first lieutenant, Ensign Kevin Ducharme, a New Englander. “Our job is to protect it from hostile aircraft, ensuring the battle group can launch its strike packages successfully.” Anzio is the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Battle Group (TRBATGRU) air defense commander. “Anzio is dedicated to looking at the air defense capabilities of the battle group,” TRBATGRU Commander Rear Adm. John Harvey said. Anzio has to sort out all air traffic for the entire battle group, including who is in the air, where they are going and if they are a threat, he said. With TRBATGRU moving into the Mediterranean Sea, Anzio will have to identify both civilian aircraft and all of the military aircraft in the area. “In terms of maintaining situational awareness, it’s going to be very, very busy,” Harvey said. “Our ship’s mission is to act as air defense commander for the carrier and to provide air support,” Personnelman 1st Class Christopher Sutherland said. The Commander Destroyer Squadron 2 Sailor of the Year and Duluth, Minn., native has been aboard Anzio for two years. “Our other responsibilities are Tomahawk strikes and anti-submarine warfare,” he said. An additional role played by Anzio is plane guard, during which the cruiser stays 3,000 yards astern of Theodore Roosevelt. They are positioned so they can best recover downed aircraft, as well as act as an extended set of “runway lights” for pilots at night. In executing its mission as plane guard, it was Anzio that swung by and picked up the salvageable pieces of the F-14 Tomcat that went down a week ago. It’s all part of a day’s work to the crew of Anzio. “The crew is filled with quiet resolve,” said Anzio’s Command Master Chief Roger McCormack, a native of Dumont, N.J. “We know what we have to do to get our job done.” “We’re here to do a job, and we’re really good at it,” said Seaman Kevin Brinson. The Rochester, N.Y., native is Anzio’s Bluejacket of the Quarter. “You can tell we’re improving. When we first started workups, there were a lot of officers and chiefs sitting at the consoles,” he said. “Now, the 1st and 2dn classes stand the watches, and they are training even more junior folks to take their positions.” “I like our assignment in the battle group,” said Sutherland. “We’re very involved operationally. It’s definitely a full time job. When we get into the Med, everyone’s focus will be on combat.” Even with the focus shift, training is a priority on Anzio, and everyone has a role to play when it comes to damage control. “We need to be able to save Anzio. If a missile comes in past our defenses, we’re going to be hit by it to protect the carrier,” Brinson said. With a crew of fewer than 400, Anzio has a unique environment in which everyone gives each other a hand. “I think that with the small crew, you get the full benefit of the Navy,” Seaman Kevin Batson, from Forestville, Md., said. “You work with everyone on a face-to-face basis.” “On a carrier, you might have airedales who only know some of the other airedales,” said Ducharme. “Here, the guys down in Damage Control Central know all of the guys in the Combat Direction Center by name.” Even with the tight-knit crew, there are still a lot of questions about what the future holds. “We have a lot better quality of life than my other ships I’ve served on. It took me coming here to realize how important that is,” said Sutherland. “But it’s hard not knowing what’s going to happen next week.” http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=5890 An aircraft carrier and a cruiser have completely different roles to play in a battle group, yet they work together for a common goal within a battle group. Even with that teamwork, many of the more than 5,000 Sailors aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (TR) (CVN 71) know little about their air defense coordinator, USS Anzio (CG 68), and Sailors aboard Anzio know little about the carrier they protect. The first difference between the ships is their roles. The carrier’s role is easy to define: to conduct combat flight operations with 75 aircraft. A cruiser can only hold two helicopters in its hangar bay, and only one can be on the flight deck at a time. The cruiser is meant to protect the carrier battle group at all costs. TR has 17 departments consisting of about 80 divisions, with each dedicated to a component of shipboard life. A cruiser has only a few departments, with divisions that have the same name as many of the carrier’s departments or a combination, such as NavAdmin, which includes navigation, administration and medical. The cruiser’s only master-at-arms also works in that department, as the leading chief. One of the many divisions on TR is damage control, members of which form the nucleus fire party, and are the first to respond to any emergencies that may occur. On a cruiser, all hands are trained in damage control and firefighting, and carry flash gear at all times. The cruiser has 16 Sailors in their at-sea fire party, comparable to the nucleus fire party, but every person aboard has a critical role when it comes to saving the ship. Continuing with damage control, a carrier has 10 repair lockers. A cruiser has only three: Repair 2, 3 and 5. Anzio’s repair lockers are numbered to stay consistent with the larger ships, which have those three lockers on the main damage control deck. Deck department is another obvious difference. TR has three divisions, with about 80 people in the department. Each division is responsible for a third of the ship, and the operations that take place within those sections. Anzio has one Deck division with a total of 33 people. That division is responsible for the entire ship. “There’s a sense of excellence in being a small crew,” said Chief Boatswain’s Mate Martin White. “We all have to do more, and everyone tries harder. It’s a lot more of a challenge.” Another difference relating to deck is that Anzio can take on fuel from four stations, but can’t send fuel. TR can receive fuel from three stations and send from one. In navigation aboard TR, the assistant navigator is a lieutenant commander, and the navigator himself is a commander. On Anzio, a lieutenant junior grade and the executive officer, a lieutenant commander, staff these jobs. On a carrier, a Sailor may or may not stand watch, depending on the rating. On a cruiser, everyone stands watches underway. The food service officer, for example, attends his duties of keeping the crew fed and stands watches on the bridge in a three-section rotation. The mess specialists do everything from cooking the food to standing small caliber watches, low visibility detail and helping guide the helicopters in on landings. Comparing the galleys, TR has four chow lines for the crew, two wardrooms, a chili bar, a chief’s mess, first class mess, flag mess, and the captain has his own galley. On a cruiser, the skipper eats in the 30-man wardroom in the middle seat at a table with a phone to his right. The crew eats from a single line, and there is also a 30-man chief’s mess. On a carrier, there is a 74-person division dedicated to running the barbershop, laundry and the bulk storeroom. On TR, a chief supervises all of the above. TR has eight people who work in the ship’s store. On Anzio, there’s only one person who works in it. His job is made easier because cash is not used to buy anything aboard. Instead, they use one of the Navy’s newest programs, the Navy Cash Card. Anzio is believed to be the first ship on the East coast to use the program. It makes things easier, because the credit card like Cash Card is used to buy anything in the store. Sailors can transfer money from savings accounts on to the card via the smart chip embedded in it, and since it carries a Master Card logo, it can also be used out in town like any other credit card. TR’s medical department sees about 60 people a day for sick call. Anzio’s Chief Hospital Corpsman, Joe Shank said he and his two junior corpsmen see about four people on a busy day. His ward is complete with two beds, and he also does any dental evaluations needed. If any of his patients need more emergent attention, they are flown to TR for further treatment. TR has announcements over the 1-MC virtually every half hour from reveille to taps. On Anzio, the announcements are much shorter, such as “Reveille” at 6 a.m. instead of “Reveille, reveille, all hands on deck heave out and trice up. Reveille.” They don’t ring bells every half-hour, and since flight quarters happens less frequently on a cruiser, announcements are not made as frequently about flight quarters’ deck restrictions. Anzio announces when flight quarters begin and end, training that is being held, evening prayer and that is usually it. TR is a nuclear-powered vessel, so she can run 20 years without worrying about refueling. Anzio uses fuel, which she gets every few weeks through replenishment at sea, the same way TR receives JP-5 for its aircraft. TR receives mail almost every day when it is within flying distance of land, but Anzio has only received mail twice since departing for the Composite Unit Training Exercise in January. Everyone on both ships has individual email accounts. Aboard Anzio, all hands have access to the Internet, whereas aboard TR, access is limited. There are collateral career counselors in each department aboard TR, as well as two rated career counselors. Anzio has one, Navy Career Counselor 1st Class Raymond Cunnikin. He is doing everything he can to prepare his shipmates for the March advancement exams by having career development boards. All 88 crew members who received a grade of passed, but not advanced on the last exam, have been through a two-and-a-half hour long career development board during which they were shown how to study for an advancement exam, and what areas they needed to improve on for next time. Along with that program, Cunnikin is working to get undesignated seamen into “A” schools. Ten out of the 15 who have submitted packages currently have orders to an “A” school. “I’m always busy. If someone doesn’t walk through my door every hour, there’s something wrong,” Cunnikin, who’s been a career counselor for five years, said. The cruiser and the carrier are two different types of environments, and each has it’s own personality. Both of these ships has its own distinct mission that is vital to providing a strong naval presence around the globe. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=5888 USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) underway in the Mediterranean Sea from 19 February to 3 March 2003. USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) visited Souda Bay, Crete, Greece on 4 March 2003, For the second year in a row, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) has won the Capt. Edward F. Ney Award for food service excellence in the Atlantic Fleet Aircraft Carrier category. This is the fourth Ney Award for Theodore Roosevelt. “To get it once is prestigious,” said Chief Warrant Officer Paul Jones, TR food service officer. “This is the fourth win for Roosevelt. The first win was when TR was first commissioned.” The Ney competition is a one-year competition among different categories of ships from submarines and “small boys,” to larger ships such as aircraft carriers, as well as shore commands. Inspectors arrive unannounced for the final four-hour evaluation. TR's work schedule made this a difficult year on the mess management specialists. The year began with the last three months of a deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, including part of its record-setting 159 straight days at sea. After returning from deployment, the ship entered an arduous six-month planned incremental availability, then began a compressed training schedule toward an early deployment to again support Operation Enduring Freedom. All the while, TR's galley crew prepared meals 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the crew. “They assess the entire food service operation from the standpoint of a diner. They look for food service excellence in sanitation, food production and presentation,” said Jones. “The standards and consistency we uphold 365 days a year, 24/7, are the keys to our success.” “The competition this year was a bit stiffer because runner-up USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) is a newer ship. It’s unheard of for a 16-year-old ship [Theodore Roosevelt] to win back-to-back,” said Master Chief Mess Specialist (SW) Roberta Jio, TR food service leading chief petty officer. The Ney Award gives recognition to food service workers in the Navy who have reached a high level of excellence. “It’s a coveted recognition in the community,” said Jones. “It’s always a high point to win.” Jones has been a part of six Ney award-winning teams in his Navy career, two were with TR. Mess Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Jeffrey Loncto, a TR plankowner, is also a four-time TR Ney award winner. His first tour on TR began Nov. 4, 1985, fresh out of Mess Specialist “A” Schoo, and his second tour aboard TR began in May 2000. “A back-to-back win is something I couldn’t have even imagined two years ago,” said Loncto. “It’s quite an accomplishment. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication and attention to detail." The inspectors also solicited crew members’ comments. “That’s who we’re working for, the crew,” said Jio. It takes an entire team effort to feed more than 5,000 Sailors every day. At three meals per day, plus “mid-rats,” the mess specialists serve more than 18,000 meals in a 24-hour period. “Supply, S-2 and galley maintenance have done a great job in earning TR the Ney Award,” said Capt. Richard O’Hanlon, TR commanding officer. The galley maintenance division maintains and repairs food service equipment so the mess specialists can do their job. “The Ney Award is a direct representation of the amount of effort put into the job every day,” said Jones. The Ney Award plaque presentation ceremony will be April 13 in Dallas, Texas. Two representatives from the ship will be flown there for the ceremony. “The event will feature food service program briefs, classes by chefs, food concepts and practice cooking sessions in preparation for the formal, military black-tie dinner the last day,” said Jones. TR's busy schedule placed it in a tough competitive position, according to Jio. “It’s harder to stay on top than it is to get there,” said Jio. “TR is really a ship to be reckoned with right now.” http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=6100 USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) departed Souda Bay, Crete, Greece on 8 March 2003, visiting from 4 to 7 March 2003. USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) underway in the Mediterranean Sea on 8 March 2003. Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 201, currently deployed aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), is the 2002 winner of the Commander, Air Wing 20 Noel Davis Award, the Reserve aviation Battle “E.” The award recognizes the top squadron in several categories, including number of flight hours, number of arrested carrier landings, safety, readiness and training, ordnance delivered, pilot qualifications, full-mission-capable aircraft, enlistment advancement and retention, and hazard reports (HAZREPS). “Ever since we transitioned to F/A-18s in 1999, we’ve been striving to always do better,” said Cmdr. Tom Marotta, VFA-201 commanding officer. “We always say ‘Hunter Pride, Hunter Spirit and Hunter Excellence.’ I think we’ve proven we strive for excellence.” VFA-201, based out of Naval Air Station, Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, Texas, is the first Reserve squadron to be called to active duty since the Korean War, and the seniority of its staff may well have played into the selection in the Battle “E.” According to Marotta, squadron pilots experience averages 2,700 flight hours, and some enlisted personnel have been with the Hunters as long as 17 years. “We have lots of experience as a team,” Marotta said. “All we needed was some boat experience.” And that experience is what Roosevelt and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 provided to the Hunters. Since activating in mid-October, the Hunters have accumulated more than 2,600 flight hours, more than 1,600 sorties and more than 1,000 arrested landings aboard Roosevelt. “Their performance merits their selection,” said Capt. David Newland, commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8. “They transitioned to 12 new planes, then got the call and fully activated the squadron two weeks before joining the wing. This award just goes to show how hard 201 is working.” Marotta praised the team spirit within the squadron and within the Roosevelt/CVW-8 team. He noted that the Hunters were hand picked to activate because of the desire to deploy as a team, not a group pieced together from several squadron’s volunteers. “VFA-87 and VFA-15 have worked with us from the start,” he said. “This has not been a ‘sink or swim’ group. It’s a ‘hey, we need to help each other’ group. If we need something, another squadron helps us, and we do the same in return. Everyone’s working together.” http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=6694 http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=5541 030322-N-2410G-506 The Mediterranean (Mar. 22, 2003) -- An F-14 Tomcat assigned to the "Black Lions" of Fighter Squadron Two One Three (VF-213) prepares to launch from the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Roosevelt and Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8) are on deployment conducting combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Operation Iraqi Freedom is the multinational coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. U. S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Brad Garner. (RELEASED) http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=5541 Months of training and sacrifice paid off for the crew of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 March 22, with the launch of its first strikes in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. All of the squadrons embarked aboard TR participated, whether in a strike or support role, in the attack against one of Sadam Hussein’s palace complexes and an AM broadcasting station in central Iraq. One of the main goals of the coalition air strikes is to sever the Iraqi governments’ ability to stay in control of Iraq and the ability to communicate with the military forces. The aim of attacking command and control, and military infrastructure targets is to speed up the fall of the Iraqi regime, said TR Public Affairs Officer Lt. John Oliveira. “As we flew away, we could see the targets engulfed in flames,” said Fighter Squadron (VF) 213 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Anthony “Gandhi” Gaiani. “The mission was a total success.” By 7:30 a.m., all 20 planes launched in the strike were back aboard TR. “The success of tonight’s missions gives me a great sense of satisfaction,” said TR Commanding Officer Capt. Richard J. O’Hanlon. “This crew was tasked to train and perform at an accelerated schedule, and they preformed magnificently.” According to Capt. David A. Newland, Commander of Carrier Air Wing 8, the mission presented many challenges to the pilots. The flying time to the targets was several hours long and involved multiple refuelings, and the pilots still preformed flawlessly, returning home to TR safe, and with a tremendous sense of accomplishment. “Everyone is excited,” said Newland. “Our young guys now know that we can do this, and our old salts are glad to be back in the game.” TR’s return to the game is unique in that it was certified for deployment in February and is now deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean. “Last night validates all the accelerated training we have been through,” said Commander, Theodore Roosevelt Battle Group Rear Adm. John C. Harvey. “In less than four months after our initial training, we are on the front lines answering the orders of the President. No other carrier out here can say that!” http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=6471 USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 adjust to the hectic schedule of combat operations, the Sailors and Marines aboard are battling more than just the forces of tyranny in Iraq. They are also up against the primal forces of mother nature. While the ground troops making their way toward Baghdad struggled against blinding sandstorms March 25, the same weather patterns affected CVW-3 aviators, as they catapulted from the flight deck and soared into hostile skies. According to Rear Adm. John D. Stufflebeem, commander, Combined Task Force 60 and commander, Carrier Group 2, the conditions were too rough for safe flight. “We launched two missions this morning, and they were unable to complete it and returned back to the ship safely,” Stufflebeem said March 25, referring to aircraft that had launched earlier that morning. “The weather is bad enough that we can’t get to the (refueling) tankers, and because of the lousy weather, we are not getting the coordination on the ground that we need to have to release the weapons.” The next morning was ushered in with winds that cleared out much of the inclement weather. The day dawned with vivid blue skies. Stufflebeem said in spite of the windy conditions, refueling operations were not being hindered by turbulence. “The visibility is very good,” he said. “(The aircraft) can come down in altitude, and tankers can find those altitudes where turbulence is minimized.” As Truman’s aircraft are able to refuel in-flight and continue their strike missions, Sailors and Marines continue to monitor 24 hour news networks. Much of the war has played out before their eyes and it’s hard to deny the losses suffered by coalition forces. Many expected the war to be over in a matter of days, however, Stufflebeem said he never had such expectations. “I believe that was an artificial expectation,” he said. “If it’s over quickly, we’re ready to move on to other business. If it’s going to be a while, we’re ready to stay here and do business a while.” Despite small setbacks, coalition forces are dominating. Stufflebeem said the work this battle group is doing is directly contributing to the successes of special operations forces on the ground in Iraq. “What we’re providing from the two carriers (Truman and USS Theodore Roosevelt [CVN 71]) is heavy ordnance that special operations forces are not carrying themselves. Our guys are getting good reports that the weapons they’re dropping are achieving good effect, which I infer to mean that the special operations teams are getting what they need done.” http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=6544 http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=5802 030326-N-7781D-033 The Arabian Gulf (Mar. 26, 2003) -- On the Flag Bridge of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) Rear Admiral John D. Stufflebeem, Commander Task Force Sixty (CTF-60), gives a daily brief to embarked media on Truman's involvement in combat operations in Iraq. Truman and Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW-3) are currently on a six-month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Operation Iraqi Freedom is the multinational coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. U. S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Andrea Decanini. (RELEASED) http://www.navy.mil/list_all.asp?id=6544 http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=5804 030326-N-9851B-037 The Arabian Gulf (Mar. 26, 2003) -- An F/A-18 Hornet launches from the flight deck of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Truman and Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW-3) are currently on a six-month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Operation Iraqi Freedom is the multinational coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. U. S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class John Beeman. (RELEASED) http://www.navy.mil/list_all.asp?id=6544 http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=6103 030329-N-6410T-502 The Mediterranean Sea (Mar. 29, 2003) -- Aviation Ordnance personnel from Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8) and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) discuss distribution of ordnance on the ship’s flight deck. Roosevelt and CVW-8) are currently conducting operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Operation Iraqi Freedom is the multi-national coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction, and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Recruit Chris Thamann. (RELEASED) http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=6103 http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=6140 030330-N-2410G-501 The Mediterranean Sea (Mar. 30, 2003) -- An SH-60 Seahawk assigned to the “Tridents” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Three (HS-3) prepares to take off from the flight deck aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Roosevelt and Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8) are deployed conducting missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the multi-national coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction, and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Brad Garner. (RELEASED) http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=6140 Fighter and strike fighter aircraft from Carrier Air Wing 8, deployed aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), pounded positions in northern Iraq for most of the night March 31, the longest night of flights and sorties since the war began March 19. Pilots flew nearly 50 sorties on sites, including artillery installations, a barracks and a surface-to-air-missile (SAM) installation in northern Iraq. Pilots from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 201 talked early April 1 about their more intensive missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. “We want to give the best support we can to the troops on the ground,” said Lt. Cmdr. Steve O'Bryan, a pilot with VFA-201. “We’re picking up the pace because we want to help out the ground forces.” He said the missions were designed to pick up the pressure on ground forces and support the newly-arriving 173rd Army Airborne Brigade. TR Commanding Officer Capt. Rich O'Hanlon said when ground forces needed support, Air Wing 8 planes answered the call. “Our pilots delivered weapons that stopped the enemy from advancing on our troops,” he said. Cmdr. Sean Clark, another pilot with VFA-201, noted there is much more activity on the northern front than in previous missions. “Lots of our targets were artillery and (other sites) to impede Iraqi ground force progress,” he said. “We have a lot more ground forces to support with our strikes.” Clark also pointed to waning Iraqi resistance. He said Iraqis are “starting to feel the heat” from coalition air strikes. One reason for the success of the strikes undoubtedly is training and experience, especially with VFA-201, which boasts an unusually senior pilot cadre. “It’s like being on an all-star team,” said Cmdr. Doug Beale of VFA-201. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=6625   http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=6257 030401-N-4154B-501 The Mediterranean Sea (Apr. 1, 2003) -- An Aviation Boatswain's Mate signals for the launch of an F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the “Hunters” of Strike Fighter Squadron Two Zero One (VFA-201) from the flight deck of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Roosevelt and Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8) are deployed and conducting missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Operation Iraqi Freedom is the multi-national coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate weapons of mass destruction, and end the regime of Sadaam Hussein. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Matthew Bash. (RELEASED) http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=6257 Commander, 6th Fleet Vice Adm. Scott A. Fry visited USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) April 7, bringing the thanks of the fleet and ground troops ashore for the ship’s support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. “The special forces in Iraq need your support,” he said. “They think you’re doing a fabulous job of supporting them.” After Fry’s remarks, he answered questions from the crew. He said that when the legislation is passed, TR would receive tax-free status for the entire time it has been in the Eastern Mediterranean operating area. Port calls are a hot topic aboard TR, and Fry said he would get a port call for America’s Big Stick as soon as possible. “But the Mediterranean that we knew in January and I have known for 32 years is a lot different than the Med we have today,” Fry said. Fry also answered the question of when TR might go home. “When this is done, I’ll send you home,” he said. “But I don’t know when that will be, and I don’t want to send you home until you’re done.” Fry posed for photos with dozens of Sailors after his speech and then left for a whirlwind tour of the ship, including a familiarization of TR’s ordnance and Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department. He was impressed with the ship and was thankful to be able to come to the ship to thank the crew personally. “No ship has contributed more to free the Iraqis from terrorism than the TR,” Fry said. “Thank you for what you have done and will do.” http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=6751 http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=6443 030407-N-5786V-502 Mediterranean Sea (Apr. 7, 2003) -- Vice Adm. Scott A. Fry, Commander Sixth Fleet, addresses the crew of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) in the ship’s hangar bay. Roosevelt and her embarked Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8) are on deployment operating with coalition forces in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Operation Iraqi Freedom is the multi-national coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction, and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Angela M. Virnig. (RELEASED) http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=6443 A search and rescue team (SAR) from Helicopter Squadron (HS) 3, deployed aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN71), rescued one civilian pilot and assisted a USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) SAR team in the rescue of a second pilot April 7. The downed SA.30 Puma helicopter was operating from USNS Spica (USNS T-AFS 9) during a replenishment-at-sea with Truman in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Such civilian helicopters provide underway logistics support under contract to the Navy. HS-3’s rescue team was flying as plane guard when they got the call that a helicopter had gone down. “We had been (airborne) for a couple of hours when we got called up,” said rescue pilot Lt. Jack McKechnie of Davidsonville, Md. “We just got there as fast as we could.” HS-3 was the first to arrive on the scene and immediately looked for survivors, a challenge in the dark. “The moon had just set, and there was a lot of fuel and debris in the water,” said McKechnie. HS-3 went into this rescue with the limited information that a helicopter was down. “We didn’t even know if there were survivors,” said Lt. Dustin Smiley, aircraft commander, of Jacksonville, Fla. The downed crewman’s survival equipment included a strobe light, allowing TR’s SAR team to find them in the dark sea. “We saw strobe lights in the water,” said Mckechnie. “We slowed down, hovered over the lights and opened the cabin door to get a better look. That’s when we saw the two survivors.” Aviation Anti-submarine Warfare Operator 3rd Class Jason Boutwell, of Lakeland, Fla., was SAR swimmer on this rescue. While the helicopter hovered, Boutwell was lowered into the water to assess the condition of both survivors. “When I got down to them, I asked how they were doing, to make sure they were both conscious,” said Boutwell. “I grabbed the survivor who didn’t have on a helmet or a strobe light, since he would be harder to find if he started to drift. Then I prepared him to be hoisted using rescue straps, and he was hoisted up.” HS-7, deployed aboard Truman, pulled the second pilot from the water. One of the things making this rescue difficult for HS-3 was working with unfamiliar gear. “Both pilots were in civilian uniforms,” said Aviation Antisubmarine Warfare Operator 1st Class Greg Baker, crew chief, of Middleburg, Fla. “If they had on military gear, they would have a lifting device on their uniform.” According to McKechnie, who is also the HS-3 SAR training officer, the Aviation Anti-submarine Warfare Operators have rigorous inspections and annual jump qualifications to meet. Both pilots and aviation anti-submarine warfare operators have annual SAR training, too. “We practice a lot during flights, too,” said McKechnie. The training paid off – two lives were saved as a result of that training. “Every member of HS-3 played a vital part in this rescue,” said Baker. “We are just glad we got to help.” http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=6808 The enemy forces are lobbing mortar at coalition special forces in northern Iraq. Suddenly, the radio crackles inside an F/A-18 Hornet from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, deployed aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). The call, whispered to prevent detection by nearby forces, has coordinates and a few nearby landmarks easily seen from the air. “I dropped the ordnance and the next thing I heard from the ground was ‘Sweet!’” said Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Pothier, a pilot with CVW-8 staff. “We’re providing that kind of coverage.” Scenarios like this happen almost daily during the strikes over Iraq, and it demonstrates the accuracy with which precision guided ordnance can hit a target. Coalition aircraft predominantly use either JDAMs (Joint Direct Attack Munitions) or Laser-Guided Bombs (LGB) that literally fly conventional 500, 1,000 or 2,000 pound bombs to a target. The result is accurate bombing that minimizes civilian casualties and maximizes effectiveness per bomb, and allows them to be dropped in most any weather. What once took an entire squadron to destroy can now be knocked out with one aircraft in many cases, according to TR Commanding Officer Capt. R.J. O’Hanlon. “Dropping JDAMs and laser-guided ordnance is one of the most satisfying missions for our pilots,” said Capt. David Newland, commander, CVW-8. “They are told where to drop the munitions, and they get direct feedback from the troops after they’re dropped.” According to Aviation Ordnanceman Chief (AW/SW) Steve Miller of TR’s Weapons Department, JDAMs are a joint Air Force/Navy weapon developed to meet the need for an adverse weather, accurate strike ordnance. Developed after Operation Desert Storm, the weapon consists of a low cost, autonomously controlled, guidance set attached to a 2,000 pound or 1,000 pound warhead. A Global Positioning System (GPS) aided Inertial Navigation System (INS) gives guidance commands that move movable tail surfaces, steering the bomb from its release to its target. The JDAM weapon is designed to achieve accuracy on the target of 42 feet or less. Sometimes the situation changes -- the enemy moves in too close or the coordinates are too difficult to pinpoint. Then, pilots must make the crucial decision on whether or not to proceed with a drop. “We were all taught from day one that if you have any doubt about making drop, don’t do it,” said Lt. Michael Wilson, a pilot with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87. “We might have a request to hit any moving vehicle we can see,” Pothier said. Cmdr. Doug Beale, a pilot with VFA-201, piped in, “From our vantage point (at altitude), we can see 20 miles while the guy on the ground can only see two or three, so sometimes, we might need more specifics before making the decision to drop.” Beale went on to say that, during their training last year at Naval Air Facility Fallon, Nev., pilots flew numerous day and night close air support bombing missions to train for situations just like Operation Iraqi Freedom. “You hate it the first few times,” he said, referring to conducting close air support missions at night. “Night flying is a lot more difficult, because you can’t pinpoint things like you can during the day.” But the night-flying pilots of CVW-8 would have it no other way. “Say some troops are on the ground, in trouble,” Pothier said. “If he gives me a good coordinate, I’m going to do everything I can to help him out.” JDAMs not only give the pilots the feeling that they are contributing more tangibly, but also that they can support the ground troops better than in past conflicts. “Since we can drop ordnance in just about any weather, I think it’s safe to say that we’ve made the conflict shorter,” Beale said. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=6782 The "Tommy and Rumble Show" has done many remotes on its popular Hampton Roads-based radio program from unique locations, but none as distant as the one that aired three straight mornings on FM99 (WNOR, Norfolk). Tommy Griffiths arrived aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) April 9, and within hours was on the phone back to Norfolk, live from America’s Big Stick. Reporting from the flag bridge via satellite phone, Griffiths has been keeping not only TR’s home port of Norfolk, Va., but dozens of other radio stations across America owned by Saga Communications up-to-date on the current operations of the TR crew. Griffiths’ visit is quite remarkable, as he is the first Hampton Roads radio personality to visit TR in more than three years. Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Harry J. Egleston, a long time fan of the show, says it’s great to have someone from his hometown out on TR. “We get media out here all the time, but having someone from the Tidewater area come out here lets me know the people back home are behind us, and that really helps my morale,” said Egleston. “I’ve listened to the show for years, and I know that Tommy and Rumble are really behind the military.” Working with WNOR over the last 13 years has given Griffiths many opportunities to work with the local military. However, he has never been underway on an aircraft carrier until now. “WNOR has always been involved in supporting the military, but this underway is the most involved we have been,” said Griffiths. According to Griffiths, he has been very impressed with the TR since his arrival. “The attention you put into everything you do is amazing,” explained Griffiths. In his travels around TR, Griffiths has taken the time to learn how and why some of the different jobs are done. “In a day and a half on board, I’ve already learned how to perform a wipe-out check on an E-2C Hawkeye, and the galley showed me what goes into making eggs for 5,500 Sailors,” he said. While speaking with different members of TR’s crew, Griffiths has been pleasantly surprised at the interest people have shown in what’s going with the "Tommy and Rumble Show" back in Norfolk. “The different things they have done in support of the military over the years have been great,” said Egleston. “From the living flag they did at the Virginia Beach ampitheatre, to their skits like ‘I Want to be a Civilian,’ (a parody of the Ramones song 'I Want to be Sedated'), the 'Tommy and Rumble Show' supports the military in Norfolk like nothing I’ve seen anywhere else.” Coming to TR has closed the loop for the Norfolk disc jockey in many ways of understanding the sacrifice Navy families go through when a loved one deploys. “The more time I spend in Norfolk, the more I understand, and feel compassion, for what military families go through during these deployments,” said Griffiths. “Until now, I’ve mainly seen things from the side of the families on the beach. Now I see what you have to go through out here, as well. The fact that this place never stops amazes me. The crew is constantly working. Running this ship is a 24-hour-a-day operation.” Griffiths aired his final show April 11 and headed back to Norfolk April 12. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=6859 USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) underway in the Mediterranean Sea from 8 March to 18 April 2003. USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Sailors took a break from supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom with a liberty port in the quaint port of Koper, Slovenia on 18 April 2003. After more than a month of sending war planes screaming off the deck of America’s "Big Stick" to complete strike missions and contribute to the downfall of Baghdad, the sound of “liberty call, liberty call” was a welcome sound in TR Sailors’ ears. The main port in a former-Yugoslavian republic, Koper is nestled between rolling mountains in the northern Adriatic, easy driving distance from dozens of favorite European vacation spots, and steeped in “old world” traditions. The small town is the major port in the republic’s 40-mile coastline. Commercial ships moved in and out of the port throughout the five-day port call. Many Sailors were happy just to take the ship’s free liberty bus route to nearby Portoroz, perhaps the best-kept secret of the port call. The resort, along a two-mile stretch of Adriatic shoreline, had more than a dozen hotels with bargain-priced souvenir shops, as well as a casino. Others were happy just to get off the ship and get a break from its recently completed support of Operation Iraqi Freedom by mingling with the locals in the cozy confines of Koper’s downtown. For the more adventurous TR Sailors, ship’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation arranged 28 different tours to take Sailors on well-earned trips to destinations such as Vienna and Salzburg, Austria; Trieste, Vicenza, Aviano and Venice, Italy; and ski trips into the southern reaches of the nearby Alps. Sailors who went to Venice were treated to a boat ride to historic San Marco’s Square, and given a tour and glass blowing demonstration at a factory showroom for world-famous Murano Glass. “Venice is a definite must,” said Personnelman 1st Class Celeste McKinney. “Visiting the glass factory and watching them blow glass was amazing.” Once praised by Napoleon as the most beautiful place in Europe, San Marcos’ Renaissance-era arches cover some of Venice's more elegant shops and historic cafes. Since the city allows no cars, getting around is either on foot, or by water -- either by traditional gondola, modern water taxi or boat “buses.” Other Sailors elected to visit the china factories of Nove, Italy. Clay from the soil around the city is the secret to some of the finest china available anywhere. Nearly 100 china factories around the city produce dishes, cups, serving dishes and decorative china for retailers in the best stores around the world. The same factories were offering huge discounts by buying direct from the manufacturer. “If this isn’t a shopper’s paradise, I don’t know what is,” said Legalman 1st Class Shannon Minixpryor. “I got a lot of colorful china to send back home,” said Dental Technician 2nd Class Beatrice Osei, who sent four huge boxes of china back home to enjoy later. Another one of the tours went to the Lippizanner Stallion farm in Lipica, Slovenia, and continued to a nearby castle on and in the granite mountain. Both attractions date to medieval days. The final stop on this tour was the caves near Lipica, one of which had a 60-foot ceiling. “You could park the ship in here!” exclaimed Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Robert Waldron. If TR Sailors felt like “parking” a bit closer to the ship, nearby Trieste offered big town attractions about 30 minutes from the ship. Sailors on this tour checked out a Hapsburg-era (early 19th century) castle, admiring the botanical gardens and the picturesque coastline of the northern Adriatic. After lunch in the center of town, the tour group visited Roman ruins, checked out two churches and even went to the Trieste stock exchange. A shopping spree guaranteed that Sailors would have a chance to pick up a few souvenirs after sampling the local culture. TR’s Sailors will not soon forget the local flavor of Koper, nor this memorable break from an historic wartime cruise for America’s Big Stick. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=7099 USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Sailors took a break from supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom with a liberty port in the quaint port of Koper, Slovenia from 18 to 23 April 2003. _________________ U. S. Navy Veteran  August 1977 to July 1983 Yoeman Second Class, with student pilot's license Last edited by Batman47 on Sun May 31, 2009 6:35 am; edited 4 times in total
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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: Mon May 04, 2009 7:10 am    Post subject: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) · Quote USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) underway in the Mediterranean Sea on 24 April 2003. http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=7122 030428-N-7130B-504 The Mediterranean Sea (Apr. 28, 2003) -- A pair of Aviation Boatswain's Mates prepare an aircraft for launch from the flight deck aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Roosevelt and Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW 8) are on deployment conducting missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Operation Iraqi Freedom is the multi-national coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Aaron Burden. (RELEASED) http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=7122 The slam of a catapult slinging a naval aircraft from the flight deck into the air was heard for the 100,000th time aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) April 30. TR celebrated a milestone with the 100,000th successful catapult since its commissioning in 1986. An EA-6B Prowler from Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 was the 100,000th aircraft to catapult from TR. There are four “cats” (catapults) on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier, two on the bow and two on the waist. “We like to keep track of numbers and time with milestones such as these. At 100 launches I got a patch, at 1,000 someone might get a plaque. We saved the piece of hold back bar to mount on a plaque,” said TR Air Boss Capt. (select) Vince Drouillard. The hold back bar prevents the plane from starting down the catapult until a certain amount of steam pressure is released. The topside safety petty officer was Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Calvin Griffin, and the launch officer, or “shooter,” was Lt. William Ellis. "The bow ‘cat’ work center Sailors worked very hard maintaining the equipment to support the air wing,” said Drouillard. Successful flight operations depend on all involved departments working together. “The accomplishment shows the great teamwork this ship has between different departments,” said Capt. (select) Mark Hunter, TR operations officer. The air wing provides the aircraft, and the pilots do their procedures. The Strike Operations Division of the Operations Department writes the daily air plan. Carrier Air Traffic Control Center plays a key role. None of it can exist without the supply department getting fuel aboard for the planes during an underway replenishment, he said. “If we don’t keep enough fuel in our tanks, the fighters can’t fly. Deck Department provides most of the maintenance necessary and Navigation and the Bridge help ensure the safest landing for aircraft. All the departments efforts speak highly of how well we work together,” said Hunter. “It all comes together in the end,” said Drouillard. One hundred thousand launches marks a significant milestone in the life of TR, and 6,243 of those incident free launches occurred this deployment, including support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=7237 http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=7357 030506-N-6410T-505 The Mediterranean Sea (May 6, 2003) -- Capt. Rich O'Hanlon, Commanding Officer of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), successfully completes his 100th trap aboard the nuclear powered aircraft carrier in an F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the “Valions” of Strike Fighter Squadron Fifteen (VFA-15). Roosevelt and Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8) are deployed conducting operatons in the Mediterranean Sea. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Apprentice Chris Thamann. (RELEASED) http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=7357 USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) underway in the Mediterranean Sea from 24 April to 15 May 2003. The U.S. Navy spirit and tradition of helping those in need was again realized during USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) May 15 visit to Cartegna, Spain. Hogar de la Infancia (Hearth of the Children), the object of Roosevelt's volunteerism, is a house that takes in children who need a place to stay, either because their parents can’t take care of them, are in jail or are going through drug treatment programs. The 60 children range in age from one month to seven years. Inside the slightly worn building, with faded paint and a lawn that needed a good trim, children pressed their faces up against windows, wondering what’s going on outside the morning. They already had a chance to say hello to their visitors, 47 Sailors on liberty from Roosevelt, and now they stared at the Sailors forming into groups before getting down to the business of helping fix up the children’s home. The home itself has a unique history. It was created by the bullfighter Mondeno. His real name was Juan Garcia Jimenz, and he used the money he raised traveling around Spain to begin the home in 1860. Since then, the home was expanded to help more children. In his memory, the home has a room reserved for bullfighters, where they can stay and prepare for their fights in full regalia. The older children rushed the Sailors when they first walked in the building, talking and giggling up a storm. Most wanted piggyback rides, or to have their pictures taken. Their smiles were contagious, and spread from the shyest child to the Sailors, and reaching out to be shared with the volunteers, state employees and nuns who run the home. The sounds of children playing carried throughout the home, along with the names of fruits, vegetables and colors, of which the children loved to show off their knowledge. “When you stop and think about everything going on in the world, seeing kids playing like that puts everything back into perspective,” said Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Riley Swinney, as children wanting him to play with them swarmed him. Some of the Sailors began to climb the stairs leading up to the roof, laden with a bucket of paint, rollers and a few paint brushes to begin refreshing the trim of the building. Others with a bent toward engineering went straight out to the two swimming pools to install a new pump and fix the drainage system between the pools. That project led to cleaning out the pool. After a lot of bleach and Sailors doing atop scrubbing pads, the pool was its original baby blue. “I’m putting my talents to good use, and helping people,” said Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Billy Ring, from deep within the pump room as he finished installing the new pump. Other Sailors began repainting the terrace on the second floor, raking and mowing the lawn. Some walked around picking up litter and pine cones, and later a group attacked a mound of dirt, which they smoothed out so the children would have more room to play. The same group who was covered with sweat and dirt took another break to play with the same children right after lunch. Walking around the small school, many Sailors were thinking about their own children, their siblings, or nieces and nephews who they miss while being sent on such an abrupt deployment from home. The spirit of helping children is still in full bloom at Hogar de la Infancia. As the children were let out for recess, and the Sailors finished packing up their tools, spontaneous games of soccer and catch broke out, along with more piggyback rides and a chance for the children to have someone to play with as they went down the slides and giggled on the tire swings. “I’ve done other projects like this too, but I like this one better. I want to take one of the children home with me,” said Dental Technician 3rd Class Wanda McKie. TR had created a strong, positive impact on the city of Cartagena, and the Sailors had memories they would never forget. “I’m beat but it’s worth it,” said Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Electronics) Alfred Rogers. I accomplished something today.”                       http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=7565 http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=7590 030516-N-1328C-505 At sea aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) May 16, 2003 – An Acrobatic Group of Spanish aircraft perform aerial maneuvers over USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) off the coast of Cartagena, Spain. The Roosevelt is currently conducting operations in the Mediterranean Sea. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer’s Mate Eric A. Clement. (RELEASED) http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=7590 USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) visited Cartegna, Spain on 15 May 2003. USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) underway in the Mediterranean Sea on 16 May 2003. Hangar Bay Two on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) became a blaze of colored flashing lights in the midst of evening’s “darken ship,” as its Sailors cruised the vast midnight blue Mediterranean Sea May 19. The rock band Dishwalla added swooning vocals, thundering bass and hypnotic rhythms to the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier as its way of showing support for the troops. The band’s lead vocalist J.R. Richards, Guitarist Rodney Browning Cravens, Bassist Scot Alexander, Percussionist Pete Maloney and Keyboardist Jim Wood brought a little bit of home to Sailors at sea. TR has been operating in the Mediterranean Sea in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and is currently on its way back to its homeport, Norfolk, Va. “We wanted to give music and show our support to the (Sailors) who have been working so hard during OIF,” said Wood. “It’s really cool to be out here. We jumped at the chance when it was offered. I have a lot of respect for all the Sailors here. It’s really amazing what they all do for our country,” he said. The band is on a military tour, “Meet and Greet the Troops.” They have been to Rota, Spain; Naples, Italy; and Yokosuka, Japan, and on board USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), with more to come. “It’s a way for them to say ‘Hey, thank you for what you do.’ It’s all about getting to know the Sailors,” said Lynette Marcotte, Naval Station Rota Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) fleet recreation coordinator.   “None of this could happen without the dedicated collaboration of the MWR representatives, Naval Personnel Command and TR command coordinators.” Dishwalla toured the ship, then put on a concert for the crew. TR’s band, Men Overboard (Percussionist Lt.j.g. Mitch Finke, Vocalist/Guitarist Senior Chief Personnelman(SW/SS) Alan Huppman and Bassist/Vocalist Master-at-Arms 1st Class (SW) Robert Baldwin) opened for Dishwalla. They also played when Alexander received an on-stage haircut. Ship’s Serviceman Seaman(SW) Craig Ellis, gave him a high and tight. “It was the least I could do, besides play music, to show my support for the Navy,” said Alexander. Dishwalla played hits from their newly released album, “Opaline,” as well as many of their older recordings. "The concert was great!” said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Christie Breazeale. “I was right up front!” Bay Two was filled bulkhead-to-bulkhead with Sailors rocking to the harmonic sound waves of Dishwalla and Men Overboard. “This means as much to us as it does to the crew,” said Dishwalla Band Manager Leo Rossi. “Sailors put their lives on the line every day… we wanted to bring home to them. “We got into the music business, because we love to play music. And in the beginning, it was the thoughts and feelings of Sailors like these out here that were born into songs. The Sailor swabbing the deck inspires stories. You all inspire us to keep going,” said Rossi. The band autographed pictures, “Roosevelt Passes” and various items for Sailors on board TR. A signed Roosevelt Pass admits its holder to any future Dishwalla show for free, according to Rossi. “Among any honor, being able to come out here and play for the troops is the highest honor we have,” said Alexander. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=7564 Commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) Eight, Capt. David Newland, completed his 1,000th carrier arrested landing aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) May 19 in a Fighter Squadron 213 “Blacklions” F-14D Tomcat. Newland was immediately followed on deck by TR Commanding Officer Capt. Richard O’Hanlon’s 101st and last landing on TR in a Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87 “War Party” F/A-18C Hornet. Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Group 8 Rear Adm. John Harvey, Jr. presented Newland with a congratulatory 1,000th trap plaque. Newland then presented O’Hanlon with a plaque for his last trap aboard America’s "Big Stick." O’Hanlon, a Rear Admiral selectee, is scheduled to leave TR in June. Newland (call sign “Newly”) has accumulated more than 4,200 flight hours in more than six different aircraft in his 22-year aviation career. “This is a personal achievement for me,” said Newland. “Not many people reach 1,000 traps, so this is very significant for me, personally.” TR’s Executive Officer Capt. Terry Kraft called Newland’s 1,000th trap a “career milestone” in his announcement of the landing over TR’s 1-MC. “Completing 1,000 traps is pretty special. It is something everybody likes to see, and we’re just doing what we love to do… fly,” said Newland. “Not a single launch or recovery could happen without the immense amount of hard work on the part of the flight deck crew, Air Department, Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Department, the squadron and in the maintenance departments,” said O’Hanlon. “They work so hard to get, not only my 101st and last flights, but every sortie, every mission, and every launch and recovery on this great ship. It takes tremendous teamwork among the TR crew and CVW Eight,” he said. Hailing from Portsmouth, Va., Newland is the son of a Navy “Mustang.” He graduated from the University of California at Los Angeles, and received his commission through Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps in March 1980. After completing Naval Flight Officer training, he has served with Fighter Squadron (VF) 128, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.; as a Tomahawk Project Flight Test Officer; with Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126, then assigned to TR and aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) during Operation Desert Fox. Newland assumed the duties of Deputy Commander, Carrier Air Wing Eight in October 2002, and since has moved up to CAG. O’Hanlon became the eighth commanding officer of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) on March 22, 2001. He is a 1976 graduate of the United States Naval Academy and was designated a Naval Aviator in September 1977. He has served with Attack Squadron (VA) 46, VFA 132, Staff Strike Operations Officer with Carrier Air Wing 3 and VFA 37. He was USS Carl Vinson’s Executive Officer and commanding officer of USS Sacramento (AOE 1) before coming to TR. He also has served at Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent River, Md., Executive Assistant to the Chief of Legislative Affairs, Washington, D.C., and Chief of Staff, Commander, Naval Air Force, U. S. Atlantic Fleet. TR and CVW Eight conducted flight operations during their journey home to Norfolk, Va. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=7588 USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) underway in the Mediterranean Sea from 16 to 22 May 2003. USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) underway in the Atlantic from 22 to 28 May 2003 en route home. “On 29 May 2003, Theodore Roosevelt with CVW-8 embarked arrived Norfolk, Virginia, with Captain Richard J. O’Hanlon, USN in command, ending her Caribbean Sea voyage where she conducted COMPTUEX (Composite Training Unit Exercise) operating with the United States Atlantic Command (Atlantic Fleet) under the direction of the 2nd Fleet, her eighth Mediterranean Sea deployment (14th voyage) operating with the 6th Fleet in support of her 1st Operation Iraqi Freedom, operating under the direction of the 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. The words of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Commanding Officer Capt. R.J. O’Hanlon spoken over the ship’s main communications intercom chilled the warmth of a Caribbean Sunday afternoon, “Aircraft in the water. Aircraft in the water.” Aircraft were returning from the day’s flights as part of its Composite Training Unit Exercise. The ship’s crew had expected to wind down the day by watching the Super Bowl via satellite. That changed at 5:28 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time, 1 January 2003, when an F-14D Tomcat from Fighter Squadron 213 went down in the water two miles short of the flight deck, but the pilot and radar intercept officer (RIO) had ejected cleanly from the aircraft. Now, it was up to a rescue crew from Helicopter Squadron 3, based out of Jacksonville, Fla., and deployed aboard TR. The helicopter assigned to patrol during air operations was conducting its annual Naval Aviation Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) certification nearby. Along with the normal crew of pilot Lt. Jason Young, Lt. John Smiley, Antisubmarine Warfare Specialist 1st Class (AC) Rafael Garcia, and search-and-rescue swimmer Antisubmarine Warfare Specialist 2nd Class (AC) Aaron Albright, Strike Fighter Squadron 201’s flight surgeon, Cmdr. Howard Eliason, happened to be along for the certification flight. As reported on 27 January 2003, A group of naval Reservists from Texas is making history on the decks of Theodore Roosevelt. For the first time since the Korean War, an entire Naval Air Reserve squadron has been deployed aboard an aircraft carrier. Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 201, The "Hunters" based at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, Texas, was ordered to active duty by President George W. Bush, as a unit of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 embarked aboard TR. Vice Adm. Scott Fry, Commander, 6th Fleet, visited USS Theodore Theodore Roosevelt began its Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX) on 13 January to complete another qualification in preparation for deployment, commencing use of the Vieques Island inner Range in conjunction with COMPTUEX to complete another qualification in preparation for deployment. America’s Big Stick witnessed Super Bowl XXXVI last year in the middle of the North Arabian Sea while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. This year, the ship was in the middle of the Caribbean Sea completing its Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) for Super Bowl XXXVII. Theodore Roosevelt concluded Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX) approximately three weeks from 13 January to 4 February 2003 to complete another qualification in preparation for deployment. Underway in the Atlantic from 7 to 18 February 2003, CMDCM Beth Lambert becomes 1st female CMC of Theodore Roosevelt in February 2003. Underway in the Mediterranean Sea from 19 February to 3 March 2003. Vice Adm. Scott Fry, Commander, 6th Fleet, visited Theodore Roosevelt on 14 February 2003 to welcome Rear Adm. John C. Harvey and the TR battle group to the theater. Anzio was the Theodore Roosevelt Battle Group (TRBATGRU) air defense commander. “Anzio is dedicated to looking at the air defense capabilities of the battle group,” TRBATGRU Commander Rear Adm. John Harvey said. An aircraft carrier and a cruiser have completely different roles to play in a battle group, yet they work together for a common goal within a battle group. Even with that teamwork, many of the more than 5,000 Sailors aboard Theodore Roosevelt know little about their air defense coordinator, USS Anzio (CG 68), and Sailors aboard Anzio know little about the carrier they protect. The first difference between the ships is their roles. The carrier’s role is easy to define: to conduct combat flight operations with 75 aircraft. A cruiser can only hold two helicopters in its hangar bay, and only one can be on the flight deck at a time. The cruiser is meant to protect the carrier battle group at all costs. Underway in the Mediterranean Sea from 14 February to 4 March 2003, Theodore Roosevelt visited Souda Bay, Crete, Greece on 4 March 2003. For the second year in a row, Theodore Roosevelt has won the Capt. Edward F. Ney Award for food service excellence in the Atlantic Fleet Aircraft Carrier category. This is the fourth Ney Award for Theodore Roosevelt. “To get it once is prestigious,” said Chief Warrant Officer Paul Jones, TR food service officer. “This is the fourth win for Roosevelt. The first win was when TR was first commissioned.” Theodore Roosevelt departed Souda Bay, Crete, Greece on 8 March 2003, visiting from 4 to 7 March 2003. Underway in the Mediterranean Sea on 8 March 2003, months of training and sacrifice paid off for the crew of Theodore Roosevelt and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 March 22, with the launch of its first strikes in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. By 7:30 a.m., all 20 planes launched in the strike were back aboard TR. Fighter and strike fighter aircraft from Carrier Air Wing 8, pounded positions in northern Iraq for most of the night March 31, the longest night of flights and sorties since the war began March 19. Pilots flew nearly 50 sorties on sites, including artillery installations, a barracks and a surface-to-air-missile (SAM) installation in northern Iraq. Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 201, was the 2002 winner of the Commander, Air Wing 20 Noel Davis Award, the Reserve aviation Battle “E.” The award recognizes the top squadron in several categories, including number of flight hours, number of arrested carrier landings, safety, readiness and training, ordnance delivered, pilot qualifications, full-mission-capable aircraft, enlistment advancement and retention, and hazard reports (HAZREPS). Harry S. Truman and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 adjust to the hectic schedule of combat operations, the Sailors and Marines aboard are battling more than just the forces of tyranny in Iraq. They are also up against the primal forces of mother nature. While the ground troops making their way toward Baghdad struggled against blinding sandstorms March 25, the same weather patterns affected CVW-3 aviators, as they catapulted from the flight deck and soared into hostile skies. According to Rear Adm. John D. Stufflebeem, commander, Combined Task Force 60 and commander, Carrier Group 2, the conditions were too rough for safe flight. “We launched two missions this morning, and they were unable to complete it and returned back to the ship safely,” Stufflebeem said March 25, referring to aircraft that had launched earlier that morning. “The weather is bad enough that we can’t get to the (refueling) tankers, and because of the lousy weather, we are not getting the coordination on the ground that we need to have to release the weapons.” The next morning was ushered in with winds that cleared out much of the inclement weather. The day dawned with vivid blue skies. Stufflebeem said in spite of the windy conditions, refueling operations were not being hindered by turbulence. “The visibility is very good,” he said. “(The aircraft) can come down in altitude, and tankers can find those altitudes where turbulence is minimized.” As Truman’s aircraft are able to refuel in-flight and continue their strike missions, Sailors and Marines continue to monitor 24 hour news networks. Much of the war has played out before their eyes and it’s hard to deny the losses suffered by coalition forces. Many expected the war to be over in a matter of days, however, Stufflebeem said he never had such expectations. “I believe that was an artificial expectation,” he said. “If it’s over quickly, we’re ready to move on to other business. If it’s going to be a while, we’re ready to stay here and do business a while.” Despite small setbacks, coalition forces are dominating. Stufflebeem said the work this battle group is doing is directly contributing to the successes of special operations forces on the ground in Iraq. “What we’re providing from the two carriers (Truman and Theodore Roosevelt) is heavy ordnance that special operations forces are not carrying themselves. Our guys are getting good reports that the weapons they’re dropping are achieving good effect, which I infer to mean that the special operations teams are getting what they need done.” Fighter and strike fighter aircraft from Carrier Air Wing 8, deployed aboard Theodore Roosevelt pounded positions in northern Iraq for most of the night March 31, the longest night of flights and sorties since the war began March 19. Pilots flew nearly 50 sorties on sites, including artillery installations, a barracks and a surface-to-air-missile (SAM) installation in northern Iraq. Pilots from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 201 talked early April 1 about their more intensive missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. “We want to give the best support we can to the troops on the ground,” said Lt. Cmdr. Steve O'Bryan, a pilot with VFA-201. “We’re picking up the pace because we want to help out the ground forces.” He said the missions were designed to pick up the pressure on ground forces and support the newly-arriving 173rd Army Airborne Brigade. TR Commanding Officer Capt. Rich O'Hanlon said when ground forces needed support, Air Wing 8 planes answered the call. “Our pilots delivered weapons that stopped the enemy from advancing on our troops,” he said. Cmdr. Sean Clark, another pilot with VFA-201, noted there is much more activity on the northern front than in previous missions. “Lots of our targets were artillery and (other sites) to impede Iraqi ground force progress,” he said. “We have a lot more ground forces to support with our strikes.” Clark also pointed to waning Iraqi resistance. He said Iraqis are “starting to feel the heat” from coalition air strikes. One reason for the success of the strikes undoubtedly is training and experience, especially with VFA-201, which boasts an unusually senior pilot cadre. “It’s like being on an all-star team,” said Cmdr. Doug Beale of VFA-201. The enemy forces were lobbing mortar at coalition special forces in northern Iraq. Coalition aircraft predominantly use either JDAMs (Joint Direct Attack Munitions) or Laser-Guided Bombs (LGB) that literally fly conventional 500, 1,000 or 2,000 pound bombs to a target. The result is accurate bombing that minimizes civilian casualties and maximizes effectiveness per bomb, and allows them to be dropped in most any weather. What once took an entire squadron to destroy can now be knocked out with one aircraft in many cases, according to TR Commanding Officer Capt. R.J. O’Hanlon. “Dropping JDAMs and laser-guided ordnance is one of the most satisfying missions for our pilots,” said Capt. David Newland, commander, CVW-8. “They are told where to drop the munitions, and they get direct feedback from the troops after they’re dropped.” According to Aviation Ordnanceman Chief (AW/SW) Steve Miller of TR’s Weapons Department, JDAMs are a joint Air Force/Navy weapon developed to meet the need for an adverse weather, accurate strike ordnance. Developed after Operation Desert Storm, the weapon consists of a low cost, autonomously controlled, guidance set attached to a 2,000 pound or 1,000 pound warhead. A Global Positioning System (GPS) aided Inertial Navigation System (INS) gives guidance commands that move movable tail surfaces, steering the bomb from its release to its target. The JDAM weapon is designed to achieve accuracy on the target of 42 feet or less. Commander, 6th Fleet Vice Adm. Scott A. Fry visited Theodore Roosevelt April 7, bringing the thanks of the fleet and ground troops ashore for the ship’s support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. A search and rescue team (SAR) from Helicopter Squadron (HS) 3, deployed aboard Theodore Roosevelt, rescued one civilian pilot and assisted a USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) SAR team in the rescue of a second pilot April 7. The downed SA.30 Puma helicopter was operating from USNS Spica (USNS T-AFS 9) during a replenishment-at-sea with Truman in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Such civilian helicopters provide underway logistics support under contract to the Navy. HS-3’s rescue team was flying as plane guard when they got the call that a helicopter had gone down. “We had been (airborne) for a couple of hours when we got called up,” said rescue pilot Lt. Jack McKechnie of Davidsonville, Md. “We just got there as fast as we could.” HS-3 was the first to arrive on the scene and immediately looked for survivors, a challenge in the dark. “The moon had just set, and there was a lot of fuel and debris in the water,” said McKechnie. HS-3 went into this rescue with the limited information that a helicopter was down. “We didn’t even know if there were survivors,” said Lt. Dustin Smiley, aircraft commander, of Jacksonville, Fla. The downed crewman’s survival equipment included a strobe light, allowing TR’s SAR team to find them in the dark sea. The "Tommy and Rumble Show" has done many remotes on its popular Hampton Roads-based radio program from unique locations, but none as distant as the one that aired three straight mornings on FM99 (WNOR, Norfolk). Tommy Griffiths arrived aboard Theodore Roosevelt April 9, and within hours was on the phone back to Norfolk, live from America’s Big Stick. Reporting from the flag bridge via satellite phone, Griffiths has been keeping not only TR’s home port of Norfolk, Va., but dozens of other radio stations across America owned by Saga Communications up-to-date on the current operations of the TR crew. Griffiths aired his final show April 11 and headed back to Norfolk April 12. Underway in the Mediterranean Sea from 8 March to 18 April 2003; Sailors took a break After more than a month of sending war planes screaming off the deck of America’s "Big Stick" to complete strike missions and contribute to the downfall of Baghdad, with a liberty port in the quaint port of Koper, Slovenia on 18 April 2003 from 18 to 23 April 2003. Underway in the Mediterranean Sea from 24 April to 15 May 2003, The slam of a catapult slinging a naval aircraft from the flight deck into the air was heard for the 100,000th time aboard Theodore Roosevelt on 30 April. TR celebrated a milestone with the 100,000th successful catapult since its commissioning in 1986. An EA-6B Prowler from Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 was the 100,000th aircraft to catapult from TR. There are four “cats” (catapults) on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier, two on the bow and two on the waist. Theodore Roosevelt visited Cartegna, Spain on 15 May 2003. Underway in the Mediterranean Sea on 16 May 2003, Hangar Bay Two on Theodore Roosevelt became a blaze of colored flashing lights in the midst of evening’s “darken ship,” as its Sailors cruised the vast midnight blue Mediterranean Sea May 19th. The rock band Dishwalla added swooning vocals, thundering bass and hypnotic rhythms to the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier as its way of showing support for the troops. The band’s lead vocalist J.R. Richards, Guitarist Rodney Browning Cravens, Bassist Scot Alexander, Percussionist Pete Maloney and Keyboardist Jim Wood brought a little bit of home to Sailors at sea. Commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) Eight, Capt. David Newland, completed his 1,000th carrier arrested landing aboard Theodore Roosevelt  on 19 May 2003 in a Fighter Squadron 213 “Blacklions” F-14D Tomcat. Newland was immediately followed on deck by TR Commanding Officer Capt. Richard O’Hanlon’s 101st and last landing on TR in a Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87 “War Party” F/A-18C Hornet. Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Group 8 Rear Adm. John Harvey, Jr. presented Newland with a congratulatory 1,000th trap plaque. Newland then presented O’Hanlon with a plaque for his last trap aboard America’s "Big Stick." O’Hanlon, a Rear Admiral selectee, is scheduled to leave TR in June. Newland (call sign “Newly”) has accumulated more than 4,200 flight hours in more than six different aircraft in his 22-year aviation career. Underway in the Mediterranean Sea from 16 to 22 May 2003 and underway in the Atlantic from 22 to 28 May 2003 en route home. Visiting Souda Bay, Crete, Greece; Koper, Slovenia and Cartagena, Spain. Her ninth deployment since her commission at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Co., Newport News, Virginia on 25 October 1986 (6 January to 29 May 2003)” (Ref. 72, 76, 84A & 382). “Rear Adm. John D. Stufflebeem, commander, Combined Task Force 60 and commander, Carrier Group 2, the conditions were too rough for safe flight. "USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) battle group is commanded by Carrier Group Eight, Rear Adm. John C. Harvey Jr. Units participating in COMPTUEX include aircraft carrier with Carrier Air Wing 8 and Commander, Destroyer Squadron 2 (CDS 2) embarked; guided-missile cruisers USS Anzio (CG 68) and USS Cape St. George (CG 71); guided-missile destroyers USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51); USS Porter (DDG 78); USS Winston Churchill (DDG 81); guided-missile frigate USS Carr (FFG 52); fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8); and two attack submarines” (Ref. 84A & 681D). Carrier Group 4 will be observed COMPTUEX and graded the exercise. Rear Adm. Lindell Rutherford commands the group” (Ref. 72, 76, 84A & 382). Rescuing Two Downed Pilots Part of a Day’s Work For HS-3 Crew Story Number: NNS030129-09 Release Date: 1/29/2003 5:22:00 PM By Chief Journalist (SW) Aaron Strickland, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs ABOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At Sea (NNS) -- “Aircraft in the water. Aircraft in the water.” http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=5587 TR Battle Group Begins COMPTUEX Story Number: NNS030115-10 Release Date: 1/15/2003 8:10:00 PM By Journalist Seaman Michael Perez, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs ABOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (NNS) -- USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) began its Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX) Jan. 13 to complete another qualification in preparation for deployment. COMPTUEX is the second in a three-phase process to make sure a carrier group has all the basic skills needed to be a successful battle group. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=5398 Hawkeye Squadron CO Hits 4,000 Hour Milestone Story Number: NNS030127-07 Release Date: 1/27/2003 11:11:00 AM By Journalist Seaman Michael Perez, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs ABOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At Sea (NNS) -- Many amazing things happen on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier. The ballet of planes moving over the flight deck to the careful choreography of its personnel is continually punctuated by the shriek of planes launching and the pounding of planes landing. On the flight deck of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), another amazing thing happened. Carrier Airborne Early Warning (VAW) Squadron 124's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Vincent Bowhers, landed after completing 4,000 hours of flight time in the E-2C Hawkeye Jan. 16. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=5460 Super Bowl XXXVII, TR Style Story Number: NNS030130-01 Release Date: 1/30/2003 6:26:00 AM By Journalist 3rd Class Kathryn Whittenberger, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs ABOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (NNS) -- The bulkheads of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) echoed Sunday with sounds familiar to sports fans: yelling, stomping, shouts of victory and moans of defeat. It was the Super Bowl, and again, TR was out to sea. America’s Big Stick witnessed the Super Bowl last year in the middle of the North Arabian Sea while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. This year, the ship is in the middle of the Caribbean Sea completing its Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX). http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=5589 Commander, 6th Fleet Welcomes TR to the Med Story Number: NNS030218-07 Release Date: 2/18/2003 8:16:00 PM By Journalist 2nd Class Jessica Benigni, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs ABOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (NNS) -- Vice Adm. Scott Fry, Commander, 6th Fleet, visited USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Feb. 14 to welcome Rear Adm. John C. Harvey and the TR battle group to the theater. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=5887 Air Defense Cruiser Lives in the Shadow of America's Big Stick Story Number: NNS030219-09 Release Date: 2/19/2003 12:38:00 PM By Journalist 3rd Class Kathryn J. Whittenberger, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs ABOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT AND USS ANZIO, At Sea (NNS) -- “All engines ahead full.” “All engines ahead full aye. All engines ahead full.” “Very well.” http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=5890 Sailing with Carrier, Cruiser: Different Roles, Same Team Story Number: NNS030220-09 Release Date: 2/20/2003 12:58:00 PM By Journalist 3rd Class Kathryn Whittenberger, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs ABOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT AND USS ANZIO, At Sea (NNS) -- An aircraft carrier and a cruiser have completely different roles to play in a battle group, yet they work together for a common goal within a battle group. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=5888 America's Big Stick Wins 2nd straight Ney Award Story Number: NNS030304-15 Release Date: 3/5/2003 3:43:00 PM By Journalist 2nd Class Jessica Benigni, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs ABOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At Sea (NNS) -- For the second year in a row, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) has won the Capt. Edward F. Ney Award for food service excellence in the Atlantic Fleet Aircraft Carrier category. This is the fourth Ney Award for Theodore Roosevelt. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=6100 VFA-201 Wins Reserve Battle ‘E’ Story Number: NNS030406-05 Release Date: 4/6/2003 7:13:00 PM By Chief Journalist (SW) Aaron Strickland, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs ABOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At Sea (NNS) -- Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 201, currently deployed aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), is the 2002 winner of the Commander, Air Wing 20 Noel Davis Award, the Reserve aviation Battle “E.” The award recognizes the top squadron in several categories, including number of flight hours, number of arrested carrier landings, safety, readiness and training, ordnance delivered, pilot qualifications, full-mission-capable aircraft, enlistment advancement and retention, and hazard reports (HAZREPS). “Ever since we transitioned to F/A-18s in 1999, we’ve been striving to always do better,” said Cmdr. Tom Marotta, VFA-201 commanding officer. “We always say ‘Hunter Pride, Hunter Spirit and Hunter Excellence.’ I think we’ve proven we strive for excellence.” http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=6694 America's Big Stick Launches Operation Iraqi Freedom Strikes Story Number: NNS030324-01 Release Date: 3/24/2003 6:29:00 AM By Journalist 1st Class (SW) Rob Kerns, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs ABOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At Sea (NNS) -- Months of training and sacrifice paid off for the crew of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 March 22, with the launch of its first strikes in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. All of the squadrons embarked aboard TR participated, whether in a strike or support role, in the attack against one of Sadam Hussein’s palace complexes and an AM broadcasting station in central Iraq. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=6471 Strikes Continue Despite Weather Conditions Story Number: NNS030327-12 Release Date: 3/27/2003 3:19:00 PM By Journalist 1st Class (SW) April Gorenflo, USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs ABOARD USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, At Sea (NNS) -- As USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 adjust to the hectic schedule of combat operations, the Sailors and Marines aboard are battling more than just the forces of tyranny in Iraq. They are also up against the primal forces of mother nature. While the ground troops making their way toward Baghdad struggled against blinding sandstorms March 25, the same weather patterns affected CVW-3 aviators, as they catapulted from the flight deck and soared into hostile skies. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=6544 TR Planes Pound Northern Iraq Story Number: NNS030401-04 Release Date: 4/1/2003 12:28:00 PM By Chief Jounalist (SW) Aaron Strickland, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs ABOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At Sea (NNS) -- Fighter and strike fighter aircraft from Carrier Air Wing 8, deployed aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), pounded positions in northern Iraq for most of the night March 31, the longest night of flights and sorties since the war began March 19. Pilots flew nearly 50 sorties on sites, including artillery installations, a barracks and a surface-to-air-missile (SAM) installation in northern Iraq. Pilots from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 201 talked early April 1 about their more intensive missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=6625   Commander 6th Fleet Visits TR Story Number: NNS030408-09 Release Date: 4/8/2003 9:02:00 PM By Chief Journalist (SW) Aaron Strickland, USS Theodore Roosevelth Public Affairs ABOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At Sea (NNS) -- Commander, 6th Fleet Vice Adm. Scott A. Fry visited USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) April 7, bringing the thanks of the fleet and ground troops ashore for the ship’s support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=6751 TR Chopper Helps HST in Rescue of Downed Pilots Story Number: NNS030410-02 Release Date: 4/10/2003 11:05:00 AM By JOSN Camy L. Thompson, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs ABOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At Sea (NNS) -- A search and rescue team (SAR) from Helicopter Squadron (HS) 3, deployed aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN71), rescued one civilian pilot and assisted a USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) SAR team in the rescue of a second pilot April 7. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=6808 Guided Ordnance A Key to Coalition Success Story Number: NNS030410-01 Release Date: 4/10/2003 10:45:00 AM By Journalist Chief (SW) Aaron Strickland, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs ABOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At sea (NNS) -- The enemy forces are lobbing mortar at coalition special forces in northern Iraq. Suddenly, the radio crackles inside an F/A-18 Hornet from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, deployed aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). The call, whispered to prevent detection by nearby forces, has coordinates and a few nearby landmarks easily seen from the air. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=6782 Norfolk Radio Station Rocks 'America's Big Stick' Story Number: NNS030415-04 Release Date: 4/15/2003 7:16:00 AM By Journalist 1st Class (SW) Rob Kerns, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs ABOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At Sea (NNS) -- The "Tommy and Rumble Show" has done many remotes on its popular Hampton Roads-based radio program from unique locations, but none as distant as the one that aired three straight mornings on FM99 (WNOR, Norfolk). Tommy Griffiths arrived aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) April 9, and within hours was on the phone back to Norfolk, live from America’s Big Stick. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=6859 TR Crew Unwinds with Liberty in Slovenia Story Number: NNS030429-15 Release Date: 5/1/2003 8:26:00 AM From USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs ABOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Sailors took a break from supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom with a liberty port in the quaint port of Koper, Slovenia. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=7099 TR Completes 100,000 Successful Catapult Launches Story Number: NNS030502-02 Release Date: 5/2/2003 3:00:00 PM By Journalist 2nd Class Jessica Benigni, USS Theodore Rossevelt Public Affairs ABOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At Sea (NNS) -- The slam of a catapult slinging a naval aircraft from the flight deck into the air was heard for the 100,000th time aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) April 30. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=7237 TR Sailors Lend a Helping Hand in Cartagena, Spain Story Number: NNS030523-12 Release Date: 5/23/2003 11:42:00 AM By Journalist 2nd Class(SW) Kathryn Whittenberger, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs ABOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT , At Sea (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy spirit and tradition of helping those in need was again realized during USS Theodore Roosevelt's (CVN 71) May 15 visit to Cartegna, Spain. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=7565 Dishwalla Rocks TR Story Number: NNS030521-08 Release Date: 5/22/2003 2:00:00 PM By Journalist 2nd Class Jessica Benigni, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs ABOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At Sea (NNS) -- Hangar Bay Two on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) became a blaze of colored flashing lights in the midst of evening’s “darken ship,” as its Sailors cruised the vast midnight blue Mediterranean Sea May 19. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=7564 Two traps on TR; CAG Eight Hits 1000, CO Lands His Last Story Number: NNS030522-09 Release Date: 5/22/2003 4:07:00 PM By Journalist 2nd Class Jessica Benigni, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs ABOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At Sea (NNS) -- Commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) Eight, Capt. David Newland, completed his 1,000th carrier arrested landing aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) May 19 in a Fighter Squadron 213 “Blacklions” F-14D Tomcat. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=7588 VFA-201 “Hunters” Make History Aboard TR Story Number: NNS030127-04 Release Date: 1/27/2003 2:30:00 PM By Journalist 2nd Class Kirk Boxleitner, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs ABOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (NNS) -- A group of naval Reservists from Texas is making history on the decks of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). For the first time since the Korean War, an entire Naval Air Reserve squadron has been deployed aboard an aircraft carrier. Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 201, based at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, Texas, was ordered to active duty by President George W. Bush, as a unit of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 embarked aboard TR. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=5302 USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Official U. S. Navy Web Site – 384A http://www.tr.surfor.navy.mil/default.aspx USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) News - http://www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn71 USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Story Archive - http://www.navy.mil/local/story_archive.asp?id=42 USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Photo Gallery http://www.navsource.org/archives/02/71.htm Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet Story Archive http://www.navy.mil/local/story_archive.asp?id=18 Current Aircraft Carrier Location - http://www.gonavy.jp/CVLocation.html _________________ U. S. Navy Veteran  August 1977 to July 1983 Yoeman Second Class, with student pilot's license
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