February 07, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release # 023-07
IKE and Carrier Air Wing Seven Return to OEF Missions
USS EISENHOWER, At Sea – Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, embarked aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (IKE), returned to providing close air support and reconnaissance missions for International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops on the ground in Afghanistan, starting Feb. 4, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
CVW-7 has flown more than 6,900 sorties and logged more than 18,000 flight hours since deployment began. Its missions have included providing air power support for multi-national forces on the ground in support of operations in the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Area of Responsibility and contributing to security and stability in the region.
“The ability of the carrier to move quickly within the 5th fleet area of operations and provide support wherever needed demonstrates the flexibility that this team brings to the theater,” said Rear Adm. Al Myers, commander of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG). “We’re here to do our part, alongside our multi-national partners, promoting peace, stability and security for the people of Afghanistan.”
ISAF is comprised of more than 35,000 troops, with contributions from 37 nations.
CVW-7 includes Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) One Two Five “Tigertails,” Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) One Zero Three “Jolly Rogers,” Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) One Three One “Wildcats,” Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) One Four Three “Pukin’ Dogs,” Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) Eighty-three “Rampagers,” Electronic Attack (VAQ) Squadron One Four Zero “Patriots,” Helicopter Anti-submarine (HS) Five “Nightdippers,” and Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) Forty “Rawhides.”
IKE is the flagship for the IKE CSG, which includes its embarked air wing, CVW-7, and embarked Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28; guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68); guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61); and the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87), all homeported in Norfolk, Va.
The IKE CSG entered the Commander, 5th Fleet area of operations Oct. 30, and continues to conduct Maritime Security Operations helping set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment and complementing the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.
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070121-N-8907D-001 U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Area of Responsibility (Jan. 21, 2007) - An F/A-18C Hornet from the “Rampagers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83 launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Eisenhower and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 are on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO). MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material. Official U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman David Danals
