Month: September 2022

Source: United States Navy

Events across both days exhibited the interoperability between the NATO allies and fostered relationships as Sailors cross-decked between the ships. The ships and embarked staffs involved in the events were Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWBCSG), George H.W. Bush, Carrier Air Wing 7, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103), and Spanish Navy ships ESPS Jaun Carlos I (LHD 61), ESPS Navarra (F 85), and ESPS Castilla (L 52).

“The past couple of days were a great opportunity to spend time with our long-time friends and allies, the Spanish Navy, both in person and through our operations,” said Rear Adm. Dennis Velez, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, George H.W. Bush CSG (GHWBCSG). “Building on existing relationships is critical as we remain vigilant to deter, defend, and when necessary, fight to protect a strong, free, and prosperous future built on a foundation of shared values, experiences, and vision.”

Both days saw Sailors cross-decking between the capital ships, including Rear Adm. Gonzalo Villar Rodriguez, commander, Spanish Expeditionary Strike Group, embarking George H.W. Bush with the commanding officers of ESPS Juan Carlos I (L61), ESPS Castilla (L52), and ESPS Navarra (F80). During their time aboard, they visited with Velez, as well as senior leadership across the GHWBCSG.

“Working with friends is always a pleasure,” said Villar Rodriguez. “The Spanish and American navies share many historical and cultural ties, and also share a commitment to the defense of the citizens and territories of the NATO Allies. Our joint presence in the Mediterranean is a sign of that commitment and the seamless integration of our ships and aircraft is a sign of the cohesion of the Alliance, because we are Stronger Together.” Spanish leadership also observed flight deck operations, spent time discussing strike group operations in Task Force Command and Control, and visited the ship’s hangar bay to observe aircraft maintenance and space management required to maintain persistent capability for Fleet Commanders.

“Our nation and Navy has a long-term relationship with Spain that is of great importance, and our relationship with Spain aboard George H.W. Bush goes back to the ship’s second port call on its first deployment in Cartagena,” said Capt. Dave Pollard, commanding officer of George H.W. Bush. “Our Sailors are ambassadors who represent their hometowns, cities, states, and the United States when we operate around the world – a responsibility we take seriously wherever we go.” 

George H.W. Bush is the flagship of CSG-10, GHWBCSG. CSG-10 is comprised of George H.W. Bush, CVW-7, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26, the Information Warfare Commander, and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55).

The ships of DESRON 26 within CSG-10 are USS Nitze (DDG 94), USS Farragut (DDG 99), USS Truxtun (DDG 103), and USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119).

The squadrons of CVW-7 embarked aboard George H.W. Bush are the “Sidewinders” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86, the “Jolly Rogers” of VFA-103, the “Nighthawks” of VFA-136, the “Pukin Dogs” of VFA-143, the “Bluetails” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, the “Patriots” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, the “Nightdippers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, and the “Grandmasters” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.

CSG-10, GHWBCSG, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.

For more information about the ship you can visit its Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, or official webpage. For more information about the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group you can visit its official website, Facebook, or LinkedIn page.

Source: United States Navy

Ford safely received more than 100,000 tons of ordnance over three days in preparation for the ship’s deployment this fall.

The ship’s weapons department led by Cmdr. Jim Fish, Ford’s weapons officer, and Lt. Cmdr. William Keaton, the ship’s ordnance handling officer, was at the helm of this operation.

The operation began with MH-60S Knighthawks attached to HSC-9 in the air before sunrise and the Evers ready to come along the port side of Ford to relay ammunition.

“Today, AOs go to work,” said Keaton. “As the community of Aviation Ordnance, this is where it starts.”

On deck were Sailors from Ford’s weapons department ready to retrieve and transport ammunition with forklifts. Landing signal engineers assigned to HSC-9 were safely guiding Knighthawks over Ford’s flight deck to deliver the ammunition.

Viewing the operation from above was the weapons officer, staged in the ship’s primary flight control.

“They knocked it out of the park,” said Fish. “That was a varsity event conducted by varsity players. While we have the physical presence of an aircraft carrier, the ordnance we just onloaded can back up the power an aircraft carrier and airwing can project. This is a huge milestone for the ship, the fleet and the nation, as we work our way through 21st century naval aviation.”

Once the ammunition is on the flight deck, it is transported to the aircraft elevators and brought down to the hangar bay where it is lowered down to the magazines with the Advanced Weapons Elevators, and safely stored.

“They were fast, smooth and no major faults,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jeff Towry, the weapon’s engineer, speaking about the Advanced Weapons Elevators. “They performed outstandingly.”

On the second day, the Medgar Evers pulled along the starboard side of Ford and shot messenger lines across the water from the hangar bay, receiving ammunition with the sliding padeye operated by Ford’s deck department, under the supervision of Lt. Cmdr. Deena Abt, the ship’s deck officer.

“Things were slow and smooth, but efficient,” said Abt. “This proves cohesiveness of our togetherness. There are a lot of moving parts in an operation like this. The team came together to do their part and succeeded very well. Teamwork is key, and I believe we do that well onboard.”

While Evers was alongside Ford, HSC-9 continued vertical delivery of ammunition from flight deck to flight deck.

The third day continued with a flow of ammunition from the flight deck to the hangar bay and down to the magazines, all the while safety is the first priority.

“Everyone performed very well and kept the flow,” said Keaton. “The team was very flexible when striking down all the ordnance in an extremely safe manner. The safety observers did a great job and it was an overall team effort.”

This three-day evolution is the final underway objective before Ford’s first deployment this fall.

Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications and workups for a scheduled deployment this fall.

For more information about the USS Gerald R. Ford, visit https://www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvn78/ and follow along on Facebook @USSGeraldRFord, Instagram @cvn78_grford, Twitter @Warship_78 and DVIDS https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/cvn78

Source: United States Navy

Cmdr. Katie Jacobson relieved Cmdr. Sam Sareini as commanding officer during the ceremony. Nitze is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region.

Sareini assumed command of Nitze in April 2021. During his command, the ship’s crew conducted operations including counter-piracy, maritime security, humanitarian aid, disaster relief and crisis response in support of U.S. 4th and 5th Fleet.

“There is not a better ship on this planet. The ship is its crew, and this crew has more than answered the mail,” said Sareini. “I am extremely proud to have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with them in this arena.”

Sareini will next serve aboard aircraft carrier USS Harry S .Truman (CVN 75) homeported in Norfolk, Virginia. His successor, Jacobson, assumes command of Nitze after having served as the executive officer for 20 months.

“It is the honor of a lifetime to take command of the most combat-ready destroyer in the Navy and to lead Team 94’s ‘Cold Warriors,’” Jacobson said. “I truly look forward to Nitze’s continued success on deployment and beyond.”

Nitze is an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer named for Paul Nitze who served as the Navy’s 58th secretary in the 1960s. The ship began operating in the Middle East this summer and is deployed as part of the USS George H. W. Bush carrier strike group.