Month: January 2024

Source: United States Navy

Following completion of a four-week composite training unit exercise, VFA 87 deployed on May 2, 2023, with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, embarked aboard the Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).

Dedicated to providing civilian leaders with credible combat capability in a dynamic region, VFA 87 participated extensively in NATO-led exercises Viking Trident, Air Defender, and Neptune Strike – enhancing security in the Eastern Mediterranean and deterring horizontal escalation during the Israel-Hamas conflict.

While deployed, the squadron accomplished 1,473 carrier traps, 2,418 flight hours, and expended thousands of pounds of ordnance as well as 3,656 rounds of 20MM. Additionally the “Golden Warriors” earned CVW 8’s nomination for the Chief of Naval Operations “Safety S” award, commending the squadron’s embarked execution and performance during launch, recovery, and maintenance evolutions. This performance was enabled by the hard work and dedication of the squadron’s maintenance department, achieving the highest full mission capable aircraft rate and highest mid-cruise Material Condition Inspection scores of all CVW 8 squadrons.

The Sailors of VFA 87 also earned 55 advancements to E4-E6, 2 advancements to E7-E9, 2 meritorious advancements, and 19 reenlistments.

Following deployment, VFA 87 will begin the operational fleet response plan for its 2025 deployment and will continue to train, fight, and operate with the most capable aircraft the U.S. Navy has to offer. “I’m incredibly proud of the toughness and professionalism of the War Party team though multiple deployment extensions during the Israel-Hamas conflict and as a counter to destabilizing forces in the region.” said Cmdr. Clifton Lennon, Commanding Officer of VFA 87. “This is a resilient bunch who have done a hard job well and now return to a long-awaited homecoming with families and friends who have supported us throughout deployment.”

CSG-12 was on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of operations where the strike group was employed by U.S. 6th Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group was comprised of its flagship and namesake, the Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW 8), Destroyer Squadron Two (DESRON-2), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS McFaul (DDG 74), and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116).

The squadrons of CVW-8 embarked aboard Gerald R. Ford were the “Tridents” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9, the “Spartans” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70, the “Bear Aces” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 124, the “Ragin’ Bulls” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37, the “Blacklions” of VFA 213, the “Golden Warriors” of VFA 87, the “Tomcatters” of VFA 31, the “Gray Wolves” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142, and the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40.

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.

Source: United States Navy

Following completion of a four week composite training unit exercise, HSM 70 deployed on May 2, 2023, with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, embarked aboard the Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). Additionally, two Combat Elements consisting of 30 Sailors, six pilots, and two helicopters deployed on both the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116).

During this deployment, HSM 70 participated in multiple bi-lateral and NATO exercises including exercise Sage Wolverine, Operation Orthanc, and Neptune Strike. Notably, the “Spartans” operated closely with NATO submarines while underway in the Mediterranean improving interoperability and cooperation. Over the course of this deployment, the squadron flew over 6400 flight hours, expended 72,492 rounds of ammunition, dropped 645 sonobuoys, and deployed and tracked nine MK-39 expendable mobile anti-submarine warfare training targets (EMATTs). Following the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, the squadron, along with CSG 12, provided critical support through contingency operations in the Eastern Mediterranean to prevent any escalation of hostilities in the region. HSM 70’s unwavering efforts earned them the coveted “Battle E” award from CNAL for sustained proficiency and readiness in an operational environment.

The Sailors of HSM 70 earned 43 advancements to E4-E6, three advancements to E7, three meritorious advancements, and 11 reenlistments. The aircrew earned nine HAC qualifications, six H2P designations, and 16 ACTC upgrades between the Pilots and Sensor Operators.

“I can’t begin to tell you how proud I am of the men and women of Sparta”, said Cmdr. Brian “Lost” Crosby, HSM-70 Commanding Officer. “Their dedication to the mission and each other is absolutely awe inspiring. They were challenged each day and rose to the challenge at every opportunity during a very long and trying optimized fleet response plan. We are excited to finally take some hard earned time to relax and recharge with our families.”

CSG-12 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.

The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is comprised of its flagship and namesake, the Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW 8), Destroyer Squadron Two (DESRON 2), the USS Normandy (CG 60), USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS McFaul (DDG 74), and the USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116).
The squadrons of CVW-8 embarked aboard Gerald R. Ford are the “Tridents” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9, the “Spartans” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70, the “Bear Aces” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 124, the “Ragin’ Bulls” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37, the “Blacklions” of VFA 213, the “Golden Warriors” of VFA 87, the “Tomcatters” of VFA 31, the “Gray Wolves” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142, and the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40.

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.

Source: United States Navy

Following completion of a four-week composite training unit exercise, VAW-124 deployed on May 2, 2023, with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, embarked aboard the Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).

VAW-124 participated extensively in NATO-led vigilance activity Neptune Strike and led CSG-12 elements in the Airborne Command & Control role through seven international training exercises with 12 different nations, strengthening key NATO partnerships and demonstrating interoperability in the dynamic U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

The Bear Aces divided its aircraft, aircrew and maintenance personnel between CVN 78 and two forward-deployed sites for 19 weeks of continuous dual-sited operation. The forward-deployed detachment was a $1.6M operation in direct support of critical U.S. European Command (EUCOM) tasking where the Bear Aces met 21 of 21 alert activations with 100% mission success.

The Bear Aces who remained on board CVN 78 executed Airborne Command & Control in support of CSG-12 by flying 1,640 flight hours over 610 sorties. Of the 21 alert activations in support of EUCOM tasking, two were launched from CVN 78 while the squadron exchanged aircrew and aircraft between ship and shore locations, showcasing the extended range and capability gained by the E-2D’s new aerial refueling capability.

Despite the significant logistical and operational challenges of dual-sited operations, the Bear Ace maintenance team maintained five E-2D aircraft to fully mission-capable rates. In addition, they performed extensive propeller and fuselage repairs on one C-2A aircraft, returning it to the service of the strike group. The impressive pace of preventative and unscheduled maintenance served as the foundation for the squadron’s 98% sortie completion rate.
“I am extremely proud of the Bear Ace team and what they have accomplished on this deployment,” said Cmdr. Matthew Lukevics, commanding officer of VAW-124. “Despite multiple extensions and dual site operations, the Bear Aces performed as professional warfighters every day. As we return home, our team is looking forward to much desired and earned time off to spend with our family and friends, celebrating a successful deployment and mission success.”
The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group 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.

The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is comprised of its flagship and namesake, the Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8), Destroyer Squadron Two (DESRON-2), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG-60), and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS McFaul (DDG 74), and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116).

The squadrons of CVW-8 embarked aboard Gerald R. Ford are the “Tridents” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9, the “Spartans” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70, the “Bear Aces” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 124, the “Ragin’ Bulls” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37, the “Blacklions” of VFA-213, the “Golden Warriors” of VFA-87, the “Tomcatters” of VFA-31, the “Gray Wolves” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142, and the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40.

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.

Source: United States Navy

VFA-213 participated extensively in the NATO exercises BALTOPS, Air Defender, Neptune Strike, and Sage Wolverine. BALTOPS and Air Defender established and refined joint tactics, techniques, and procedures while building trust and confidence with our NATO allies. Specifically, Air Defender was the largest air exercise in NATO’s history with over 250 aircraft from 25 different countries participating. Neptune Strike was a NATO-led exercise and demonstrated responsive maritime employment against a near-peer adversary. The “Blacklions” operated alongside the French and Italian Navy and multiple NATO air forces conducting Enhanced Vigilance Activities in the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. During Sage Wolverine the “Blacklions” participated in multiple exercises with three NATO countries focusing on Electronic Warfare, Air Defense, and Maritime Strike tactics.

During the successful deployment, the Sailors of VFA-213 earned 64 advancements to E4-E6, 4 advancements to E7-E9, 4 meritorious advancements, and 24 reenlistments. The squadron’s maintenance department showcased their hard work and dedication throughout the deployment leading the air wing with 1,943 sorties covering 3,137 flight hours with a 97% sortie completion rate. Additionally, the “Blacklions” took home “Top Hook” honors as the highest performing squadron in CVW-8.

“I could not be more proud of what the men and women of the Fighting Blacklions have accomplished during this deployment,” said CDR Justin Nixon, commanding officer of VFA-213. “They have a warrior’s spirit and proved every single day why we have the greatest fighting force in the world. Every member of our team has earned their well-deserved time off to spend with family and friends.”

CSG-12 was on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet and also operated in support of U.S. Fifth fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is comprised of its flagship and namesake, the Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8), Destroyer Squadron Two (DESRON-2), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG-60), and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS McFaul (DDG 74), and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116). The squadrons of CVW-8 embarked aboard Gerald R. Ford are the “Fighting Blacklions” of VFA-213, the “Ragin’ Bulls” of VFA-37, the “Golden Warriors” of VFA-87, the “Tomcatters” of VFA-31, the “Gray Wolves” of Electronic Attack Squadron 142, the “Tridents” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 9, the “Spartans” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 70, the “Bear Aces” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron 124, and the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40.

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.

Source: United States Navy

VFA-31 participated extensively in NATO exercises to include Neptune Strike, BALTOPS, Air Defender, and BTF Viking Trident while also executing interoperability exercises with both Turkish and Italian Armed Forces. While deployed, the squadron accomplished over 2,669 sorties totaling more than 4,153 flight hours and 1,991 carrier arrested landings. Additionally, “Tomcatter” pilots consistently led the Air Wing in qualifications earned and frequently ranked in the “Top Ten” during all line periods, solidifying our professionalism around the ship in all recovery operations. VFA-31 also displayed excellence in the maintenance of 11 F/A-18E Super Hornets during this deployment, producing the highest rate of mission capable aircraft including mission critical organic tanking.

During the Navy wide advancement exam, VFA-31 is proud to announce 44 advancements across the board – an unbelievable feat! Following the deployment, the “Tomcatters” will enjoy very well deserved time off to spend with our family and friends. “I am extremely proud of the VFA-31 team and what they have accomplished, their performance on this deployment was nothing short of outstanding,” said CDR Jordan Mayo, commanding officer of VFA-31.

CSG-12 is completing 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. In the region, the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is comprised of its flagship and namesake, the Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8), Destroyer Squadron Two (DESRON-2), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG-60), and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS McFaul (DDG 74), and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116).
The squadrons of CVW-8 embarked aboard Gerald R. Ford include the “Tridents” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9, the “Spartans” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70, the “Bear Aces” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 124, the “Ragin’ Bulls” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37, the “Blacklions” of VFA-213, the “Golden Warriors” of VFA-87, the “Tomcatters” of VFA-31, the “Gray Wolves” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142, and the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40.

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.