ISAF Thanks Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group Sailors

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class William Jamieson, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Public Affairs

June 21, 2010 - USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, At Sea (NNS) -- Commander, International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Afghanistan visited Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) June 17 to observe the execution of flight operations and thank Sailors aboard for all their hard work.

"I appreciate the chance to be here and express my thanks for all you are doing," said Gen. Stanley McChrystal. "I know you get thanked by a lot of people, but I wanted to be sure I came and expressed the thanks from the Afghan people, and also my personal thanks for all that you have done and you've sacrificed and your professionalism and courage."

The general explained that thanking the Sailors for their hard work and commitment was the main reason for his visit, but he also wanted to see firsthand how the Sailors prepare the air side of the mission. Familiar with the aspects of ground warfare, McChrystal wanted to get a better understanding of the air mission and what the carrier does to prepare the aircraft and pilots.

To aid in his understanding, McChrystal was given a familiarization flight in an F/A-18F Super Hornet from the "Jolly Rogers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103.

VFA 103 Executive Officer Cmdr. Rick Crecelius said the flight allowed McChrystal to experience how Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 has integrated with ground forces to provide focused, precision air support.

"This was the general's first flight in a tactical fighter in the last year," said Crecelius. "We set up some events that simulate conditions we regularly encounter flying Operation Enduring Freedom missions and showed him how communication and coordination with forces on the ground works from our perspective."

During his visit, McChrystal also held a roundtable discussion with the Eisenhower Strike Group leadership and talked to aircrews from CVW 7 about their support for the troops on the ground in Afghanistan. Before departing, he addressed the entire crew from the ship's navigation bridge to express his appreciation for their efforts.

"Each of you is an absolutely indispensable element of our ability to do a mission that's critical for our nation, for the Afghan people and for stability in the region and the world," said McChrystal.

"What we are doing together with 46 nations and our Afghan partners is giving the Afghan people a chance, an opportunity for a life, an opportunity to shape their future," McChrystal said.

Eisenhower is underway in the Arabian Sea on a regularly scheduled deployment to the 5th Fleet. Operations in the 5th Fleet Area of Responsiblity are focused on reassuring regional partners of the coalition's commitment to help set conditions for security and stability.