Bataan Contributes to First Hundred Years of Naval Aviation History

By MC1(SW) Michael J. Scott, USS Bataan Public Affairs

USS BATAAN, Mediterranean Sea (NNS) -- Multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) added to the Navy's 100 years of aviation heritage and Bataan's flight legacy as its Sailors and Marines spent the day conducting flight operations in the Mediterranean Sea, May 8.

Ships named Bataan have been leaving their mark on aviation history for more than 67 years, since the first Bataan (CVL 29), a light aircraft carrier was commissioned in November 1943.

"We're extremely proud of Bataan's naval aviation legacy," said Capt. Steve Koehler, Bataan's commanding officer, an F-14 Tomcat pilot by trade, who was in command of VFA-143 when the squadron made its own history and transitioned to the F/A-18E Super Hornet. "From the missions CVL-29 flew during World War II and Korea, to the air strikes launched from our decks during Operation Iraqi Freedom, to the first at-sea operational deployment of the [MV-22] Osprey in 2009, to standing the watch off the coast of Libya today, our Navy-Marine Corps team has always been a true representation of naval aviation."

CVL-29 served the Navy from 1943 through 1954, earning a total of 13 battle stars. "Big 5" was commissioned Sept. 20, 1997, and has flown missions in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom; conducted search and rescue efforts in the Gulfport, Miss., and New Orleans areas in support of Hurricane Katrina relief efforts; and provided relief supplies ashore and conducted medical evacuations in support of Operation Unified Response in Haiti following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake.

"What an honor to be making history," said Lt. Jack Parker, Bataan's aircraft handling officer. "One hundred years ago, naval flight was in its infancy, and today we're carrying out missions all across the world."

Bataan's current mission includes maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area or responsibility, as well as providing support as required for coalition forces assigned to the NATO-led Operation Unified Protector.

"It's good to be here in the middle of the sea carrying out these missions, flying day in and day out," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Fabian Gallegos. "It's going to be written down in history someday, and I can tell my kids I was a part of it, and this is what we did."

The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Air Combat Element (ACE), Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), is currently operating a complement of MV-22B Ospreys, CH-53E Super Stallions and AV-8B Harriers from Bataan's decks. The Navy's Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28, Detachment 2, is providing search and rescue support with MH-60S Seahawks. Bataan's Air Department is serving as the maestro by safely directing, launching and recovering the aircraft.

"It's nice to be a part of this history," said Capt. Charles Arnold, a naval flight officer and the assistant aircraft maintenance officer for VMM-263. "Almost everything we do is integrated within the Navy. The best part is when you are executing the missions and they go off like planned. It takes everybody coming together for that to happen."

Cmdr. Heath Howell, Bataan's air boss, said as science and technology increase, they will enlarge the sphere of influence and capabilities of the ship and her air-strike team.

"We're a floating airfield, and we can deploy anywhere in the world," said Howell. "It allows us greater flexibility in strategic planning. I don't see naval aviation ever going backwards."

Demonstration Pilot Eugene Ely flew a small aircraft from a temporarily erected flight deck on the fo'c'sle aboard USS Birmingham (CL-2) in 1910, while the ship was at anchor in the Chesapeake Bay. A few months later, Ely landed his plane on an armored cruiser in the San Francisco Bay. Ely's work led the Navy to the requisition of the service's first aircraft May 8, 1911, considered to be the birth date of naval aviation.