Navy Pilot Completes 1,000th Trap

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jessica Echerri, USS George H.W. Bush Public Affairs

USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH, At Sea (NNS) -- Deputy Commander (DCAG), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, completed his 1,000th career trap July 18, landing an F/A-18 Hornet on the flight deck of USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77).

"It was my honor to reach 1,000 traps on board this great ship," said Capt. Daniel W. Dwyer. "It takes a lot to get to 1,000 traps. It doesn't go unseen by me what the crew does to make this happen."

Dwyer thanked Aviation Electrician's Mate Airman (AW) Elizabeth Jackson, the plane captain for the launch and trap, and Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class (AW) Chirag Parikh, who has worked with Dwyer for the past six years. Parikh was Dwyer's plane captain at their previous command, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, assigned to USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63).

"We were forward deployed, so I saw him finish countless traps on Kitty Hawk," Parikh said. "I was honored that he asked me to see this. It was amazing to see his 1000th."

Each of the five fighter and attack squadrons of CVW 8, VFA 31, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141, VFA 213, VFA 15 and VFA 87 played a role in making Dwyer's 1,000th trap possible. He completed traps 996 through 1,000 flying an aircraft that belonged to each one.

"When I knew I was going to be part of the newest and most capable carrier, I had an inclination I'd be able to do 1,000 traps," said Dwyer, who has served as DCAG, CVW 8 since December 2010. "I can't think of another air wing I'd rather do this with."

George H.W. Bush is on its first operational deployment in support of Operation New Dawn and Operation Enduring Freedom in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.