Sunliners CO Achieves 1000th Trap

From USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Public Affairs

USS CARL VINSON, At Sea (NNS) -- Cmdr. Brett "Spaz" Dresden, commanding officer of the "Sunliners of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 81, flew a sortie that would garner him a career milestone and his 1,000th carrier arrested landing, or "trap," in an F/A-18E Super Hornet aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), May 9.

Capt. Matthew Leahey, CVW 17 commander, explained the significance and the dedication required to achieve this career milestone.

"Skipper Dresden's 1000th trap symbolizes a career dedicated to flying aircraft from carriers at sea, over a long period of time. Aircrew don't get to 1,000 traps without continually pursuing sea duty and spending the

majority of their career at sea, on cruise, away from their family," said Leahey.

"Hats off to the entire Sunliner family for achieving this milestone for their Skipper as they wrap up a fantastic combat cruise," added Leahey.

Dresden expressed his gratitude to the team and recognized them as an integral part in this achievement.

"This milestone speaks to the dedication of not only the "Sunliners" and Carrier Air Wing 17, but to

all of the fine men and women who serve, to include all the Sailors aboard aircraft carriers who make Naval

aviation possible," said Dresden. "Everyone plays an important role, and this moment couldn't be achieved

without them. It is truly an honor to serve."

Dresden and the "Sunliners" are in the home stretch of a nearly 10-month deployment assigned to CVW 17 embarked on board Carl Vinson. VFA 81 has conducted six months of combat operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve during this deployment.

Carl Vinson is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.