Enterprise Conducts Underway Replenishment, Remains On Station

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alex R. Forster, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) loaded 128 pallets of mail during an underway replenishment (UNREP) with the fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8) March 24.

The mail, which totaled more than 35,000 lbs, came on the ship with hundreds of pallets of essential parts and supplies.

"It is sometimes challenging to efficiently navigate a logistics pipeline that spans several continents, but our fantastic team of professionals works feverishly each and every day to ensure that mail from loved ones arrives on this storied warship as quickly as possible," said Cmdr. Patrick O'Connor, USS Enterprise supply officer. "It is extremely rewarding to see the smiles on the faces of our great Sailors and Marines when they receive something from home."

More than 350 Sailors from departments throughout the ship worked for more than five hours to get the mail and supplies on board the ship and stored.

Two MH-60S Knight Hawk helicopters from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22, embarked aboard Arctic, flew continuously between the two ships to transport the pallets of mail and supplies, while the bridge teams of both ships maintained proper course, speed and lateral separation to allow the UNREP teams to transfer 584,000 gallons of aviation fuel.

"This is the largest amount of mail I've ever seen in my time here," said Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Carl W. Sparks, USS Enterprise post office.

After the mail was brought aboard, each division sent Sailors to help sort the mountain of mail in the hangar bay in order to get it distributed quickly.

"I really enjoy helping sort the mail out," said Personnel Specialist 3rd Class (SW/AW) Cynthia Cordero, USS Enterprise transfer office. "It's nice to know that once this mail is sorted that it's going to make a bunch of people happy."

Until 1980, each military service and government agency managed its own mail program. In 1980, the Department of Defense designated the secretary of the Army as the single military mail manager. The Military Postal Service Agency (MPSA) was created to perform this task. MPSA is required to adhere to United States Postal Service (USPS) rules, federal laws, and various international laws and agreements for movement of military mail into over 85 countries.

"Working in the post office gives me a firsthand look at how mail can affect the crew," said Sparks. "It makes me feel good when we get to pass out mail."

For the mail to get to the ship, it goes through many stages of long-distance travel and is always secured by federal laws governing movement, safety and costs.

Letters or packages mailed from the U.S travel through the Fleet Post Office in New York City. The bulk of the mail then transfers via AMC flights through Rota, Rome, Naples, Sigonella, Souda Bay, and Bahrain. Once in Bahrain, the mail is either sent to the ship by aircraft or loaded weekly to Arctic for transfer during UNREPs.

"Our mail is being protected and cared for by the skilled hands of the U.S. Postal Service every step of the way," said Scholl during a recent announcement. "Contrary to rumors that have said our mail has been damaged, it is on the way."

For more information about the MPSA or how the USPS supports deployed service members visit www.mpsa.mil or www.usps.com/supportingourtroops

Enterprise is conducting close-air missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Enterprise Strike Group Transits Suez Canal, Enters US 5th Fleet

By Enterprise Strike Group Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, Red Sea (NNS) -- Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (CSG) transited the Suez Canal and entered the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), Feb. 15.

Enterprise transited the canal along with guided missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) and fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8).

"Our ability to use the Suez Canal in a routine manner and according to long-standing plans demonstrates the ongoing stability of this important waterway," said Rear Adm. Terry B. Kraft, commander, Enterprise CSG.

The 120-mile Suez Canal, constructed in 1869, runs north to south across the Isthmus of Suez in northeastern Egypt. It connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Gulf of Suez, a northern arm of the Red Sea, and is overseen by the Egyptian military.

The canal provides a shortcut for ships operating between ports in the Mediterranean and Atlantic with ports located in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, by avoiding the need to sail around the Cape of Good Hope in Southern Africa. The canal sees more than eight percent of global trade pass through its waters annually.

The process of getting through the canal is not easy for the 90,000-ton aircraft carrier. With an average width of 673 feet and only 79 feet in depth, the canal was not designed to accommodate ships of its size.

"It is an all-hands effort to safely transit the Suez Canal," said Cmdr. Christopher Saindon, the ship's navigator and senior watch officer. "Every department has a role to play. It requires teamwork and vigilance by all crew members."

Enterprise and Carrier Air Wing One are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR to conduct maritime security operations and to provide support to operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.

For news regarding Enterprise Strike Group's deployment, log onto www.navy.mil/local/cvn65 or visit the USS Enterprise Facebook page at www.facebook.com/USS.Enterprise.CVN.65.

For more news from USS Enterprise (CVN 65), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn65/.

6th Fleet Commander Visits Enterprise

From Enterprise Strike Group Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, visited USS Enterprise (CVN 65) to meet with senior carrier strike group (CSG) leadership, and to thank the crew at the beginning of their deployment, Feb. 4.

Vice Adm. Harry B. Harris, Jr., and Command Master Chief (AW/SS/SW/FMF/DV/PJ) Jay R. Wood Jr., command master chief of U.S. 6th Fleet headquarters; flew aboard the deployed aircraft carrier as the CSG continued theater security cooperation efforts in the Mediterranean.

"What you are doing is important," said Harris. "You have already visited Portugal and will soon arrive in Turkey, and these visits are important to our nation and important to 6th Fleet. Later, you will be supporting our combat troops in Afghanistan in the 5th Fleet [area of operations]. I applaud you for your energy and I thank you for your service."

The leaders toured the ship and met with Sailors and Marines to thank them personally for their efforts in support of the deployment.

During the ship's recent stop in Lisbon, the ship invited more than 1,000 guests to the ship for a reception, tours and media visits during the four-day visit. The crew participated in three community relations projects, and senior military commanders from both countries held briefings and meetings discussing military-to-military capabilities, while the crew took in the sights and sounds that their host nation provided.

Enterprise Strike Group consists of Enterprise, the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), the guided-missile destroyers USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Barry (DDG 52) and USS Mason (DDG 87), USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8), Carrier Air Wing 1 and Destroyer Squadron 2.

For news regarding Enterprise Strike Group's deployment, visit the USS Enterprise Facebook page at www.facebook.com/USS.Enterprise.CVN.65.

Enterprise Sailors Save Turkish Man's Life

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Austin Rooney, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

MARMARIS, Turkey (NNS) -- Four Sailors Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, Sailors saved a Turkish man's life by administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while on liberty in Marmaris, Turkey, from deployed aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65), Feb. 10.

Aviation Electrician's Mate 2nd Class (AW) Christopher Hockey, Aviation Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Jacob Kudrin, Aviation Machinist's Mate Airman Brian Jones, and Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Brandon Plummer were on their way back to the ship after spending the day in town when they witnessed a man fall, hitting his head and slumping to the ground, unconscious.

When the four Sailors checked for the man's pulse and found none, they told nearby pedestrians to call for help. Hockey began to administer CPR while the other three Sailors assisted. When police and medical personnel arrived, the Sailors' efforts successfully revived the injured man.

The man was rushed to the hospital for further treatment.

Many Sailors learn CPR as part of their Navy training. The Navy also teaches crisis management and how to respond in emergency situations.

"I've had CPR training over the course of the entire time I've been in the Navy," said Hockey. "The whole magnitude of the situation took a few seconds to set in and was a little overwhelming, but I was happy to help."

"They really made us proud," said Cmdr. Daniel Sullivan, VFA-11, executive officer. "People take CPR training for granted sometimes and don't believe that they will ever have to use it in a real situation. These Sailors proved how useful it is, and they made a difference in this man's life."

Enterprise is currently deployed on its 21st deployment.

Enterprise Strike Group consists of Enterprise, the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), the guided-missile destroyers USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Barry (DDG 52) and USS Mason (DDG 87), USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8), Carrier Air Wing 1 and Destroyer Squadron 2.

For news regarding Enterprise Strike Group's deployment, visit the USS Enterprise Facebook page at www.facebook.com/USS.Enterprise.CVN.65.

Enterprise Sailor Wins at All-Navy Box-Off

From USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At sea (NNS) -- A USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Sailor triumphed at the All-Navy Box-Off at the Warfield gym aboard Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme, Calif., Jan. 29.

Enterprise's Culinary Specialist Seaman Julio A. Lopez defeated Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Jessie Valdez of Fleet Readiness Center, Mid-Atlantic Site, Oceana, in a bout that could earn him a spot on the Navy boxing team.

The 145-pound competitor won one of sixteen bouts on the card that featured 32 competitors from across the country. The event determines which of the 14 Sailors eligible for the Navy team will go on to compete against Army, Air Force and Marine Corps boxers in the Armed Forces Boxing Championships, scheduled for Feb. 14-19, aboard Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

The final Navy team is expected to be announced this week.

Lopez, a Dallas native, attended the Boxing Training Camp (BTC) at Port Hueneme late last year and is relatively new to the sport, having only been boxing for the past five years. .

"I think his victory adds to the prestige of this great warship," said Chief Culinary Specialist (SW) Michael J. Sims, USS Enterprise wardroom leading chief petty officer. "His win is a win for the entire Enterprise team."

Lopez, a middleweight, has had some pretty tough competition in the past.

"At times I felt outclassed by the other boxers," said Lopez. "The other competitors had more experience than me, and when we're training aboard the ship, it's as a team. But, when you're in the ring, you have to do it all by yourself."

Even though he now has a taste of success, Lopez still continues to work toward new goals and wants to box in the Olympics. He said he has a relatively straightforward approach to the concept of boxing.

"I don't dislike my opponents, but when it comes to the fight, it's either them or me," said Lopez. "I choose me."

However, Lopez said he is not always so singular in his vision.

"I have brought back contracts for Navy sports in case other culinary specialists aboard the ship want to get involved," said Lopez. "It's a way to inspire people to stay fit and better themselves; not just in the Navy but in their lives as a whole."

"I am trying to show the rest of the guys that they can do a lot and we're capable of anything," said Lopez. "If I can better my fellow culinary specialists by setting the example of 'doing it big,' then it's worth it."

Military boxing has a long tradition and is an official sport of the Department of Defense (DoD) Armed Forces Sports program along with many others including basketball, golf, wrestling, soccer, swimming, track and field, cycling and others.

The Navy's Boxing Training Manual, published by the Naval Institute Press in 1943, summarizes the sport's longstanding appeal to Sailors:

"Boxing is the essence of the fighting man. Through time immemorial it has been used to train, harden and discipline men for military purposes. The value in boxing is not the skill acquired, although that too has real value in hand-to-hand combat, but because it quickly acclimates the mind and body to the violence and shock of combat so foreign to modern day youth, yet so absolutely essential to fighting men."

Today, both men and women participate in the sport, and many ships and bases regularly hold competitions to promote athleticism, competition, morale and esprit de corps.

For more information about DoD sports visit http://armedforcessports.defense.gov.

Enterprise Strike Group consists of Enterprise, the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), the guided-missile destroyers USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Barry (DDG 52) and USS Mason (DDG 87); USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8), Carrier Air Wing 1 and Destroyer Squadron 2.

For news regarding Enterprise Strike Group's deployment, visit the USS Enterprise Facebook page at www.facebook.com/USS.Enterprise.CVN.65.

For more news from USS Enterprise (CVN 65), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn65/.

USS Enterprise, Leyte Gulf Transit Strait of Gibraltar

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Austin Rooney

STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR (NNS) -- The deployed aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) successfully passed through the Strait of Gibraltar Jan. 31, bringing the ships from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean Sea as they continue to operate in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

With the ships' homeport in Norfolk, Va. now far behind, Sailors are busy conducting flight operations and cooperative missions with allies in the region in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

The Strait of Gibraltar is a narrow strait which separates Europe and Africa by only seven miles at its closest point and connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. The depth ranges from 980 to 3,000 feet, which makes it difficult to navigate a 90,000-ton warship.

Quartermaster 3rd Class Tom Sanborn, a quartermaster of the watch aboard Enterprise, said to successfully complete a transit through the strait, skill, planning and concentration are required by all hands.

"There's a lot of shallow water, and in some areas the land is less than five nautical miles from the ships on either side," said Sanborn. "There is no room for error."

The process of transiting the strait requires the quartermasters on a ship's bridge to take constant measurements of the ship's position, both electronically and manually by taking bearings and visually watching the distance from the land.

"The entire process usually takes several hours," said Sanborn. "We take bearings and make sure we're in deep enough water every two minutes, and we cross reference the data with what we see on our screens electronically."

The strait is dangerous to transit for other reasons including traffic from other ships. Sanborn said that quartermasters spend hours to prepare to make sure the charts are accurate and the equipment works to ensure a safe transit.

"We call sea and anchor detail before going through the strait, so our Deck department is standing by, ready to drop the anchor in case of an emergency," said Sanborn. "We only let our master helmsmen drive the ship during the transit."

Transiting important chokepoints takes the skill of multiple departments aboard the ships. The engineering departments must ensure all propulsion capabilities are operating perfectly in addition to many other duties.

The ships' security divisions and helicopter squadron provide physical security to the ships, and the safety departments ensure everyone mitigates risks. It's an all-ship effort for both.

The transit is important as a strategic statement as well, said Rear Adm. Terry B. Kraft, commander of Enterprise Carrier Strike Group. "Entering the Mediterranean in the shadow of the rock of Gibraltar is always symbolic to me," he said. "It sends a strong signal that the Enterprise Strike Group has arrived to operate and integrate with our partners in the region."

Chief Quartermaster (SW/AW) Jacob Lozano, Enterprise Navigation Department's leading chief petty officer, said the process of leaving the Atlantic Ocean and entering the Mediterranean Sea went smoothly because of the entire ship's hard work and professionalism.

"We have a lot of really well-trained Sailors on this ship," said Lozano. "But we only put our best people on watch for the transit."

Ensuring the freedom of navigation through vital sea lanes is a core responsibility of the Navy and has ensured that the 90% of goods that travel by sea are free to do so.

Enterprise Carrier Strike Group consists of Enterprise, guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), guided-missile destroyers USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Barry (DDG 52) and USS Mason (DDG 87); USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8), Carrier Air Wing 1 and Destroyer Squadron 2.

For news regarding Enterprise Strike Group's deployment, log onto www.navy.mil/local/cvn65 or visit the USS Enterprise Facebook page at www.facebook.com/USS.Enterprise.CVN.65.

For more news from USS Enterprise (CVN 65), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn65/.

USS Enterprise Arrives in Lisbon

From Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

LISBON, Portugal (NNS) -- USS Enterprise (CVN 65) arrived in Lisbon, Portugal, Jan. 26, to conduct its first port-of-call in Europe.

The U.S. ambassador to Portugal will host a reception aboard the ship for local officials, and the crew will participate in three community relations projects and visit the capital city of one of America's strongest partners.

Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is transiting toward the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, where theater security cooperation efforts and maritime security operations increasingly rely on strong bonds between partner nations.

"We have been conducting exercises with our Portuguese allies and have been very impressed by our longstanding military-to-military connectivity and integration," said Rear Adm. Terry B. Kraft, Enterprise CSG commander. "Our ability to seamlessly work together at both tactical and strategic levels is necessary, and has been very successful."

Portugal, a member of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, was recently praised by President Barack Obama during his November visit to Lisbon, for being "a key partner in Afghanistan" during the president's remarks at the NATO summit.

Portugal currently has 250 troops in Afghanistan deployed to ISAF headquarters, Kabul International Airport and the Regional Command Capital, and is a founding member of NATO.

Enterprise has more than 5,000 Sailors and Marines embarked aboard and is underway on its first deployment since 2007.

"The crew is very excited to be visiting this beautiful and historic city," said Capt. Dee L. Mewbourne, USS Enterprise commanding officer. "Many Sailors join the Navy to see the world, and for nearly half of the crew, Lisbon will be their first overseas liberty port visit. We have lots of tours scheduled and are looking forward to seeing everything that Portugal has to offer."

USS Enterprise is currently on its 21st deployment.

Enterprise Strike Group consists of Enterprise, the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), the guided-missile destroyers USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Barry (DDG 52) and USS Mason (DDG 87); USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8), Carrier Air Wing 1 and Destroyer Squadron 2.

For news regarding Enterprise Strike Group's deployment, visit the USS Enterprise Facebook page at www.facebook.com/USS.Enterprise.CVN.65.

For more news from USS Enterprise (CVN 65), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn65/.

Enterprise Searches for 'BiggEst Loser'

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alex R. Forster, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- As the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) continues operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility Jan. 25, Sailors aboard are getting themselves 'ship shape' with the help of a new fitness challenge.

The 'BiggEst Loser' challenge, inspired by the hit TV series, will last for 12 weeks and focus on providing Sailors the opportunity to accomplish personal fitness goals.

The contest supports the Navy's culture of fitness initiative, which includes an all-hands commitment to well-rounded, regular physical conditioning and making healthy food choices.

Recent changes to the evaluation and fitness report program, covered in NAVADMIN 083-10 highlight the importance of staying physically fit. With physical fitness assessment scores now being input into evaluations and fitness reports, the link between staying fit and advancement has never been clearer.

BiggEst Loser participants hope to increase their performance in the physical readiness test only a few weeks away.

Sailors and Marines will be placed into groups of three and will earn points through team and individual events, said Ashley L. Epperson, USS Enterprise fit boss. The challenges will be point-driven and provide its participants a healthy, encouraging and competitive environment.

"The team and individual with the largest percentage of weight loss and total points will be declared the biggest losers," said Epperson.

Sailors will weigh in weekly to keep them focused on their physical fitness goals.

"I personally want to look fabulous for my husband when I return," said Chief Hospital Corpsman (SW/AW) Teresa S. Somers, Dental department leading chief petty officer.

Epperson said any Sailor or Marine on board can participate.

"Anyone willing to make the steps toward improved fitness, whether it is weight loss, weight gain, muscle toning, definition or self esteem-boosting, is welcome to join," said Epperson.

For more information on the BiggEst Loser program, contact Ashley Epperson.

USS Enterprise is currently deployed on its 21st deployment.

Enterprise Strike Group consists of Enterprise, the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), the guided-missile destroyers USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Barry (DDG 52) and USS Mason (DDG 87); USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8), Carrier Air Wing 1 and Destroyer Squadron 2.

For news regarding Enterprise Strike Group's deployment, visit the USS Enterprise Facebook page at www.facebook.com/USS.Enterprise.CVN.65.

For more news from USS Enterprise (CVN 65), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn65/.

Enterprise Training Scenario Recalls Tragic 1969 Flight Deck Fire

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Austin Rooney, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the deployed aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) conducted a successful ship-wide flight deck fire and mass casualty drill Jan. 19, during the week of the 42nd anniversary of one of the ship's darkest days.

The morning of Jan. 14, 1969, was supposed to be just another normal day underway for Big 'E'. When Sailors woke up, flight operations were about to begin and the ship was brimming with life as the crew traveled through passageways to their work centers.

Then it happened: A deafening explosion rang out at 8:19 a.m., caused by the accidental detonation of an aircraft's missile. Debris from the explosion rained down on the flight deck, quickly igniting JP-5 fuel and engulfing adjacent aircraft in flames.

As burning fuel poured into the ship from holes in the flight deck, the interior of the ship began to ignite as all hands scrambled to their repair lockers to fight the fire. Before the crew succeeded in extinguishing the flames, 28 Sailors had been killed, and 314 were injured - many severely.

Sailors deployed aboard Enterprise experienced a flight deck fire Jan. 19, resulting in more than 100 casualties, but this time the fire and casualties were simulated.

"I think our crew is on point as far as damage control is concerned," said Lt. j.g. Andrew Dietzel, USS Enterprise assistant damage control assistant. "I have faith that our Sailors would be able to effectively combat a fire similar to the one in 1969."

Through constant training and drills, Dietzel said he thinks today's Sailors are better prepared to deal with an emergency on the flight deck than those in 1969. To ensure history does not repeat itself, every Sailor receives basic damage control training as soon as they enter boot camp and are continually trained and drilled throughout their career.

Damage control was not the only skill Sailors practiced during the drill. The exercise had a mass casualty scenario and required the full response of the ship's Medical department, just as it would during an actual emergency.

"Mass casualty is any situation that exceeds Medical department's capabilities and resources on the ship," said Lt. Cmdr. Sondra Santana, USS Enterprise nurse practitioner. "The whole purpose of the drill is to prepare us for the real thing. We have to pool our resources and treat as many people as we can."

Sailors throughout the ship are trained as stretcher bearers, and all warfare qualified Sailors have received first aide training. Additionally, the ship's Medical and Dental departments operate a program called the 'walking blood bank' where pre-screened Sailors can be gathered to provide blood according to need.

Santana said the drill was held to prevent a situation such as the fire in 1969, from claiming as many lives as it did. Through training, routine drills and advances in technology, Santana said she believes Big 'E' Sailors would be able to handle a similar situation with better results.

"We don't ever want to have to deal with the real version of a mass casualty situation like this," said Santana. "However, if we get called on to respond, we are 100 percent ready."

Enterprise is currently deployed on its 21st deployment.

Enterprise Strike Group consists of Enterprise, the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), the guided-missile destroyers USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Barry (DDG 52) and USS Mason (DDG 87); USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8), Carrier Air Wing 1 and Destroyer Squadron 2.

For news regarding Enterprise Strike Group's deployment, log onto www.navy.mil/local/cvn65, or visit the USS Enterprise Facebook page at www.facebook.com/USS.Enterprise.CVN.65.

For more news from USS Enterprise (CVN 65), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn65/.

Carrier Air Wing One Conducts Carrier Qualifications Aboard Enterprise

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jared M. King, USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At sea (NNS) -- Aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW-1) continued to arrive and conduct carrier qualifications aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Jan. 15 as she heads east for her 21st deployment.

A total of 61 aircraft from eight squadrons based out of Naval Station Norfolk, Va., Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Va., Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Oak Harbor, Wash., and Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., comprise CVW-1, enabling the Enterprise Strike Group to carry out missions in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.

The mission of CVW-1 is to conduct carrier air warfare operations and assist in the planning, control, coordination and integration of eight air wing squadrons in support of combat operations. Following extensive training at their respective air stations, the aircrews and pilots embarked Enterprise in August to complete shipboard qualifications before deployment.

"CVW-1 returned from our last deployment in Dec. of 2007 and since then, we have upgraded our technology, trained to the most demanding scenarios and studied the enemy as they have evolved their tactics," said Capt. Kenneth Whitesell, commander, CVW-1. "There is no better prepared air wing to go into combat and support the coalition fighters on the ground."

Updated radar technology, called active electronic scanned array, in two of the air wing's F/A-18 Super Hornet squadrons is just one of the many technology upgrades made to air wing aircraft.

"Our nation has made huge investments in advanced technology in order to provide us with the most capable and lethal aircraft possible," said Cmdr. Jason Velivlis, executive officer of the "Knighthawks" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136. "The F/A-18E Super Hornet is a multi-role, strike-fighter aircraft, which can be configured for a wide variety of combat and combat support missions, including air-to-air, air-to-ground and most recently, aerial refueling."

CVW-1 has been in commission longer than any other Navy air wing. Since July 1, 1938, CVW-1 has served aboard 20 different aircraft carriers and has made more than 40 major deployments.

Velivlis said that teamwork, pride and professionalism are the keys that will help each squadron achieve its goals and successfully contribute to CVW-1's mission.

"Our most important goal is to arrive in the theater of operations prepared for combat and to be ready to provide critical close air support to friendly troops on the ground," said Velivlis. "VFA-136's long-term goal is to complete the deployment safely and effectively and bring the entire "Knighthawk" team back to Oceana for a happy reunion with our friends and family."

As the squadrons of CVW-1 fly on board the Enterprise's flight deck, they round out the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, providing the force with the ability to complete their mission.

Enterprise Strike Group consists of Enterprise, the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), the guided-missile destroyers USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Barry (DDG 52) and USS Mason (DDG 87), USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8), Carrier Air Wing 1 and Destroyer Squadron 2.

For news regarding Enterprise Strike Group's deployment, log onto www.navy.mil/local/cvn65 or visit the USS Enterprise Facebook page at www.facebook.com/USS.Enterprise.CVN.65>

For more news from USS Enterprise (CVN 65), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn65/.

Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Deploys

From USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- The Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (CSG) departed its homeport of Norfolk Jan. 13 to embark upon its first deployment since 2007.

Slated to deploy for operations in the U.S. Navy's 5th and 6th Fleets, this deployment is part of an ongoing rotation of U.S. forces supporting maritime security operations in international waters around the globe.

Working with allied and partner maritime forces, the Enterprise CSG units will focus heavily on maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts, which help establish conditions for regional stability.

The Enterprise CSG consists of approximately 6,000 Sailors who, during the last four months, have successfully completed refresher training and certifications to ensure they operate effectively and safely together.

"We have trained long and hard to get to this day," said Rear Adm. Terry B. Kraft, commander of the Enterprise CSG. "Since beginning workups in April of last year, this team of Sailors and Marines in our strike group have honed their skills at sea in order to be ready to execute our missions of forward naval presence, maritime security operations, theater security cooperation and crisis response, if required."

This is the third deployment leading an aircraft carrier into combat operations during the last three years for Capt. Dee L. Mewbourne, who assumed duties as commanding officer of USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Jan. 4. Mewbourne most recently commanded USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), where led her crew through two successful combat deployments.

"Enterprise has a proud history of more than 49 years. Our nation, our Navy and our families, too, should be proud of our crew who has gone above and beyond to make the ship ready to deploy," said Mewbourne. "Make no mistake, Enterprise and her crew are ready to answer our nation's call."

Before saying their goodbyes and pulling away from the pier, Enterprise Sailors were busy working around the clock to make final deployment preparations to ensure thousands of mission-essential supplies were properly on-loaded, off-loaded and stowed for sea.

"We've been running the crane every day for the past few weeks now, bringing on all kinds of materials for ship's company and the air wing," said Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Matthew R. Cascella, who works for the S-8 Division of Enterprise's Supply Department. "Our duty sections were working up to taps each day to make sure we have all the supplies we need and that they are organized and distributed."

This deployment, the 21st for the carrier since its commissioning in 1961, also marks the first deployment of the centennial year of naval aviation.

"For 100 years, we have operated aircraft from the decks of warships. It's appropriate that our most accomplished active aircraft carrier is the first to deploy this year," said Kraft.

The Enterprise CSG consists of Enterprise, the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), the guided-missile destroyers USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Barry (DDG 52) and USS Mason (DDG 87), USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8), Carrier Air Wing 1 and Destroyer Squadron 2.