Nimitz Carrier Strike Group supports Operation Inherent Resolve

(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Weston A. Mohr/Released)

The Navy writes to tell us that the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is in the Arabian Gulf supporting Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Syria;

The first aircraft launched from USS Nimitz (CVN 68) was an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the “Argonauts” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147.

Accompanying Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 squadrons part of that first flight include the “Black Knights” of VFA-154, the “Blue Diamonds” of VFA-146, the “Death Rattlers” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323 and the “Bluetails” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121.

“For the Nimitz Strike Group, today is game day,” said Rear Adm. Bill Byrne, commander of CSG-11. “When you hear the roar of the jets today it is for real; it’s game on. Our pilots and aircrew are demonstrating our continued commitment to this region and all of our partner nations.”

Byrne credited the entire crew for the first successful flight operations, and he let them know how important they all are to the operation’s success.

“While it is the aircrews that will be on the very pointy end of our spear, the contribution of everyone is equally important to making this happen,” said Byrne. “Every member of the crew has done their part to ensure we are ready to fight today.”

Other aircraft from CVW-11 embarked on the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) also conducted the flight operations. This includes the “Gray Wolves” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142, the “Eightballers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8, the “Wolfpack” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 75 and the “Providers” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30.

Category: Navy