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USS Enterprise Aircraft Strike Enemy in Iraq
Story Number: NNS031124-08
Release Date: 11/24/2003 9:31:00 AM
From USS Enterprise Public Affairs
ABOARD USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- Strike fighter aircraft from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, flying from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) in the North Arabian Gulf, attacked enemy targets near Kirkuk, Iraq, Nov. 19 in support of Operation Iron Hammer.
After flying complex missions over both Afghanistan and Iraq in recent weeks, this strike was the carrier’s first use of precision-guided ammunition in the Kirkuk region.
Two VMFA-312 F/A-18 Hornet strike fighters from Enterprise’s embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 each dropped a 1,000-pound Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) in the attack, destroying an enemy position. Ground troops operating in the area had taken fire from that enemy position in recent days.
“The systems worked as advertised,” said Marine Capt. James W. Smith, 31, of Ridgeweood, N.J., one of the two aviators involved in the mission. “It went very well, very methodically – from ‘talk on,’ to delivery to the egress.” Marine Capt. Wade E. Wiegel, 32, of Sac City,
Iowa, flew the other Hornet.
Enterprise deployed with three Hornet squadrons, one of which is the “Checkerboards” of VMFA-312, based at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C.
“Personally, it’s a reminder of how proud I am to be a Checkerboard with CVW-1,” Smith said. “It’s exciting to be part of the first squadron aboard Enterprise to engage the enemy.”
Enterprise is the Navy’s only aircraft carrier currently deployed to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility. Since arriving in theater, Enterprise aircraft supported the hunt for terrorists with Joint Task Force 150 near the Horn of Africa. They also provided close air support and airborne command and control to Army and Special Operations Forces combating Taliban and anti-coalition militias in Afghanistan.
“Once again, the Marines led the way into combat,” said Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Commander, Rear Adm. James G. Stavridis. “The Navy-Marine Corps team has never been stronger, and our partnership in Enterprise speaks to that. I couldn’t be prouder of these brave Marines and the leadership they’ve shown.”
For related news, visit the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/ Commander, 5th Fleet Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cusnc.
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