THE OSPREY IN AFGHANISTAN

FROM: U.S. NAVY, V-22 OSPREY
091106-N-8132M-120 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Nov. 6, 2009) An MV-22B Osprey from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes off from the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). The aircraft were flown to Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, where they will be transferred to VMM-261 and used to support the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. This is the first time the aircraft will be used in Afghanistan. The 22nd MEU is serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kiona Miller/Released)

101217-N-5549O-295 NAWA, Afghanistan (Dec. 17, 2010) A V-22 Osprey prepares to land at forward operating base Nawa. Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Ray Mabus is in the area visiting with Marines and Sailors. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin S. O'Brien/Released)

120515-N-UH337-059 FARAH PROVINCE, Afghanistan (May 15, 2012) Rear Adm. Mark A. Handley, Commander of 1st Naval Construction Division (NCD) and his staff disembark a V-22 Osprey in the Bakwa District of Farah Province, Afghanistan, during a visit to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11. With Handley are Capt. Kathryn A. Donovan, commodore of the 22nd Naval Construction Regiment (NCR); Cmdr. Lore Aguayo, commander of NMCB-11; 1st NCD Command Master Chief John F. Mulholland; 22nd NCR Command Master Chief Mark E. Kraninger; and NMCB-11 Command Master Chief Christopher Levesque. NMCB-11 is deployed to Afghanistan to conduct general, mobility, survivability engineering operations, defensive operations, Afghan National Army partnering and detachement of units in combined and joint operations area-Afghanistan in order to enable the neutralization of the insurgency and support improved governance and stability operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jonathan Carmichael/Released)

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM:  U.S. NAVY
120912-N-YF306-100 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Sept. 12 , 2012) Pallets from the Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 6) come aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) during a replenishment at sea. Winston S. Churchill is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aaron Chase/Released)

120913-N-MU720-017 PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 13, 2012) Seaman Robert Barnes removes a chock and chain from an SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Chargers of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 14 during flight operations aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89). Mustin is part of the George Washington Carrier Strike Group based out of Yokosuka, Japan, and is supporting exercise Valiant Shield 2012. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Devon Dow/Released)

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM: U.S. NAVY

120823-N-DA827-041 EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (Aug. 23, 2012) Congressman Jeff Miller discusses a remote controlled Talon EOD robot with Senior Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal Joseph Severino, the Improvised Explosive Device Division non-commissioned officer in charge, while on a tour at Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal. The school, located at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. provides high-risk, specialized, basic and advanced EOD training to over 2,200 U.S. and partner nation military and selected U.S. government personnel each year. (U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Elizabeth Allen/Released)

120904-N-CH661-012 ARABIAN SEA (Sept. 4, 2012) An EA-6B Prowler assigned to the Rooks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137 is the 100,000th launch from catapult three aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jared King/Released)

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM: U.S. NAVY
Sailors man the rails aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) as the ship gets underway. John C. Stennis is returning to the U.S. 7th and 5th Fleet areas of responsibility four months ahead of schedule in order to maintain combatant commander requirements for the presence in the region. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Abbate (Released) 120901-N-OY799-020　

　

　

　

Fire Controlman 2nd Class Josiah Jackson loads rounds into the close-in weapons system (CIWS) aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94). Nitze is deployed as part of the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jeff Atherton (Released) 120829-N-AP176-068

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM:  U.S. NAVY, USS NEW YORK
120816-N-NN926-070 GULF OF ADEN (Aug. 16, 2012) A landing craft air cushion prepares to enter the well deck aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) during amphibious operations. New York, with the embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zane Ecklund/Released)

EISENHOWER AND OPERATIOIN ENDURING FREEDOM SORTIES

FROM:  U.S. NAVY

USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWR

120808-N-SE064-170 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Aug. 8, 2012) An F/A-18C Hornet from the Rampagers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83 launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Eisenhower is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice John Haynes/Released)
　
Eisenhower, CVW-7 Commence OEF Missions

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nathanael Miller, Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, At Sea (NNS) -- Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, embarked aboard aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), began flying the first combat sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Aug. 9.


These missions will provide direct support to coalition forces on the ground in Afghanistan. The support includes electronic warfare, close-air support, airborne command and control, and reconnaissance.


"Air-support missions are intended to degrade terrorist activities, diminish the influence of the Taliban and improve security to encourage economic prosperity in the region," said Capt. Samuel J. Paparo, CVW-7 commander. "We bring a wide range of capabilities to coalition forces in Afghanistan and take pride in the fact that we are working with them to establish security and stability there. Every squadron has trained thoroughly for these missions, and now it is time to execute."


Since 2009, U.S. Navy aircraft have averaged about 5,000 close-air support missions per year in support of OEF.


Eisenhower joins the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (CSG), led by aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65), which has been operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility since April.


While air support will be the primary focus in support of OEF, Eisenhower and other CSG surface ships can also achieve a robust set of missions in support of regional maritime security.


"Our mission is to set the conditions for economic prosperity, which encompasses ensuring maritime security of all commercial sea lanes," said Rear Adm. Michael Manazir, commander, Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group. "The versatility of our capabilities and vitality of our Sailors allows us to be flexible and agile at all times."


Manazir stressed how critical every Sailor of the carrier strike group is to mission success, from flight deck personnel, to the pilots, to the engineers.


"Everyone has a role and everyone does it exceptionally well," said Manazir. "I am extremely proud of the Sailors that compose this strike group and I am certain that each will perform at the highest caliber possible."

CVW-7 is composed of the "Bluetails" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 121, the "Patriots"of Electronic Attach Squadron 140, the "Rampagers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83, the "Jolly Rogers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103, the "Wildcats" VFA 131, the "Puking Dogs" of VFA 143, and the "Nightdippers" of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 5.


Eisenhower is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, conducting maritime security operations and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom.

REFUELING A SEA HAWK HELICOPTER AT SEA

FROM:  U.S. NAVY
Sailors perform in-flight refueling with an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78). Porter is deployed as part of Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alex Forster (Released) 120629-N-WO496-258

STEEL BEACH PICNIC ON BOARD THE USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN

FROM:  U.S. NAVY
Sailors participate in a steel beach picnic on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Cooks from the Valley, a volunteer organization from Bakersfield, Calif., delivered and cooked more than 14,000 steaks for Sailors as part of a visit to naval assets in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. Lincoln is deployed to the 5th Fleet conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and combat flight operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan P. Idle (Released) 120705-N-VO377-042 

USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER CONDUCTS UNDERWAY REPLENISHMENT

FROM:  U.S. NAVY
The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and the guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) conduct an underway replenishment with the Military Sealift Command fleet-replenishment oiler USNS Big Horn (T-AO 198) as the guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66) and the guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) transit behind. Eisenhower, Winston S. Churchill, Jason Dunham and Hue City are on a deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Ship Serviceman 3rd Class Matthew Thomson (Released) 120630-N-EW884-267

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM:  U.S. NAVY
Sixteen coalition partner ships sail in formation while participating in the War of 1812 fleet exercise. The exercise is a week-long multi-national exercise involving 19 ships from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Brazil, and Portugal, and is designed to increase interoperability with allied nations, improve tactical prowess and certification of participating units. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Petty Officer 2nd Class Gretchen M. Albrecht (Released) 120627-N-NR998-347


The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and the guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) operate in the Atlantic Ocean. The ships are on a scheduled deployment supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William Jamieson (Released) 120626-N-OV802-104

4 MINE COUNTERMEASURE SHIPS ARRIVE IN BAHRAIN

FROM:  U.S. NAVY
Tugboats pull the mine counter measure ship USS Devastator (MCM 6) into position as Devastator and three other mine counter measure ships arrived in Bahrain. Devastator is assigned to Commander, Task Force 52, supporting mine countermeasure operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jayme Pastoric (Released) 120623-N-XD935-134

RECENT PHOTOS RELEASED BY THE U.S. NAVY

120614-N-WO496-200 GULF OF OMAN (June 14, 2012) The MK-45 5-inch/.54-caliber lightweight gun fires a round aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) during a live-fire exercise. Porter is deployed as part of Enterprise Carrier Strike Group to support maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alex Forster/Released)

Capt. Brandon Cordill, left wingman of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, flies an F/A-18 Hornet over Baltimore during the Star Spangled Sailabration, which coincides with Baltimore Fleet Week 2012 and commemorates the War of 1812 and the writing of the "Star Spangled Banner." U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Johnson (Released) 120615-N-BA418-135

120617-N-HM950-114 BERAUS, Malaysia (June 17, 2012) U.S. Marines and Malaysian soldiers from the 10 Paratrooper Brigade conduct an ambush exercise during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Malaysia 2012. CARAT is a series of bilateral military exercises between the U.S. Navy and the armed forces of Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Timor Leste joins the exercise for the first time in 2012. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Aaron Glover/Released)

VIEW OF THE FRIENDSHIP BRIDGE AT THE SUEZ CANAL

FROM:  U.S. NAVY
The guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) passes underneath the Friendship Bridge during a Suez Canal transit. James E. Williams is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel J. Meshel (Released) 120604-N-NL401-117

SHOOTER SIGNALS LAUNCH OF SUPER HORNET

FROM:  U.S. NAVY
A shooter signals the launch of an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Kestrels of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137 aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Tim D. Godbee (Released) 120530-N-SK590-078