Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103 Returns from Deployment

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Megan Wollam | 230421-N-AC802-1373 Virginia Beach, Va. (April 21, 2023) Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103, the "Jolly Rogers," returns to Naval Air Station Oceana during a homecoming celebration on April 21, 2023 following a scheduled deployment with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, George H. W. Bush CSG, in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Megan Wollam)  

UNITED STATES

04.21.2023

Courtesy Story

Carrier Strike Group 10

NORFOLK – The “Jolly Rogers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103 returned to its home base at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia, April 21, 2023, following a nine-month deployment with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, George H.W. Bush CSG, to the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operation.

Following completion of a four-week composite training unit exercise and 10-month work up cycle to prepare for deployment, VFA-103 deployed Aug. 10, 2022, with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, embarked aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77).

While on deployment VFA-103 flew 3,688 hours and completed 2,126 sorties aboard George H. W. Bush. The Jolly Rogers participated in the NATO-led vigilance activities Neptune Strike 22.2 and 23.1 as well as Juniper Oak the largest bi-lateral U.S.-Israeli exercise in history. VFA-103 also sent jets to the 2022 Euro Naval expo in Paris to represent the Jolly Rogers and American tactical aviation at the international naval conference.

Four pilots and four weapons systems officers from VFA-103 attended the Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP), the focal point for NATO’s Allied Air Forces tactical training in Albacete, Spain. Throughout the course aircrew planned and executed large force exercises comprising aircraft from all over Europe including Belgium, Britain, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, and Spain.

The squadron produced four Strike Fighter Weapons and Tactics (SWFT) Level 4 qualified aircrew and five SFWT Level 3 qualified aircrew, accomplished over 1,750 carrier traps, and expended 35,000 pounds of ordnance. The squadron also led CVW-7 in maintenance qualifications. The Sailors of VFA-103 had 29 reenlistments and over 1,700 qualifications attained while on deployment.

"I am amazed every day at what the sailors and aircrew of VFA-103 are able to accomplish while on deployment,” said Cmdr. Jeffrey Creighan, commanding officer of VFA-103. “They are able to succeed in the most challenging circumstances and continue to set the standard across the air wing, Throughout this deployment the squadron has sustained a high level of excellence and professionalism and I know every Jolly Roger is excited to be reunited with family and friends back home."

George H.W. Bush is the flagship of CSG-10, George H.W. Bush CSG. CSG-10 is comprised of George H.W. Bush, CVW-7, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26, the Information Warfare Commander, and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55).

The ships of DESRON-26 completing deployment with CSG-10 are the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Nitze (DDG 94), USS Truxtun (DDG 103), and USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119).

The squadrons of CVW-7 embarked aboard the George H.W. Bush are the "Sidewinders" of VFA-86, the "Jolly Rogers" of VFA-103, the "Knighthawks" of VFA-136, the "Pukin Dogs" of VFA-143, the "Bluetails" of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 121, the "Patriots" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, the "Nightdippers" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, and the "Grandmasters" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.

• Date Taken: 04.21.2023
• Date Posted: 04.21.2023 17:42
• Story ID: 443112
• Location: US