Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143 Returns from Deployment

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Megan Wollam | 230421-N-AC802-1217 Virginia Beach, Va. (April 21, 2023) Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, the "Pukin Dogs," 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 “Pukin’ Dogs” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143 returned to its home base at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia, April 21, 2023, following an eight-month deployment to the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10.

After successfully completing a four week Composite Training Unit Exercise, VFA-143 deployed with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, Aug. 10, 2022, embarked aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77).

Throughout the deployment, VFA-143 reassured allies through joint exercises, to include the NATO-led vigilant activities Neptune Strike 22.2 and 23.1 as well as leading Juniper Oak 23-2, the largest bi-lateral U.S.-Israeli exercise in history. Juniper Oak was a long range exercise with U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army and the Israeli Air Force consisting of over 70 aircraft and 80 tons of ordnance expended on simulated targets in Israel’s Negev Desert.

The Pukin’ Dogs continued to integrate and execute joint operations with NATO’s Allied Air Forces. In March, VFA-143 Maintenance Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Rich “VcLovin” Tiberio led a CVW-7 detachment of 10 aircrew and 40 Sailors to Albacete, Spain, to attend the Tactical Leadership Program (TLP). TLP is the focal point for NATO’s Allied Air Forces tactical training and VFA-143 personnel had the opportunity to work alongside 10 partner countries while planning and executing large force exercises.

While deployed, the squadron accomplished 2,096 carrier arrested landings, 3,701 flight hours, and expended 15,000 pounds of ordnance. They led CVW-7 maintenance qualifications, earning prestigious CVW-7 Golden Wrench Award for the 2nd quarter of calendar year 2022. The Sailors of VFA-143 saw 25 advancements to E4-E6, 6 advancements to E7, 7 meritorious advancements, and 19 reenlistments.

“I could not be more impressed with the level of commitment, dedication, and work ethic of VFA-143,” said Cmdr. Shawn “Slappy” Navinskey, commanding officer of VFA-143. “The Pukin’ Dogs have shown myself, the air wing, and CSG-10 that they are capable of succeeding at any task, regardless of the environment. The squadron has earned some well-deserved rest and recovery time after such a successful deployment. We look forward to spending time with our families and continuing our tradition of excellence.”

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 19:15
• Story ID: 443113
• Location: US