Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Aron Montano | 230422-N-VD554-1321 LEMOORE, California (April 22, 2023) - Cmdr. Nathan Staples,...... read more read more
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NORFOLK – The “Sidewinders” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86 returned to their home base Naval Air Station Lemoore in California, April 22, 2023, following an eight-month deployment with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 to the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operation.
Following completion of a four week composite training unit exercise, VFA-86 deployed on August 10, 2022, with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, embarked aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77).
VFA-86 participated extensively in NATO-led vigilance activity Neptune Strike and exercise Juniper Oak, the largest bi-lateral U.S.-Israeli exercise in history. During Juniper Oak, VFA-86 participated in a combined long range strike exercise alongside U.S. Air Force and Israeli Air Force aircraft. The strike was comprised of over 70 aircraft and expended over 80 tons of ordnance on targets in Israel’s Negev Desert.
While deployed, the squadron accomplished over 1,400 carrier traps, 3,400 flight hours, expended 15,000 pounds of ordnance as well as 7,800 rounds of 20MM. Additionally the “Sidewinders” earned “Top Hook” during line periods two and three, solidifying our professionalism around the ship during launch and recovery operations. The squadron also led CVW-7 maintenance in having the highest sortie completion rate and the highest mission capable aircraft rate across the air wing, showcasing the hard work and dedication our maintenance department put forth throughout deployment.
The Sailors of VFA-86 earned 26 advancements to E4-E6, three advancements to E7, six meritorious advancements, and 25 reenlistments. Following the deployment the “Sidewinders” will soon be transitioning to the F-35C Lightning II aircraft and will continue to train, fight, and operate with lethality, utilizing the most capable aircraft the U.S. Navy has to offer.
"I am extremely proud of the VFA-86 team and what they have accomplished on this deployment,” said Cmdr. Daniel Krause, commanding officer of VFA-86. “Every member of our team is looking forward to much desired time off to spend with our family and friends prior to beginning our exciting transition to the F-35C, the U.S. Navy’s newest Strike Fighter aircraft.”
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: | 04.22.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 04.22.2023 20:59 |
| Story ID: | 443124 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 981 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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