Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136 Returns from Deployment

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Aron Montano | 230422-N-VD554-1367 LEMOORE, California (April 22, 2023) - Lt. William Rasmussen, assigned to the “Knighthawks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136, proposes to his partner as VFA 136 returns to Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif., following an eight-month deployment as part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 embarked on Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), April 22, 2023. The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group was deployed to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe 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 Aron Montano)  

UNITED STATES

04.22.2023

Courtesy Story

Carrier Strike Group 10

NORFOLK – The “Knighthawks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136 returned to its home base at Naval Air station Lemoore in California, April 22, 2023, following an eight-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, VFA-136 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 deployed, VFA-136 trained and operated with NATO partners and allies, deterred aggression by projecting U.S. and Allied power, and expanded interoperability to interchangeability within the Alliance.

VFA-136 participated extensively in NATO-led vigilance activity Neptune Strike (NEST) 22.2, NEST 23.1 and exercise Juniper Oak 23-2. During Juniper Oak 23-2, the largest bi-lateral U.S.-Israeli exercise in history, VFA-136 led a combined long range strike exercise alongside U.S. Air Force and Israeli Air Force aircraft. The strike comprised over 70 aircraft and over 80 tons of ordnance on simulated targets in Israel’s Negev Desert.

Two pilots from VFA-136 attended the Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP), the focal point for NATO’s Allied Air Forces tactical training in Albacete, Spain. Throughout the course, the pilots planned and executed large force exercises comprised of up to ten countries’ aircraft.

The squadron accomplished over 1,500 carrier traps, 2,500 flight hours, and expended 28,000 pounds of ordnance. The squadron also led CVW-7 maintenance qualifications. The crew had 27 advancements to E4-E6, five to E7, three meritorious advancements, and 24 reenlistments.

"I am extremely proud of the VFA-136 team and what they have accomplished on this deployment,” said Cmdr. Blaine Felloney, commanding officer of VFA-136. “I think I can speak for all the Knighthawk Sailors in saying we are looking forward to the rest and recovery time with our families and friends. It's important now to focus on our people and make sure they have what they need so we can achieve a successful sustainment phase over the summer."

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 20:31
• Story ID: 443125
• Location: US