Catching my ride

[Lucasnz]

War! wow! can I go!

Good Hunting

NO: YOURE FAR TO YOUNGnfloorl:

 

[merocaine]

NO: YOURE FAR TO YOUNG

na just young at heart!

 

[Khairul Alam]

Can anyone explain what a Bug is(the one that Big-E rides in)? My ignorance is killing me!!:shudder
Btw Big-E, have a great trip and take care

 

[B.Smitty]

Can anyone explain what a Bug is(the one that Big-E rides in)? My ignorance is killing me!!:shudder
Btw Big-E, have a great trip and take care

The USN F/A-18 Hornet is commonly referred to as the 'Bug', for obvious reasons. Not surprisingly, the new F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is called the Super Bug.

Big E looks to be flying a Super Hornet (given his reference to 'picking up my SBug').

 

[bd popeye]

Well his ship CVN-74 deployed yesterday. It will proceed to NAS North Island San Diego,CA to embark it's air wing. This is common proceedure for CVN stationed in WA.

After leaving San Diego CVN-74 will head to sea off the cost of S. Cal. and that will be the point where our man Big "E" and the rest of the CVW will bring their aircraft aboard CVN-74.

Whatz a matta Big"E"?? No computers in NAS Lemoore???? Drop us a censored email!!!

http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=27314

USS John C. Stennis Deploys with Carrier Strike Group 3
Story Number: NNS070116-10
Release Date: 1/16/2007 6:23:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW/NAC) Eric J. Rowley Fleet Public Affairs Center Detachment Northwest

BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Sailors said goodbye to their family members and friends Jan. 16, as the ship departed Naval Base Kitsap Bremerton for San Diego to onload Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9. The carrier, with its embarked air wing, USS Antietam (CG 54), and USS Preble (DDG 88), will deploy from San Diego Saturday, Jan. 20.

USS O'Kane (DDG 77) and USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) will deploy from their homeport of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Stennis is the flagship for Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CCSG) 3, headed by Rear Adm. Kevin M. Quinn.

“I’m ready for deployment," said Machinist’s Mate Fireman Josh Layton. “They gave us a heads-up to get our stuff in order and they gave us plenty of time for leave to see our families.”

Stennis’ embarked air wing consists of the F/A-18C Hornet, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, EA-6B Prowler, E-2C Hawkeye 2000, C-2A Greyhound and SH-60F/HH-60H Seahawk. The aircraft can be used to conduct strikes, support land battles, protect the CSG or other friendly ships, and implement a sea or air blockade.

The John C. Stennis Strike Group will operate in the Persian Gulf region with the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, already in the Central Command Area of Operations. The presence of two aircraft carriers, while not unprecedented, demonstrates U.S. resolve to bring security and stability to the region.

These strike groups will support Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa, and will conduct Maritime Security operations. They will also work closely with allies to build regional security and long-term stability.

Stennis has a flight deck of about 4.5 acres and towers nearly seven stories above the sea. The ship is capable of carrying a crew of about 5,600 sailors, more than 3.5 million gallons of fuel, 70 aircraft, and enough weapons and stores for extended operations without replenishment.

The ship's two nuclear reactors give it virtually unlimited range and endurance, and a top speed in excess of 30 knots. The ship’s four catapults and four arresting gear engines enable it to launch and recover aircraft rapidly and simultaneously.

Some Stennis Sailors are looking forward to some of the challenges ahead as well as time to receive shipboard qualifications.

“The thing I’m looking forward to the most is just learning my rate,” said Quartermaster Seaman Recruit Catherine J. Schools. “My dad who is a retired chief says the first time you get to see a sunset at sea, you will know why you joined the Navy.”

For related news, visit the USS John C. Stennis Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn74/.

 

[harryriedl]

best of luck

 

[bd popeye]

Big"E" is on his way to the Persian Gulf region. Kinda wanted to hear from him before he left..Oh well..

CVN-74 deploys after stopping in San Diego CA to onload it's CVW...

http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=27380

Stennis Strike Group Begins Transit Toward 5th Fleet
Story Number: NNS070120-01
Release Date: 1/20/2007 1:00:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gethings, USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs

USS JOHN C. STENNIS, At Sea (NNS) -- Elements of the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Carrier Strike Group left San Diego, Jan. 20, after picking up Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, and began steaming west toward the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, which left its Bremerton, Wash., homeport Jan. 16, spent one day in port on-loading the air wing, and departed San Diego with the guided missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) and guided missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88).

The guided missile destroyers USS O’Kane (DDG 77) and USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, will join the group in transit.

Stennis and its strike group are scheduled to enter 5th Fleet’s area of operation and provide support to U.S. and coalition forces operating there.

“We will support Operation Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, the Horn of Africa and maritime security operations with the purpose to provide regional and global stability,” said Rear Adm. Kevin Quinn, Commander, Carrier Strike Group 3. “We’ve been preparing for this deployment for more than one year, we have trained and trained so that we are completely combat ready.”

Since the beginning of 2006, Stennis has been completing required training events, qualifications and inspections, all leading up to certification as a combat-ready ship. Stennis has also conducted numerous exercises with its air wing and strike group in preparation for this deployment.

“We are ready, we are sustainable, we are flexible and we provide awesome combat capability,” said Quinn. “Just the fact there are going to be two carrier strike groups operating in that region could deter any state or non-state sponsored organizations from doing something we wouldn’t want them to do.”

With its air wing embarked and its strike group assembled Stennis will steam toward the Persian Gulf and provide unmatched capability and flexibility wherever it is needed in the region.

“Not much else matters aside from the fact that when we send up aircraft, they’ll be supporting our troops already fighting,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Edison Grace of air department. “I have friends on the ground out there and I’m looking forward to sending up planes to hopefully assist them in what they’re doing.”

Grace has been aboard the Stennis since May but has done two deployments to the Persian Gulf during his tour aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70).

“I think we all know why we’re there and we’ll be taking it one day at a time, rather two launches at a time,” Grace said. “I’ve been looking forward to this deployment the entire year, in fact, for the last four years.”

 

[Wooki]

Integrity

This is a very strange sequence of events.

VFA 154 has been operating with the Stennis since September.

I find it difficult to believe he suddenly goes to Oceana to pick-up a an F-18F flies cross-country to join his squadron quite literally on the eve of their deployment.

Or am I misunderstanding what he posted?

Pretty Top Gunnish scenario if you ask me. Things dont work like that in the real world AFAIK.

My most humble apologies if Im mistaken on these issues.

I had similar thoughts..but..ya' never know..

Anyway since Big E has been in SC and VA while CVN-74 was in the training cycle i.e..."work ups" as we use to call them. When will he get his CQ's in?
CQ is a carrier qual. Each pilot must re-qualify on board ship by making X number of arrested landings. Otherwise he /she cannot fly from that ship.

There are other things but I could be very wrong... and like RickUSN I apoligize in advance.

Maybe CVN-74 will be conducting CQ's on the way to the where ever they are going during their deployment.

Well, for my money, if 'E' says he is doing something then he is doing it. Besides, I think I ran across one of his student's fathers by accident at a local flyin.

Too many coincidental match ups to think 'E' is not the real deal.

So for all you old salts, squids, skimmers and the odd leather neck, if it seems odd, then it probably is, but I wouldn't question his word.

And besides, if Mrs 'E' signs up to this board then you ney sayers are frakking toast!!

cheers

w

 

[bd popeye]

Well, for my money, if 'E' says he is doing something then he is doing it. Besides, I think I ran across one of his student's fathers by accident at a local flyin.

Too many coincidental match ups to think 'E' is not the real deal.

So for all you old salts, squids, skimmers and the odd leather neck, if it seems odd, then it probably is, but I wouldn't question his word.

And besides, if Mrs 'E' signs up to this board then you ney sayers are frakking toast!!

cheers

w

As an "old salt" I've seen 'em come and go. For twenty years I did. As an ordie for 11 years and a PR for 9 I worked with pilots my whole career. I have a son that's been on active duty for over 8 years. I just don't understand some things he posted. In my little USN brain some things do not add up. That's all. Some clarification would be nice.

Big E has knowledge of the USN and aircraft in particular. He is a great poster. Right now I just wanna hear how he's doin' on board ship. A censored email of course....

If I have insulted him or anyone in this forum I do sincerly apoligize.

Right now, according to the USN web site CVN-74 is conducting "CQ's" off the So.Cal coast before proceeding to the Persian Gulf region..

http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=27399

http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=27380

Oh by the way..I will never ever be toast.

What forum rule did I violate?

 

[Wooki]

As an "old salt" I've seen 'em come and go. For twenty years I did. As an ordie for 11 years and a PR for 9 I worked with pilots my whole career. I have a son that's been on active duty for over 8 years. I just don't understand some things he posted. In my little USN brain some things do not add up. That's all. Some clarification would be nice.

Big E has knowledge of the USN and aircraft in particular. He is a great poster. Right now I just wanna hear how he's doin' on board ship. A censored email of course....

If I have insulted him or anyone in this forum I do sincerly apoligize.

Right now, according to the USN web site CVN-74 is conducting "CQ's" off the So.Cal coast before proceeding to the Persian Gulf region..

http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=27399

http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=27380

Oh by the way..I will never ever be toast.

What forum rule did I violate?

The point of my post was to vouch for Big 'E's integrity. It seemed from the quotes I highlighted that you guys (and others) were doubting it. So you can take it for what its worth. The comment on "toast" was my attempt at humor.

go figure

cheers


w

 

[eckherl]

http://www.defencetalk.com/news/publish/navy/Second_US_Carrier_Group_To_Deploy_to_Gulf12009754.php


Well this article has about as much of my deployment as I could say... it's a good breaking point for me to leave DT for the Stennis. I'm picking up a GreyHound to NAS Oceana at 13:00 where I'll pick up my SBug and join VFA-154 (The Black Knights) at Lamour. I haven't been to Cali in awhile. Too bad it's winter.

Happy New Year DT... I'm off to war. :dance3

Good luck big E and watch your 18:00 hr position.

 

[LancerMc]

Good luck, watch out for the guys on the ground when your in the Gulf, and send some pic's when you get a chance.

Oh Yeah, don't have to much fun on those FOD walks each morning!

 

[bd popeye]

Oh Yeah, don't have to much fun on those FOD walks each morning!

Well Big E being a Hornet driver won't have to go to FOD walkdown(very often) unless they have one of those mandatory FOD walkdowns that requires a certian number of pilots to participate.

Well thinking of it>> if say Big E is the Line DO for VFA-154 he will have to go more often than not. Also depending on the CVW sometimes each squadron is required to send X number of pilots.

Those FOD walkdowns in the IO in the summer months are brutal because it's so hot on 'da roof!..But ya gotta do it to protect those engines ,tires and assoicated equipment.

I for one was a willing participant.
---------------------------------------

 

[Mick73]

I have always wondered, what do you normally find on a FOD walk? Any strange things or just little things like nuts, bolts or split pins etc?

 

[Tasman]

I have always wondered, what do you normally find on a FOD walk? Any strange things or just little things like nuts, bolts or split pins etc?

I'm wondering what is an FOD walk? Can anyone enlighten me or is it secret navy business?

Cheers :unknown

 

[Mick73]

Well, all I know it is where you line up some sailors etc. in a big line, shoulder to shoulder and they walk across the flight deck, picking up things that could be sucked into an aircrafts engine. Causing big problems like engine malfuctions.
What they pick up?...I don't know, however I would be thinking it would be more than candy wrappers and smoke butts (this is what our Army does before leaving a training area...its called an Emu Bob).
A Navy dude, could ya give us a more technical answer to the FOD Walk.

 

[bd popeye]

A Navy dude, could ya give us a more technical answer to the FOD Walk

First off you won't find any cigarette butts on the flight deck. Smoking is very restricted on a CVN. And the flight deck or hangar is defently a place where one cannot smoke.

FOD stands for Foriegn Object Damage. That is any thing that could damage and engines or any other part of an aircraft or suppourt equipment..

What is FOD walkdown?? Mick73 discribed it well;

Well, all I know it is where you line up some sailors etc. in a big line, shoulder to shoulder and they walk across the flight deck, picking up things that could be sucked into an aircrafts engine. Causing big problems like engine malfuctions.

All this is done under supervision. Usally 2-3 times daily. It is also done on the hangar deck.

FOD walkdown is also conducted on shore bases.

Click the pictures to get an idea...

 

[Tasman]

Thanks for that. Now an emu parade I can identify with. Somehow the officers got out of it and the sgt major always found something that was missed and made us do it again. For some reason I imagine that 'Big E' will find ways to avoid FOD walks.

Cheers

 

[bd popeye]

Thanks for that. Now an emu parade I can identify with. Somehow the officers got out of it and the sgt major always found something that was missed and made us do it again. For some reason I imagine that 'Big E' will find ways to avoid FOD walks.

Cheers

Huhh The SGT Maj did not find anything. He had it in his pocket. That was his excuse to make you do it twice.. That's what I use to do on shore. Never was in charge on board ship. Usally Officer was in charge on the flight deck.

It would go something like this.."Gentlemen get your hands out of your pockets..keep your head down. Pick up that fod! Knock off that chatter!" And of course I'd threaten to do the whole thing over if I found anything on that flight line.. So i'd get behind them pull usally a small screw and or some sort of debris out of my pocket. When they reach the end I'd show it to 'em. And make them walk it again!...I did not do it every time. Just once in a while if I felt they were goofing off...

 

[rickusn]

Lol

Bad Popeye Bad

Lol