Oceana-based F-14's off USS Theodore Roosevelt Strike IED Factory in Iraq

Military officials say aircraft flying off the Norfolk-based USS Theodore Roosevelt hit an known improvised explosive device (IED) production facility northeast of Baghdad Wednesday.

F-14s from Fighter Squadron Thirty One conducted the strikes. VF-31 is based at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach.

"We are happy with what we have been able to bring to the fight since our arrival in the theater a few weeks ago," said Rear Admiral James A. Winnefeld, Commander, Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group. "Whether we are hitting targets of opportunity called in from our troops on the ground, or conducting preplanned strikes on known terrorist sites, we will continue to do whatever is necessary to protect our ground forces. At the same time we will continue to do our part to help set the conditions for security and stability so the Iraqi people have the opportunity to determine their own future."

Officials say since its arrival in the Arabian Gulf, Roosevelt-based aircraft have provided close air support to Coalition troops in the vicinities of Al Hillah, Al Mansuriyah, Baquba, Basrah, Kirkuk, Madain, Mosul and Tall Afar.

Other aircraft assigned to Carrier Airwing Eight continue to fly missions such as convoy escorting, patrolling oil pipelines, and protecting new construction, according to a statement issued by the military.