Reagan Carrier Strike Group Launches First Air Missions

Have a magical ride

F/A-18E Hornets assigned to the "Eagles" of Strike Fighter Attack Squadron 115 on Feb. 22 became the first aircraft launched from the flight deck of USS Ronald Reagan to drop ordnance on enemy targets in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Reagan is the Navy's newest Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and is currently on its maiden deployment. Commissioned in 2003, the San Diego-based aircraft carrier is part of a routine rotation of U. S. maritime forces in the U. S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

"Our air wing is comprised of the most advanced aircraft in the world and is a key player in deterring aggression from the insurgency within Iraq," Rear Adm. Michael H. Miller, commander of Carrier Strike Group 7, said. "With the speed, agility and persistence of the modern carrier strike group, we intend to make a difference in helping to set the conditions for security and stability. "

An important part of the strike group's mission in the Arabian Gulf is to support troops on the ground while they work to provide training and support to Iraqi forces, Miller said.

"The coalition efforts are designed to enable Iraqis to defeat the insurgency by building their own security force and political process," he said. "Our goal is to enable the Iraqis to rebuild and secure their country with assistance from the United States and coalition forces. "

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