VFA 211: Fly ... Fight...Win

USS Enterprise (CVN 65)

The Shuttle Magazine Edition

August 12, 2012 Issue

“We are Legend”

VFA 211: Fly ... Fight...

Win

The Shuttle

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Sunday, August 12, 2012

Checkmates Fly, Fight, Win: Checkmates Aboard Enterprise Story and photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Britney Epps USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea – Aboard aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65), “Fly, Fight, and Win” is the mission of one of the nation’s best trained tactical fighter squadrons, using the world’s most combat-ready aircraft, the F/A-18F Super Hornet. Together, this team of aviators and aircraft make up the Fighting Checkmates of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211.

VFA-211 not only shares a rich history with the Big E, but has one of its own. This distinguished past helped shape the squadron into the elite fighting force it has become today.

The Checkmates were originally established May 1, 1945, as Bombing Squadron Seventy Four (VB-74) at NAAF Otis Field, Camp Edwards, Mass.

After many years, the squadron first known as VB-74 joined Carrier Strike Group 12 (CSG12) aboard Enterprise in October 2003 as An F/A-18E/F Super Horne, assigned to the Checkmates of Strike Fighter Squadron Fighter Squadron VF-211, officially becoming part (VFA) 211, launches off the flight deck. (Photo by MC3 Heath Zeigler) of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1. Flying the F-14A Tomcat, VF-211 conducted missions supporting Operation ordnance such as Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs), laser-guided bombs, laser Mavericks, and the 20mm gun.

Iraqi Freedom and missions deep in Afghanistan as part of “The men and women of the Fighting Checkmates Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). continue to work extremely hard day in and day out to In October 2005, VF-211 transitioned to the F/Aaccomplish our mission,” said Cmdr. John R. Bixby, 18F Super Hornet and was designated as Strike Fighter commanding officer of VFA-211.

Squadron (VFA) 211.

Specific tasking for the Checkmates is often originated Nearly a decade later, VFA-211 continues to fly in the Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC), but missions over Afghanistan in support of OEF. These scheduling and execution is directly overseen by Bixby, as missions are mainly comprised of OEF Close Air Support he is responsible for all the aircraft and missions flown by (CAS) sorties, in-flight refueling tanking and training VFA-211. flights to prepare aircrew for upcoming OEF flights.

“It is our responsibility to ensure we provide air power overhead and to be available anytime ground forces call for During these close air support,” said Bixby. missions, the VFA-211 has over 200 enlisted personnel and 39 officers Checkmates use with a normal schedule consisting of three sections per fly onboard sensors day supporting OEF. With six aircraft over Afghanistan to clear the areas daily, the missions are just over six hours per section around friendly USS Enterprise (CVN 65) The Shuttle is published and printed daily underway and making for 18 hour work days. forces and also bi-weekly in port by the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Media Department, FPO AE 09543-2810. This newspaper is an Another of the squadron’s tasks consists of providing to investigate authorized publication for members of the Department Rescue Mission Commander (RMC) crews in the event that possible enemy of Defense. Please direct all story ideas, questions and comments to MC1 (SW) Steve Smith at smithsw@cvn65. friendly forces become isolated and require extraction from activity. When navy.mil. hostile territory. the situation Commanding Officer Executive Officer Capt. William C. Hamilton, Jr. Capt. G. C. Huffman Regardless of the mission, the Checkmates are ready calls for it, the Command Master Chief Public Affairs Officer and willing to fly, fight and win. squadron’s CMDCM (AW/SW) Dwayne E. Huff Lt. Cmdr. Sarah T. Self-Kyler “The efforts put forth by all of the Checkmates is eye aircrew are Editor watering,” said Bixby. “Everyday I am extremely proud to capable of MC3 Brian G. Reynolds be a member of this team.” employing

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World News Iran Sailors Rescued by U.S. Navy Return Home

By ASSOCIATED PRESS

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran’s official news agency says that 10 Iranian sailors rescued by the U.S. Navy have returned home, as Iranian officials downplay the efforts made by Tehran’s American adversary.

The report by IRNA quotes Ebrahim Azizi, general governor of the coastal Hormozgan province, as saying that the repatriation of the sailors from the Gulf of Oman by their rescuers on Friday was in line with normal maritime

protocol.

On Wednesday, the USS James E. Williams rescued the sailors from a burning wooden boat in the Gulf that was flying an Iranian flag. It was at least the seventh rescue involving Iranian sailors in nearly two years.

Iran and the U.S. are at odds over Tehran’s nuclear program, which the West suspects seeks to build a weapon, a charge Iran denies.

U.S. Says Has ‘Eyes’ Inside Iran Nuclear Program

By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

WASHINGTON - The United States said Friday it had “eyes” and “visibility” inside Iran’s nuclear program and would know if Tehran had made a “breakout” move toward acquiring a nuclear weapon.

The comment by White House spokesman Jay Carney followed Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak’s remark that new U.S. intelligence suggested that the threat from Iran was becoming more “urgent.”

Carney declined to comment on intelligence matters in detail but said that Washington and Israel were agreed on Iran’s ambitions and its nuclear program.

“I would also say that we have eyes -- we have visibility into the program, and we would know if and when Iran made what’s called a breakout move towards acquiring a weapon.”

Breakout capability is commonly understood to be the

point when a state acquires the knowledge, capability and materials to build a nuclear bomb if it wants to.

Carney said later in his briefing that he was referring to International Atomic Energy Agency officials mandated to inspect Iran’s nuclear sites because Tehran is a signatory to the Nuclear non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

But many experts believe there has been substantial infiltration and sabotage of Iran’s nuclear program by Western and Israeli intelligence agencies.

Military sites in Iran that do not have confirmed nuclear activities are off-limits to inspectors unless provided for by agreement or under the terms of an Additional Protocol to the NPT that Iran dropped in 2006.

Carney’s comments came on a day on which speculation about a possible military strike on Iran’s nuclear program ran rampant in the Israeli press.

U.S. Officials: Al-Qaeda Gaining Foothold in Syria

By Bradley Klapper and Kimberly Dozier, ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON (AP) — Al-Qaeda has advanced beyond isolated pockets of activity in Syria and now is building a network of well-organized cells, according to U.S. intelligence officials, who fear the terrorists could be on the verge of establishing an Iraq-like foothold that would be hard to defeat if rebels eventually oust President Bashar Assad.

At least a couple of hundred al-Qaeda-linked militants are already operating in Syria, and their ranks are growing as foreign fighters stream i nto the Arab country daily, current and former U.S. intelligence officials say. The units are spreading from city to city, with veterans of the Iraq insurgency employing their expertise in bomb-building to carry out more than two dozen attacks so far. Others are using their experience in coordinating small units of fighters in Afghanistan to win new followers.

In Syria on Friday, rebel commanders appealed anew for new and better weapons from abroad, complaining that Assad’s forces have them badly outgunned from the air and on the ground. In fact, rebel leaders say that with so little aid coming to them from the U.S. and other nations, they are slowly losing the battle for influence against hardline militants. They say their fighters are sometimes siding with extremists who are better funded and armed so they can fight the far stronger Syrian army.

It all could point to a widening danger posed by extremists who have joined rebels fighting the Assad government. Although the extremists are ostensibly on the same side as Washington by opposing Assad, U.S. officials fear their presence could fundamentally reshape what began as a protest movement for reform composed of largely moderate or secular Syrians.

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Checkmates A

Pilots assigned to the Checkmates of VFA-211 conduct a mission briefing in their ready room. (Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman)

An F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the Checkmates of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211, lands on the flight deck.

(Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman)

AM3 Christopher R. Crete, assigned to VFA-211, replaces fasteners on the trailing edge of an F/A-18F Super Hornet.

(Photo by MC3 Gregory White)

Captain Checkmate, the mascot for the Checkmates of VFA-211, washes an F/A-18F Super Hornet on the flight deck.

(Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman)

AO2 Corey Kraemer, from Orlando, Fla., and AOAN Andrew Blackburn, from Middletown, Pa., assigned to the Checkmates of VFA-211, perform a step in a 28-week inspection on an F/A18F Super Hornet . (Photo by MC3 Randy J. Savarese)

Rear Adm. Ted Carter prepares for flight with the Checkmates of VFA-211. (Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman)

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Aboard Big E

(Photo by MC3 Heath Zeigler)

Aircrew Survival Equipmentman Airman Marrion Phillips, assigned to the Checkmates of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211, embarked aboard aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65), performs a 30-day inspection on an MBU-23 oxygen mask. (Photo by MC3 Gregory White)

Lt. Patrick Oneill directs the launch of an F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the Checkmates of VFA-211. (Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman)

An F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the Checkmates of VFA - 211, prepares for launch on the flight deck. (Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman)

Cmdr. James A. Mcall, former commanding officer of Lt. Cmdr. Justin Allen, assigned Checkmates of Checkmates of VFA-211, preparestotothe launch a F/A-18E/F VFA-211, launches from thedeck. flight (Photo deck. (Photo byHeath MC3 Supper Hornet on the flight

by MC3 Randy J. Savarese) Zeigler)

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Hall of Heroes Hall of Heroes: Capt. Robert J. Naughton

Story By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Harry Andrew D. Gordon

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea – Aboard aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) there is a hallway that is off the beaten path. Black and white photographs of times past hang from the walls. Nameplates decorate each of the seven doors in the hall. Many Sailors pass it every day unaware of its importance. The passageway is secured from foot traffic by big blue curtains, out of respect for the heroes it honors.

Photo by www.pownetwork.com

This is the Hall of Heroes, where distinguished visitors reside during their stay aboard Enterprise.

Each room is dedicated to a Sailor who has gone above and beyond the call of duty. Sailors like Capt.

Robert John Naughton, a native of Marblehead, Mass., who epitomize the Navy’s core values of honor, courage and commitment.

Robert J. Naughton, a lieutenant commander at the time, was attached to Attack Squadron 113 stationed aboard Enterprise. He was shot down while conducting operations in his A-4C Intruder over North Vietnam. He was captured on May 18, 1967 a few miles north of Than Hoa. “The most profound effect of my early days of capture consisted of a realization that, for the first time in my life, I was completely on my own,” said Naughton. “Now, in prison, it was entirely up to me to perform and I could not expect any breaks.”

Naughton endured six years of Vietnamese prison.

He learned lessons of humility during this time, which he said was very difficult to accept.

“It was not easy for a man to admit that he was not as tough as he imagined,” said Naughton. “But, once accepted, this truth opened a door of knowledge to self introspection that few people have known outside of a prisoner of war (POW) situation.”

Through this personal introspection, Naughton established a hierarchy of values to determine what was important in life. He gained an insight to what motivated him. He achieved an appreciation for life HALL OF HEROES, Continued on page 7

Sunday, August 12, 2012

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Sailors of the Day

Sailors of the Day

Cryptologic Technician Seaman Dustin Vang

CTSN Dustin Vang, from Las Vegas, joined the Navy one year and nine months ago to help war efforts against terrorism. In his spare time, he enjoys reading sudoku and studying. In the future, he plans to earn his bachelor’s degree and complete a triathalon.

Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class Luis Bogran

EM3 Luis Bogran, from Tulsa, Okla., joined the Navy three years and 10 months ago to see the world. In his spare time, he enjoys watching football and working on cars. In the future, he plans to finish his electrical engineering degree.

Aviation Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class Erik Hansen

AE2 Erik Hansen, from San Bernardino, Calif., joined the Navy three years and 10 months ago because he lost a bet. In his spare time, he enjoys going to the races and wakeboarding. In the future, he plans to earn an honorable discharge and to work at a bike shop.

HALL OF HEROES, Continued from page 6

itself, the value of time, the worth of education, the beauty of being loved and the ability to love.

“Some of these values were given to me by my fellow prisoners, either by example or through thought-provoking discussions,” said Naughton.

For Naughton, prayer took on a new dimension. He came to realize God could not answer his selfish requests without upsetting the normal course of events in the world. “[God] never failed me when I sought courage and strength to face the inevitable,” said Naughton.

Naughton was released from Vietnam March 4, 1973. He returned to the United States and retired from the United States Navy as a captain.

Capt. Robert John Naughton is truly an Enterprise and American hero. He will always be honored and remembered aboard the USS Enterprise, in the Hall of Heroes.

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Sunday, August 12, 2012

Big E Entertainment

ACROSS 1. Burrowing mammals 6. Backside 10. Back 14. Beautify 15. Formal dance 16. Fit 17. Tropical vine 18. Keen 19. Hens make them

20. Vague 22. Nipple 23. Annul 24. Breathes noisily during sleep 26. Smell 30. Mountain pass 31. Craggy peak 32. A ridge of sand 33. Pearly-shelled mussel

35. Panorama 39. Proclaim one’s support 41. Char 43. Metal 44. Bird of peace 46. Parental sister 47. Prefix meaning “Modern” 49. Ambition 50. Tardy 51. A piece of mail 54. Horn sound 56. A Freudian stage 57. Bullets, etc.

63. Whimper 64. Foot digits 65. Very slow in tempo 66. God of love 67. By mouth 68. Desiccated 69. Focusing glass 70. Depend 71. S S S S DOWN 1. Anagram of “Mail” 2. Norse god 3. Weight to be borne 4. Sea eagle 5. Foul-up 6. Forfeited

7. A pasta dish 8. Narrow opening 9. Not the youngest 10. Bombastic 11. Keen 12. Seaweed 13. Relaxes 21. Bring upon oneself 25. Exploded star 26. Probabilities 27. A song for 2 28. A single time 29. Never-ceasing 34. Plainly 36. Gull-like bird 37. Canvas dwelling 38. Initial wager 40. Away from the wind 42. A tart fruit 45. Porridge 48. Public speaker 51. Continuation of the coat collar 52. Habituate 53. Claw 55. Diacritical mark 58. Not less 59. Sailors 60. Colored part of an eye 61. Curved molding 62. Gestures of assent