VFA 136: THE KNIGHTHAWKS TAKE FLIGHT

USS Enterprise (CVN 65)

The Shuttle Magazine Edition

“We are Legend”

September 16, 2012

VFA 136: THE

KNIGHTHAWKS TAKE FLIGHT

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Sunday, September 16 2012

Knighthawks

Hawkin’ on Enterprise: VFA-136 Takes Flight

Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Scott Pittman

An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Knighthawks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136 prepares to make an arrested landing.

(Photo by MC3 Jared King)

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea – It goes without saying that each of the seven squadrons aboard aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) has special capabilities and specialties that make them unique. Some even have legacies that span the history of naval aviation.

However, some, such as the Knighthawks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136 have a slightly shorter, yet equally substantial, history.

Now stationed at Naval Air Station Oceana, Va., VFA136 has flown as part of multiple carrier air wings aboard aircraft carriers USS Coral Sea (CV 43), USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), USS George Washington (CVN 73), USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), and are now winding down their second deployment aboard aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65).

“It has been a good deployment for the air wing and for the Knighthawks,” said Lt. James Sheets, Weapons and Tactics Officer. “We’ve got great leadership at the top and we’ve got great personnel all the way down to the newest airmen.”

Regardless of the squadron, success is often dependent on the capabilities of the Sailors or Marines who contribute to mission accomplishment each and every day. The case is no different with the Knighthawks.

“These guys are the best I’ve ever seen,” said Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class David Overbeck, Knighthawk power plants leading petty officer. “I’m saying

that because, with the amount of people we have, they do the job day in, day out, and they get it done every single day.”

Operating with approximately 220 personnel, ranging from maintainers to pilots, each Sailor has learned how much each division and shop rely on the other parts of the squadron to fully accomplish the mission.

“It was a real eye-opener as far as the structure of maintenance, as I had never been a part of a squadron before,” said Chief Logistics Specialist Chiwanna Thomas “It’s been a real learning experience.”

The maintainers, including the power plants maintainers, know their responsibility is to make sure the planes are in working order so pilots can fly the missions, though some have taken on roles slightly different from their primary rate training.

“It’s something different to do,” said Overbeck, an air framer in charge of a power plants shop. “I’ve learned a lot during the cruise, and these guys taught me everything I needed to know to do the job.”

The maintainers are in charge of the scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of all 12 of the F/A-18E Super Hornets flown by Knighthawks pilots, and the pilots know they can count on their maintainers to keep the aircraft up and running.

“We consistently have a 100-percent sortie completion rate, and that’s a direct reflection on the maintainers, not the pilots,” said Sheets. “When we start up as pilots we are 100 percent confident that we will have a working aircraft.”

However, without the help of the logistics personnel of VFA-136, there wouldn’t be any aircraft parts for the maintainers to replace broken equipment with.

“We provide all repair parts and consumables for the squadron, materials for the work centers to keep their respective centers operational, and personal protective equipment and equipment for the pilots and the Knighthawks on the flight deck,” said Logistics Specialist 1st Class Michael Edmond.

The ship pitches in as well, providing parts and personnel from the ship’s Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD).

“Recently we had an aircraft that needed maintenance, and we changed out all of the parts we needed to, and with the help of AIMD, we were able to keep the engine in the KNIGHTHAWKS continued on page 7

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Sunday Feature U.S. Positioning Forces in Response to Mideast Unrest

By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

WASHINGTON - The United States is positioning military forces so that it can respond to unrest in as many as 17 or 18 places in the Islamic world, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced late Friday.

“We have to be prepared in the event that these demonstrations get out of control,” Panetta told Foreign Policy magazine.

He did not offer any specifics. But the magazine said that the Pentagon was discussing, but had not yet decided, whether to send a third platoon of 50 specially trained Marines to protect the U.S. Embassy in Sudan that found itself on Friday under assault.

If approved, this deployment will follow the roughly 100 Marines that already have landed in Libya and Yemen.

The comments came after furious protesters targeted symbols of U.S. influence in cities across the Muslim world, attacking embassies, schools and restaurants in

retaliation for a film that mocks Islam.

At least six protesters died in Egypt, Tunisia, Lebanon and Sudan on Friday as local police battled to defend American missions from mobs of stone-throwers, and Washington deployed U.S. Marines to protect its embassies in Libya and Yemen.

The protests broke out when Muslims emerged from mosques following weekly prayers to voice their anger at a crude film made in the United States by a right-wing Christian group that ridicules the Prophet Mohammed.

U.S. ambassador Chris Stevens and the three other Americans died Tuesday when a mob torched the American consulate in Benghazi, Libya.

Panetta argued it was too early to say what exactly happened in Benghazi and who was to blame for the attacks.

Two U.S. Marines Killed in Afghan Base Attack

By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

KABUL - Two U.S. Marines were killed in an attack Saturday on the military post in southern Afghanistan where Britain’s Prince Harry is based, officials said, adding he was “not in any danger”.

The attack, involving small arms and mortar or rocket fire, started around midnight local time, Master Sergeant Bob Barko of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) told AFP. A defense official in Washington said the two killed were U.S. Marines, speaking on condition of anonymity, while another U.S. official described the attack as “complex.”

Prince Harry has been deployed at the base as a military helicopter pilot. Taliban insurgents have vowed to kill him, saying earlier this week they had a “high-value plan” to attack the third in line to the British throne.

Barko said that ISAF was assessing the extent of the damage to the camp in restive Helmand province, one of the toughest battlefields in the 10-year war, but the prince was not thought to be affected.

“The information we have is that he was not in any danger,” he said.

The 27-year-old prince will spend four months based at the heavily fortified Camp Bastion.

In 2008, Harry was hastily withdrawn from Afghanistan when a news blackout surrounding his deployment, on the ground directing aircraft in attacks on Taliban positions, was broken.

This time, however, the military has released photographs and video of him in Afghanistan from the start.

Britain’s Ministry of Defence said any risk “has been, and will continue to be, assessed.”

U.S. Sends Team of Marines to Yemen: Pentagon

By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

WASHINGTON - The United States has sent Marines from the Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team to help protect its embassy in Yemen during demonstrations, the Pentagon said Friday.

“A FAST platoon is now on the ground in Sanaa,” spokesman George Little told reporters, describing the deployment of the 50-strong unit as a “precautionary step” amid anti-American unrest in the Middle East.

Little told reporters there were no immediate plans to evacuate the Yemen embassy, but that security would be stepped up.

Earlier, Yemeni security forces had fired warning shots and water cannon to disperse hundreds of protesters trying to reach the U.S. embassy in Sanaa after Friday prayers.

The protesters, angered by a film produced privately in the United States and deemed insulting to Islam, gathered about 500 meters (yards) away from the embassy compound and burned the American flag.

Similar protests were also underway outside Yemen in other cities with large Muslim populations, including Cairo, Khartom, Tunis, Lahore and Mumbai.

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Sunday, September 16, 2012

Knighthawks

An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Knighthawks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136 prepares to make an arrested landing.

(Photo by MC3 Jared King)

Aircraft handlers maneuver an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Knighthawks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136.

(Photo by MC3 Gregory White)

Sailors with the Knighthawks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136, perform p maintenance on a F/A-18E in the hangar bay. (Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman)

Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Victor Jones, assigned to the Knighthawks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136, wipes down the outer panels of an F/A-18E in the hangar bay.

(Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman)

Lt. Chris McCook, assigned to the Knighthawks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136, works on mission planning.

(Photo by MC3 Brian G. Reynolds)

Ca Su (P

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s Aboard Big E

Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Justin P. Hibbler, Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Jake D. Barfield and Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Joel L. Corcoran, attached to the Knighthawks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136, move an air refueling store pod, used for refueling. (Photo by MC3 Gregory White)

preventative

Aviation Machinist’s Mate Airman Marissa Schick, left, from Millford, Pa., and Airman Mike Miller, from Lake Villa, Ill., both assigned to the Knighthawks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136, move aircraft chains on the flight deck. (Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman)

Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Apprentice Jacob Barfield, assigned to the Knighthawks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136, performs regular maintenance on an F/A-18E Super Hornet.

(Photo by MC3 Randy J. Savarese)

An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Knighthawks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136 launches from catapult one during flight operations. (Photo by MC3 Jared King)

apt. William C. Hamilton Jr., the commanding officer of Enterprise, prepares to launch in an F/A-18E uper Hornet assigned to the Knighthawks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136.

Photo by MC3 Harry Andrew D. Gordon)

The Shuttle USS Enterprise (CVN 65)

The Shuttle is published and printed daily underway and bi-weekly in port by the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Media Department, FPO AE 09543-2810. This newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Please direct all story ideas, questions and comments to MC1 (SW) Steve Smith at smithsw@cvn65. navy.mil.

Commanding Officer Capt. William C. Hamilton, Jr.

Executive Officer Capt. G. C. Huffman

Command Master Chief Public Affairs Officer CMDCM (AW/SW) Dwayne E. Huff Lt. Cmdr. Sarah T. Self-Kyler Editor MC3 Brian G. Reynolds

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Sunday Feature

The Art of Striking:

The Pathway to Receiving a Rate Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Randy J. Savarese

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea – Many Sailors begin their Navy career by choosing a rate before “signing on the dotted line.” They enter the Navy knowing where they are going and enter the fleet with basic skills within their desired rate to build upon throughout their careers.

Some however, choose to come to the Navy with an open mind and a willingness to learn first-hand what they may or may not like about the Navy before making any decisions about their long-term career. These individuals join the Navy as undesignated Sailors for any number of reasons but, at some point, every one of them must choose to strike for a rate if they want to stay in the Navy.

Striking is the process of going from an undesignated Airman, Fireman or Seaman to being in a rate like Aviation Machinist’s Mate, Electrician’s Mate or Mass Communication Specialist, for example.

Aboard aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65), every department has a career counselor, as well as Navy Counselor 1st Class Linda H. Gilmore, command career counselor, who can guide Sailors through the process and give them the information they need to succeed.

“In order for a Sailor to strike, the Sailor must be qualified for the rate via Fleet Ride,” said Gilmore. “Once approved for the rate, they must take and pass the petty officer third class Navy-wide advancement exam and then get approval for a direct conversion; for example, an Airman to Aviation Ordnanceman Airman, or to get an A-school.”

“Undesignated Sailors must know that they can apply

and be approved for a rate via the direct conversion (RED) option providing they qualify and have been aboard for a year,” said Gilmore. “This will allow the sailor to be rated as soon as possible, take the PO3 Navy-wide advancement exam and then submit their PTS application if available.”

One of the benefits of coming into the Navy undesignated is the opportunity to see what the Navy is about before making a decision.

“You do actually get to see a lot of different rates, and not just what it says on the rating cards. You get to see inside into all the nuances of the rate as opposed to just reading about it,” said Seaman David Adams. “It’s good to know before you sign that dotted line what that rate is really all about.”

In Adams’s case the rate he hopes to strike for, Cryptologic Technician (Collection) or Cryptologic Technician (Networks), doesn’t offer the chance for on-thejob training because of the security clearances needed to perform the job.

Others, like Seaman Apprentice Edward Gates, have been able to get more hands-on with their desired rate.

“I want to be a Gunner’s Mate because I enjoy the things they do,” said Gates. “I know some people who were in Deck (department) with me before they struck out who showed me a lot about the rate and explained the things they do. I am hoping I can do more with it like eventually work with SWCC or the SEALs in Little Creek. That is my

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Sunday Feature

goal at least.”

One of the challenges of being undesignated also seems to be one of its biggest benefits in the long run. While many Sailors start out within a rate knowing where they are headed in their career, the undesignated Sailor must work hard to attain the rate they want, in addition to their daily tasks.

“I think I will appreciate my rate more because I know how hard I worked to get there,” said Gates. “I think it makes the accomplishment mean more.”

In the end, more so than any other Naval career path, the future of an undesignated Sailor rests on their own personal drive and motivation.

“I asked my division officer when I got here what I could do to become a CTR - what I could do to be a better candidate,” said Adams. “He said, ‘get all your qualifications and get both your warfare pins and then they will know you are taking the Navy seriously.’”

KNIGHTHAWKS continued from page 2 aircraft, not needing to remove it for maintenance,” said Overbeck. “Taking it out would have driven up the hours we spent working on it exponentially.”

With most, to all, of the aircraft operational most of the time, the pilots are free to fly missions supporting Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

“We’ve dropped a lot of ordnance and strafed targets,” said Sheets. “We’ve employed pretty much all of the different weapons we carry.”

Though many weapons have been used to support OEF, it’s not only about employing ordnance for the pilots of VFA-136.

“A lot of guys in the squadron here have friends in various warfare communities, a lot of us have friends in-country, so it’s personal to us,” said Sheets. “We’ve gotten a lot of good feedback, being able to e-mail (securely) the guys on the ground.”

The mission would not get accomplished without the effort of all parts of the Knighthawk command structure.

“Just do those three things they always tell you - be where you’re supposed to be, wear a good looking uniform and do what you’re told to do, and get all the qualifications you can,” said Adams. “Work hard and your command will support you. A good evaluation definitely helps your chances.”

As the last of those fortunate enough to learn the Navy’s core values on the deck plates of the Enterprise there seems to be an extra sense of pride knowing they will join the rated ranks on her last deployment.

“Being among the last people to strike for a rate on the Enterprise is an honor,” said Gates. “Knowing this ship is on its last deployment and that I was able to learn about the Navy and what I wanted to do with my Navy career on a ship with such a proud history, it’s just good to be able to say I was one of the people who made their way on the Enterprise.”

“Our job as pilots is to employ the aircraft, but our job as officers is to support the enlisted personnel in the squadron,” said Sheets.

Even the most junior personnel are eager to complete the mission.

“They understand what we have to do out here,” said Edmond. “There have been no complaints, they’ve been on their “A” game since day one, and even though everybody’s tired, they’ve still been pushing hard knowing that we have a mission to take care of.”

The Knighthawks’ second deployment aboard Enterprise is the “Big E’s” final ride, and all parts of the squadron are ready to be home.

“We’re really excited to finish strong. Home is on the horizon, but at the same time, we’re very focused on the mission.”

Though less than 30 years old, the Knighthawks have a history of excellence that Sailors embarked aboard USS Enterprise continue to maintain.

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Sunday, September 16, 2012

Big E Entertainment

ACROSS 1. Brown ermine 6. God of love 10. Not hard 14. Stagger 15. Defrost 16. Tall woody plant 17. Absurd 18. Largest continent 19. Anger

20. Criminal 22. Black, in poetry 23. Threesome 24. Metal shackles 26. Steals 30. Paddle 31. Skirt’s edge 32. Assist in crime 33. Goulash 35. Andean animal

9. Polysaccharide 39. Anticipate 10. Contour 41. A painkiller 11. Small African antelope 43. Musical time 12. Criminal 44. Blowgun missile 13. Adolescents 46. Where a bird lives 47. Comes after Mi and Fah 21. Got up 25. Assistance 49. C 26. Flat float 50. Leisure 27. Double-reed woodwind 51. Fine wheat meal 28. Road shoulder 54. Gossip 29. Daughter of a step56. Auspices parent 57. Stinky 34. Depot 63. Deliver a tirade 36. District 64. Hawaiian feast 37. A young lady 65. Like the Vikings 38. Initial wager 66. Church alcove 40. Any day now 67. Twin sister of Ares 68. Master of ceremonies 42. Place 45. Praise vociferously 69. Lascivious look 48. Tiny village 70. Docile 51. Not domesticated 71. Flash 52. Slack-jawed 53. Washing machine cycle DOWN 55. Notes 1. Slender 58. Emanation 2. Bluefin 59. Cavort 3. By mouth 60. Killer whale 4. Skin disease 61. End ___ 5. Larceny 62. Search 6. Gaunt 7. Repair 8. Hodgepodge