The Shuttle
USS Enterprise (CVN 65)
Newsletter Edition
“We are Legend”
January 25, 2012 Issue
VAW-123 Maintenance, Admin Sailors Prepare for Deployment Story and photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Peter Melkus USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea – As the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) enters the second week of its composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) Jan. 25, Sailors assigned to the carrier’s squadrons continue to work around the clock to ensure their aircraft and the personnel who make them fly are ready for Big E’s upcoming deployment. For the Sailors assigned to the “Screwtops” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123, the importance of keeping aircraft “mission ready” is amplified by the fact that they possess only a fraction of the aircraft their fellow squadrons have. With only four E-2C Hawkeye aircraft aboard Enterprise, “Screwtop” Aviation Machinist Mate 3rd Class Thomas P. Eaton preforms a bulkhead change on an E-2C Hawkeye . mechanics have worked can correct issues in a shorter turnaround time.” tirelessly since the conclusion of their last deployment in July While “Screwtop” mechanics are charged with the to ensure their upkeep and repair skills remain on point. “During the span of two months, our Sailors completed three responsibility of keeping their aircraft in proper working order, VAW-123’s administrative team is responsible for keeping the major aircraft modifications that will improve the capabilities affairs of the more than 150-Sailor crew in order as well. of the E-2C in relation to the strike group’s deployment “Our job is to take care of the people taking care of the mission,” said Lt. Robert Franklin Kersey III, VAW-123’s aircraft,” said Yeoman 2nd Class (AW) Jarrell R. Riggins, assistant maintenance officer. “They have done an amazing who has worked with the “Screwtop” administrative team for job maintaining our aircraft while building upon their range of the last two-and-a-half years. “Whatever the issue, whether skills in the process.” personal or career-oriented, we focus on those issues so our From mid-July through the commencement of COMPTUEX, “Screwtop” Sailors completed more than 17,000 Sailors can, in turn, focus on their jobs.” Riggins said his team is very excited to be part of man hours of maintenance, which included nearly 6,000 Enterprise’s final deployment, and it’s their goal to do the best preventive and corrective maintenance actions. The diligent job they can do every day in order to account for, and take care efforts of “Screwtop” mechanics on the ground also paved the of, every Sailor within the “Screwtop” command. way for VAW-123 pilots to complete 459 flight training hours Enterprise is currently underway conducting training in the air. exercises and evolutions as part of a composite training unit “Unlike last deployment, 80-percent of our Sailors are now exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for the ship’s 22nd and returning with previous deployment experience,” said Kersey. “Our crew is much sharper now. They know what to expect and final deployment following 50 years of Naval service.