US Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), nicknamed Ike, welcomed Carrier Air Wing 3 and its 10 squadrons of approximately 2,000 Sailors, Sept. 2.
The air wing moved aboard the day after the ship returned from completing sea trials.
CVW-3 was fully integrated with the ship’s crew by the time they were underway Sept. 4. Such a task required great cooperation between ship’s company and air wing, and during those crucial two days in port, more than 300 Ike Sailors lent a hand to ensure the air wing’s transition ran smoothly.
Flight deck certification is a requirement for every aircraft carrier that has not been operational for more than six months. The Ike’s last flight deck certification was in 2009.
To complete the flight deck certification, Ike must accomplish 120 launch and recoveries during the day and 40 at night. The crew must also conduct several fire and barricade drills, as well as go through a training plan assessment.
After the completion of the flight deck certification, Ike will continue with carrier qualifications in preparation for its deployment next year.
Image: US Navy