USS Theodore Roosevelt and CVW11 complete carrier qualifications

The US Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 have finished carrier qualifications.

In this period, the CVN 71 qualified pilots from the Tomcatters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31, Golden Warriors of VFA-87, Blue Diamonds of VFA-146 and Black Knights of VFA-154.

Pilots from Liberty Bells of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 115, The Gray Wolves of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142, and the Providers of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 were also qualified.

In support of carrier qualifications, the Eightballers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 and the Wolf Pack of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 75 also worked with the vessel.

US Navy Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 commander Captain Steve Jaureguizar said: “It is very gratifying to be able to return to our primary mission in the Indo-Pacific.

“The carrier air wing joined together with the carrier is the bedrock of naval aviation and power projection.”

During carrier qualifications, naval aviators sharpen their skills acquired during Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP).

The operational relationship between CVW-11 and the Theodore Roosevelt is claimed to have been fortified by carrier qualifications.

As per schedule, Theodore Roosevelt and CVW-11 will be deployed to the US 7th Fleet area of operations to provide maritime security.

Completion of carrier qualification is considered to be final milestone in returning Theodore Roosevelt to sea as a ready.

Prior to the carrier qualification, CVW-11 successfully concluded FCLP at Andersen Air Force Base (AFB).

During the FCLP, pilots were prepared for underway operations.

The fourth Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt has the capacity to accommodate a crew of approximately 5,000 sailors. It supports air operations at sea.