NORTH ARABIAN SEA (January 4, 2010) An E-2C Hawkeye assigned to the "Wallbangers" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117 lands aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is on a routine deployment to the region. Operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations are focused on reassuring regional partners of the United States' commitment to security, which promotes stability and global prosperity. U.S. Navy photo by MC3 James Mitchell
Command and control above Afghanistan
USS Nimitz, North Arabian Sea – A squadron launching from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) has the mission to synchronize and direct aircrews over Afghanistan.
E-2C Hawkeyes assigned to Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117 use sophisticated radar and communications to frame the operational picture for all levels of command supporting Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).
“The E-2C is predominantly a command and control aircraft,” said Lt. Cmdr David Dees, operations officer from VAW-117. “With the dynamic joint battle space we are able to link the operational level, or the higher level commanders, with the tactical units in the field.”
The aircraft’s powerful radar can simultaneously track more than 600 targets and control more than 40 airborne intercepts. It is able to detect targets within a three-million-cubic mile envelope, monitoring both air and maritime traffic.
“Everything the Hawkeye does in Afghanistan is to shorten the timeline from when the guy on the ground needs something to the time he gets it,” said Lt. Cmdr. Matt Ventimiglia, an E-2C pilot. “That encompasses everything: tanking, air space management, communications and data linking.”
The E-2C maintains the picture and serves as an information sharing hub for aviators and ground troops alike. Air space management and tanker coordination between JTACs (Joint Tactical Air Controllers) on the ground and airborne assets is facilitated by the Hawkeye, explained Ventimiglia.
“We’re [E-2Cs] helping the Air Wing meet its commitments because the guys on the ground don’t care if that jet comes from VFA-97 or VFA-14, they just care it’s where it’s supposed to be, with what they need, when they need it,” said Ventimiglia. “The Hawkeyes make sure that happens.”
Since entering the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations Sep. 18., aircraft from Nimitz have conducted more than 2,220 sorties in support of OEF, providing 30 percent of the close air support to the coalition forces in Afghanistan.
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, commanded by Rear Adm. John W. Miller, is comprised of USS Nimitz, embarked CVW 11, embarked Destroyer Squadron 23, and the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Chosin. Ships assigned to DESRON 23 include the destroyers USS Pinckney, USS Sampson and the frigate USS Rentz.
Squadrons from CVW 11 include the "Black Aces" of Strike Fighter Squadron 41, the "Tophatters" of VFA 14, the "Warhawks" of VFA 97, the "Sidewinders" of VFA 86, the "Indians" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 6, the "Black Ravens" of Electronic Attack Squadron 135, the "Providers" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 and the "Wallbangers" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 117.
Helicopter detachments include the "Easy Riders" of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light 37, the "Battle Cats" of HSL 43, the "Wolfpack" of HSL 45, the "Scorpions" of HSL 49 and the "Wildcards" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23. Also accompanying the Nimitz CSG are Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11 and the USNS Bridge.
