FighterSweep Fans, here’s a feel-good story coming out of Operation Inherent Resolve. Our brothers and sisters aboard the U.S.S. Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) have been doing some outstanding work. In fact, Air Wing Seven has dropped a record amount of carrier-based ordnance during its most recent deployment–over 580 tons, in fact!
Continuing the coalition fight against ISIS, Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group has surpassed an operational milestone, delivering the most carrier-based ordnance throughout the conflict, substantially degrading ISIS resources and leadership.
After returning from strike missions April 15, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 embarked aboard aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), completed 1,407 combat sorties, delivering 1,118 pieces, over 580 tons, of ordnance. Both the weight and number exceed the total dropped by aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) during its record-setting 2015 deployment.
“Since our arrival in the Arabian Gulf, the Truman Strike Group has been conducting operations around the clock,” said Capt. Ryan B. Scholl, Truman’s commanding officer. “This deployment is busier than any other I’ve seen. Every Sailor is doing great work individually and executing as a combat team to reach this milestone.”
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 1st Class Joshua Dandrea signals the launch of an EA-18G Growler, assigned to the “Patriots” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, on the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ethan T. Miller/Released)
Truman, in partnership with 64 nations, has taken the fight to ISIS. Now in its fifth month of deployment, the strike group has played a tremendous role in Operation Inherent Resolve.
“I want you to know the impact you are having,” said Lt. Gen. Sean MacFarland, commanding general, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve. “You’ve seen the [OIR] strike videos; but holistically, what I’m seeing is an enemy who doesn’t have gas left in the tank.”
Truman did not intend to set a Navy record, it was simply a result of the ship’s productivity and efficiency while working toward completing its mission.
“Completing the ship’s mission is something I always look forward to,” said Capt. David “Chicken” Little, commander, Carrier Air Wing 7. “Today marks and signifies the progress we’ve made and how hard we’ve worked as a strike group. Everyone did their part. It’s the dedication of the whole team that makes completing our mission out here possible.”