The year in review 2004.

Naval Aviation evolved in 2004 in the midst of continued daunting tasks. Operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and across the globe also utilized community assets to execute a variety of missions. The Navy made changes in its organization and operational methods to meet the requirements of the 21st century, while Naval Aviation also improved by integrating updated equipment and new technologies.

U.S. Naval Aviation supported U.S. and coalition forces as Operation Iraqi Freedom continued. Carrier air wings (CVWs) and Marine squadrons afloat and ashore participated in operations throughout the year. During Operation Vigilant Resolve in April, Navy and Marine Corps squadrons struck insurgent and terrorist targets in Al Anbar province and several other cities. Major fighting occurred around Fallujah, but the coalition suspended the operations on 9 April to allow negotiations. The result was the formation of an Iraqi brigade to maintain stability in Fallujah, but this unit failed and the city remained an insurgent and terrorist stronghold. To bring the area under control prior to the Iraqi national elections on 30 January 2005, a new assault was planned. U.S. Marine, Navy, and Air Force aircraft stepped up attacks on Fallujah in late October and early November. The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) pounded seven separate Iraqi weapons caches in just eight hours on 6 November.

Operation Phantom Fury, later redesignated Operation Al Fajr ("Dawn"), was launched on 8 November to regain control of Fallujah. Several thousand insurgents and terrorists, stiffened by religious zealots (jihadis) were dug into a complex of bunkers and strongholds. I Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), supported by the Army's 1st Cavalry Division and Iraqi security forces, was quickly embroiled in some of the fiercest house-to-house fighting endured by Marines since the 1968 Vietnam battle at Hue. The low ceiling forced fixed-wing aircraft to fly lower than normal and required more helicopter involvement. The enemy took advantage of these conditions and used surface-to-air missiles, antiaircraft artillery, small arms, and rocket-propelled grenades against U.S. aircraft, but to little effect. The insurgents and terrorists repeatedly fought from mosques and hospitals, in violation of international law, and the crowded city made avoiding collateral damage to civilians all but impossible. Precision-guided munitions became crucial, and Al Fajr marked the combat debut of the GBU-38 500 pound Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) when F/A-18C Hornets of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 34, embarked on board John F. Kennedy (CV 67), dropped two against insurgents in Fallujah. The operation dealt a serious blow to opposing forces, and the liberation of the city was instrumental in paving the way for successful elections.

Naval Aviation remained engaged in active operations beyond Iraq. Operation Enduring Freedom continued, and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) [MEU (SOC)] deployed in March from the Wasp (LHD 1)-centered Expeditionary Strike Group 2 to Kandahar, Afghanistan, on board the MEU's aviation assets. Supported by elements of the 2nd MAW deployed from CONUS, the 22nd MEU(SOC) played a key role in Operation Mountain Storm, a preemptive campaign against an anticipated spring offensive by the Taliban. This operation improved the security in Oruzgan Province and paved the way for safe elections and the execution of many civil affairs projects. Other naval aircraft operated in Afghanistan throughout 2004 and participated in maritime interception operations in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility. Naval Aviation assets also remained active in counterdrug operations in the Atlantic and the Pacific.

The Naval Aviation organization continued to evolve throughout the year. Additional fighter squadrons became strike fighter squadrons as the transition from the F-14 Tomcat to the F/A-18 Hornet/Super Hornet proceeded. The helicopter community made preparations for the massive changes that would reorganize the wings and squadrons to reflect the transition from five helicopter models to two. Commander, Fleet Forces Command, issued a realignment message on 8 September which redesignated the carrier and cruiser-destroyer groups as carrier strike groups (CSG) and placed the CSGs under numbered fleet commanders for both operational and administrative control. The reorganization further developed command organizations based on capabilities, simplified command relationships, and streamlined financial and manning responsibilities. It also provided greater flexibility in assigning units.

The Navy explored changes to operational methods with Summer Pulse '04, an exercise designed to test the Fleet Response Plan (FRP) of the Navy's Sea Power 21 strategy. Under the "six-plus-two" concept of FRP, the Navy projects power by providing six CSGs in less than 30 days for contingency operations across the globe, with two more CSGs to follow within three months to reinforce or relieve them, or to respond to other crises. From June to August 2004, Enterprise (CVN 65), George Washington (CVN 73), Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), John C. Stennis (CVN 74), John F. Kennedy (CV 67), Kitty Hawk (CV 63), and Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), along with other vessels of their strike groups, deployed near-simultaneously in five theaters. Operations included scheduled deployments, surge operations, joint and international exercises, other advanced training, and port visits. On a smaller scale, VFA-97 became the first Navy strike fighter squadron to participate in the Marine Corps' Unit Deployment Program when it deployed to Japan in September. This is part of the tactical air integration program that also has Marine fighter attack squadrons assigned to air wings so that the Navy and the Marine Corps will be able to surge more aircraft to meet requirements either afloat or ashore.

The weather played an especially prominent role in 2004. The Atlantic hurricane season was one of the most destructive recorded to date, with nine named storms affecting the U.S. The worst, Hurricane Ivan, was a Category 3 storm that devastated southeastern states in mid-September. NAS Pensacola, Fla., endured peak wind gusts of 107 mph and a storm surge of 10 feet, causing over $100 million in damages, with nearly 90 percent of the station's buildings suffering significant damage, though no deaths were reported there. The storm damaged 34 display aircraft on the flight line of the National Museum of Naval Aviation, and classes at the Naval Air Technical Training Center were disrupted until 27 September. The Navy issued a stop movement order to all personnel with orders to stations in the region, which remained in effect until early December. Navy Seabees were instrumental in disaster recovery operations.

The year saw great improvements in Naval Aviation technologies. Unmanned aerial vehicle programs continued to move ahead and see greater use in operations. Ordnance developments focused on precision weapons and systems developed for joint use. The MV-22 Osprey and the EA-18G programs made great strides. Naval Aviation also pushed the development and acquisition of a variety of sensors, cockpit systems, and radars, while upgrade programs continued apace.

Naval Aviation's performance in 2004 demonstrated its vital role in the defense of the nation. Despite the challenges of weather, operations, and the changes necessary to transition into a more responsive force, Naval Aviation effectively carried out its varied and critical missions.

Note: Some data in the following chronology and charts may be incomplete because of limited accurate source material due to the failure of some squadrons and wings to file a 2004 command history in accordance with OPNAVINST 5750.12 H.

January

5 Raytheon Co. was awarded a $139.7 million contract for production of the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) for the Navy and Air Force. The contract includes 546 JSOW-As (231 for the Navy and 315 for the Air Force) and 97 JSOW-Cs (all Navy).

6 The E-2 Integrated Test Team announced it completed flight testing of the eight-bladed NP2000 propeller at NAS Patuxent River, Md., concluding developmental testing and evaluation that began in summer 2000.

7 The Navy awarded Fabrique Nationale Herstal, S.A., Belgium, a contract for the procurement of and logistical support for 136 M3M .50 caliber machine guns. The Navy configuration of the M3M system, the GAU-21, is planned to be common to all Navy and Marine Corps assault support rotary wing aircraft.

8 Lockheed Martin Corp. and Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. were awarded a $417 million, five-year contract to provide supply support and repairs to in-service H-60 helicopters.

9 The remains of two service members missing in action from the Vietnam War were identified and returned to their families for burial. Ltjg. Robert A. Clark and another crew member of Attack Squadron 115 were flying an A-6A Intruder, BuNo 155694, from Midway (CVA 41) on 10 January 1973 when their aircraft disappeared during a night mission to suppress surface-to-air missile sites near Vinh, North Vietnam. The family of the other man requested that his name not be released.

9 Maj. Gen, James F. Amos, Commanding General, 3rd MAW, flew the V-22 Osprey in both helicopter and airplane modes.

9 The frigate McClusky (FFG 41) and her embarked helicopter from HSL-43 Det 6 rescued 169 migrants on board the Ecuadorian vessels The Andrea and San Luis, which were foundering in the eastern Pacific.

10 Midway (CVA 41) arrived at her berth at Broadway Pier, San Diego, Calif., to serve as a naval museum and event facility. Commissioned on 10 September 1945, Midway participated in operations spanning half a century, including the Vietnam War and Operations Desert Shield and Storm, before being decommissioned on 11 April 1992.

12 The frigate Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) and Coast Guard law enforcement detachment (LEDET) 403 intercepted a suspicious vessel being tracked by the frigate's embarked helicopter from HSL-44 Det 7. The LEDET seized eight drug traffickers and recovered more than 7,000 pounds of cocaine, despite the smugglers' efforts to set their vessel afire and escape.

14 The amphibious assault ship Boxer (LHD 4), with aircraft and personnel from I Marine Expeditionary Force embarked, deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, arriving on station in the Arabian Gulf on 20 February. Boxer returned on 29 April.

17 The destroyer Halsey (DDG 97) was christened at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, Pascagoula, Miss. She was the second ship to be named in honor of Fleet Admiral William F. Halsey, Jr. (1882-1959). Awarded the Navy Cross during WW I for his actions on Atlantic convoy duty, he became a Naval Aviator in 1935 at age 52. Early in WW II he led a task force built around Enterprise (CV 6) during raids against the Japanese, then commanded the forces in the South Pacific. Halsey also led the Third Fleet during the Leyte Gulf and Okinawa campaigns, 1944-1945.

19 The amphibious assault ship Bataan (LHD 5), with aircraft and personnel from II Marine Expeditionary Force embarked, deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, returning on 31 March.

20 The George Washington (CVN 73) carrier strike group, with CVW-7 embarked, deployed in support of the global war on terrorism.

23 The Navy announced the signing of an approximately $570 million, second multi-year procurement contract with Northrop Grumman Corp. for the E-2C Hawkeye 2000.

February

5 Boeing Integrated Defense Systems announced the completion of integration of the AGM-84K Standoff Land Attack Missile-Expanded Response (SLAM-ER) onto the P-3C Orion following three years of development and operational testing. SLAM-ER is a precision-guided weapon with a range of more than 150 miles.

5 Adm. Thomas M. Moorer died in Bethesda, Md., at age 91. Adm. Moorer graduated from the Naval Academy in 1933 and was designated a Naval Aviator on 12 June 1936. Originally flying with Fighter Squadron 1B, he was with Patrol Squadron 22 at Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941. He flew from Australia with this squadron in 1942 and later joined the staff of U.S. Atlantic Fleet Air Force. Moorer commanded the Seventh and Pacific Fleets during the opening phases of the Vietnam War, followed by assignments as CNO and Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. During his 41 years of service, he received many decorations including the Purple Heart, Silver Star, and Distinguished Flying Cross.

9 The Navy awarded a $61.8 million contract to the Boeing Co. for the second low-rate initial production of 12 AN/APG-79 active electronically scanned array radar systems for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

9 The DoD announced the creation of the Korean Defense Service Medal to give special recognition to veterans serving in the Republic of Korea (ROK) from 28 July 1954 to a date to be determined. Legislated by Public Law 107-314, eligibility for the medal includes 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive days of deployment in all land areas of the ROK, the contiguous water out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above these areas, together with additional eligibility criteria.

10 The Officer Training Command Pensacola, NAS Pensacola, Fla.--consisting of Officer Candidate School, Limited Duty Officer/Chief Warrant Officer School, and the Direct Commissioned Officer Indoctrination School--celebrated its establishment ceremony.

14 The keel was laid for the amphibious assault ship Makin Island (LHD 8) at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, Pascagoula, Miss. Makin Island honors the sailors and Marines who raided that Japanese-held island on 17 August 1942.

17 Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2, formed around the amphibious assault ship Wasp (LHD 1), with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) embarked, began the first deployment of an east coast-based ESG, returning on 18 September.

18 The DoD announced the retroactive authorization of Imminent Danger Pay and Combat Zone Tax Relief benefits to Navy personnel deployed to the eastern Mediterranean Sea during the initial operations of Operation Iraqi Freedom (19 March-1 August 2003), principally TF 61 and the Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) battle groups.

19 The Airframe and Powerplant Program was established at CNATT Pensacola, Fla., giving Navy aviation technicians the opportunity to earn the Federal Aviation Administration's Airframe and Powerplant license, a civilian aviation standard certification.

23-29 A shipboard mission control system allowing X-47B unmanned combat aerial vehicles to operate safely and independently during conventional manned flight operations, one aspect of the Joint Unmanned Combat Air System (J-UCAS) program, was demonstrated on board Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). The J-UCAS is designed to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support, suppression of enemy air defenses, and precision strikes for the Navy and Air Force.

26 The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal were given final approval. Eligibility for each is initially determined by service in operations combating terrorism beginning on 11 September 2001, with a terminal date to be determined.

28 Bow Mariner, a 570-foot Singapore-flagged tanker carrying industrial ethanol, exploded and sank in the Atlantic Ocean 50 miles east of Chincoteague, Va. Coast Guard crews from an HC-130H Hercules and two HH-60Js from CGAS Elizabeth City, N.C., an HH-65A Dolphin from CGAS Atlantic City, N.J., and the cutters Albacore (WPB 87309) and Shearwater (WPB 87349) rescued 6 of the 27 crew members from the stricken ship during a night search and rescue mission.

29 The Enterprise (CVN 65) carrier strike group completed a deployment which began on 2 October 2003 in support of the global war on terrorism.

March

The Joint Common Missile (JCM) completed launcher and integration testing, successfully interfacing with the F/A-18C/D Hornet and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, at NAWS China Lake, Calif. The JCM is an air-to-ground precision missile that will be carried on board Navy, Marine Corps, and Army aircraft.

1 Boeing Integrated Defense Systems announced receipt of a $642 million contract for the production of more than 32,000 Joint Direct Attack Munition Lot 8 guidance kits for the Navy and Air Force.

9 Expeditionary Strike Group 1, built around the amphibious assault ship Peleliu (LHA 5), returned from a six and a half month deployment in support of the global war on terrorism.

11 During an acceptance ceremony at NAS Patuxent River, Md., Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 20 welcomed its first T-6A Texan II for testing.

21 Capt. Arthur Ray Hawkins, a highly decorated veteran of WW II and the Korean War, died at age 81. Hawkins joined the Navy on 29 April 1942, and was commissioned as an ensign and designated a Naval Aviator on 1 January 1943. He was credited with 14 confirmed Japanese kills, as well as attacks on enemy ships, including participating in the sinking of Japanese battleship Ise. Hawkins later served twice with the Blue Angels. His numerous awards include three Navy Crosses and two Distinguished Flying Crosses.

21 The crews of the frigate Stephen W. Groves (FFG 29) and her embarked SH-60B Seahawk from HSL-42 Det 10 rescued 103 Ecuadorian migrants from their unseaworthy 40-foot fishing boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

22 Lt. Col. Kevin Gross, USMC, and test pilot Steve Grohsmeyer, flying Osprey No. 22, made the first V-22 Osprey air-to-air refueling flights since the program's return to flight in May 2002, near NAS Patuxent River, Md. This was the first step toward testing a retractable probe.

22 Everton, a 567-foot Greek-flagged tanker, and Chun Ying, a Korean-flagged fishing vessel, collided off the coast of Oman during the morning watch, igniting a fire on board the tanker. The crew of the cruiser Yorktown (CG 48), including her embarked SH-60B Seahawk from HSL-42 Det 2, assisted in the multinational search and rescue of 24 of Everton's 25 crew members.

30 The Navy and Rockwell Collins signed a $79.5 million contract for the system development and demonstration of Block I modifications to the E-6B Mercury, intended to improve the reliability and maintainability of the aircraft's communications systems.

April

The Mariner unmanned aerial vehicle was demonstrated for the Navy's Broad Area Maritime Surveillance program by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., and Lockheed Martin, at San Diego, Calif. The demonstration included a unique UAV-capable 360[degrees] maritime surveillance search radar installed on board a Mariner.

Aviation Career Continuation Pay was approved for Full-Time Support pilots and naval flight officers to retain experienced personnel.

2 The EA-6B Prowler Improved Capability III airborne electronic attack weapon system began operational evaluation with Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 9, NAWS China Lake, Calif.

5 General Atomics was awarded a $145.6 million contract to design, fabricate, integrate, test and support a full-scale prototype of the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System at NAES Lakehurst, N.J. EMALS is intended for installation on board CVN 21 class carriers.

5 The Navy announced that in June 2005, the carrier Oriskany (CV/CVA 34) would be transferred to the state of Florida for use as an artificial reef, the first carrier to be disposed of in this manner.

7 The V-22 Osprey program manager announced that the HV-22 designation would not be used, and the Navy would purchase MV-22s instead.

8 The first AH-1W Super Cobra, BuNo 160745, arrived at NADEP Cherry Point, N.C., to begin conversion to the AH-1Z.

8 The Fleet Antisubmarine Warfare Command, San Diego, Calif., was established to integrate advanced ASW networks, establish doctrine and operating concepts, coordinate ASW training, and advise naval leadership.

9 The National Museum of Naval Aviation, Pensacola, Fla., acquired the last T-2C Buckeye to make a carrier landing, BuNo 157058. The final trap occurred on board Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) on 25 July 2003.

18 An operator-directed X-45A Joint Unmanned Combat Air System dropped a 250 pound inert guided small smart bomb on target at NAWS China Lake, Calif., demonstrating that an unmanned combat system could effectively deliver a precision weapon.

21 The Navy awarded the Boeing Co. a $3.4 million contract to begin modernizing avionics on the 48 Naval and Marine Reserve C-130Ts and KC-130Ts.

22 The V-22 Osprey surpassed 2,000 flight hours since the program's return to flight in May 2002, with a mission by one of VMX-22's MV-22s.

29 Commander, Operational Testing and Evaluation, Marine Corps, recommended the full fleet introduction of the KC-130J for operational use.

30 The amphibious transport dock LPD 22 was named in honor of the city of San Diego, Calif. Building at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, Avondale Operations, New Orleans, La., San Diego is capable of operating CH-46 Sea Knights and MV-22 Ospreys.

May

A ScanEagle unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launched and recovered autonomously on board Shackleton, a 58-foot fishing boat, in Puget Sound, Wash. During a simulated mission, the UAV conducted area surveillance with its electro-optical camera. In August ScanEagle again operated from Shackleton, flying an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance mission lasting almost 17 hours, demonstrating sustained ship-based UAV endurance.

5 Lockheed Martin was awarded a contract valued at approximately $5 billion to develop the AGM-169A Joint Common Missile (JCM). As many as 54,000 JCMs are expected to be produced for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Army, with fleet introduction anticipated in 2010.

6 Cdr. Stewart R. Graham, USCG (Ret.), the Coast Guard's Aviator No. 114 and Helicopter Pilot No. 2, was inducted into the Hall of Honor at the National Museum of Naval Aviation, Pensacola, Fla. Born on 25 September 1917, Graham pioneered helicopter development during WW II, making the first helo takeoff from a ship on the high seas, flying an YR-4B (HNS-1) from the 10,000-ton British freighter Daghestan while she was en route from New York to Liverpool, U.K., on 16 January 1944. Graham also participated in the rescue of 18 of the 44 people on board a DC-4 that crashed 20 miles southeast of Gander, Newfoundland, in September 1946, proving the utility of helos for search and rescue in remote locations. His many awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross.

6 NASA announced the selection of 11 astronaut candidates, including Naval Aviator Maj. Randolph J. Bresnik, USMC.

6 The H-1 upgrade program achieved 2,000 flight hours during AH-1Z weapons accuracy testing and UH-1Y external loads testing at the Army's Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz.

8 Following a five-month post shakedown availability, Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) received her second flight deck certification. Two days later she launched her last Tomcat, an F-14D from Fighter Squadron 213.

15 The AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missile was authorized for full-rate production.

17 The UH-1Y Huey upgrade fired weapons for the first time during a test flight at Fort A. P. Hill, Va.

21 Northrop Grumman Corp., Newport News, Va., was awarded a $1.4 billion construction preparation and design contract for CVN 21.

27 Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), with elements of six squadrons from CVW-11 embarked, sailed from NS Norfolk, Va., for her new homeport of NAS North Island, Calif., arriving on 23 July. Among those on hand to greet the ship's arrival was former First Lady Nancy D. Reagan.

29 The destroyer Pinckney (DDG 91) was commissioned at Naval Base Ventura County, Calif. The ship honors Officer's Cook Third Class William Pinckney, an African American sailor awarded the Navy Cross during WW II for rescuing a fellow crew member from a burning ammunition handling room on board Enterprise (CV 6) during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands on 26 October 1942.

June

11 The Boeing Co. announced receipt of an $86 million contract for the first full-rate production lot of the Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System, with 2,000 systems expected for U.S. and international aircraft, including the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

14 The Boeing Co. received a $3.89 billion contract for the system development and demonstration phase of the Multimission Maritime Aircraft. Plans call for acquisition of 108 MMAs, totaling approximately $20 billion, to ultimately replace the P-3C Orion.

24 A ceremony at NADEP Jacksonville, Fla., commemorated the last overhaul of an F-14 Tomcat. The depot was designated for reworking and repairing F-14s in 1994.

21-29 The V-22 Osprey Integrated Test Team successfully completed the fifth at-sea period testing the Osprey's shipboard suitability, on board the amphibious assault ship Iwo Jima (LHD 7) off the coast of Maryland. This phase of testing resulted in expanded operational wind envelopes and cleared the use of more shipboard spots than previous tests.

July

The Boeing Co. received a contract from the Marine Corps to provide two ScanEagle unmanned aerial vehicle mobile deployment units, each consisting of several UAVs, for use with I Marine Expeditionary Force in Iraq. ScanEagle would later be used extensively during the November battle at Fallujah, where its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities contributed to coalition victory.

5 The George Washington (CVN 73) carrier strike group returned from the Arabian Gulf after more than four months on station supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. During its deployment, the group launched strikes into Iraq, and its aircraft also participated in maritime intercept operations leading to the boarding of more than 200 vessels.

15 LCdr. Mark Tankersley and Ltjg. Scott Timmester of Fighter Squadron 213 made the last AIM-54C Phoenix long-range air-to-air missile firing, as the Navy continued to phase the weapon out of inventory by 30 September. First deployed with Fighter Squadrons 1 and 2 on board Enterprise (CVN 65) on 17 September 1974, the merger of the Phoenix with the F-14 Tomcat produced one of the most capable air superiority platforms ever developed. More than 4,566 Phoenix missiles were built.

19 Full-scale models of the X-47B and X-45C Joint Unmanned Combat Air System (J-UCAS) vehicles were unveiled by Northrop Grumman Corp., and Boeing Co., respectively, during the opening of the Farnborough International Air Show, U.K. Northrop Grumman also announced that the RQ-4A Global Hawk UAV surpassed 2,000 combat flight hours in Afghanistan and Iraq in the global war on terrorism. In service with the Air Force, the Global Hawk is also under development for the Navy.

20 Aircraft embarked on board John F. Kennedy (CV 67) in the Arabian Gulf struck anti-Iraqi forces threatening Multinational Corps-Iraq. An F-14 Tomcat dropped GBU-12 guided bombs and an F/A-18C Hornet dropped GBU-32s on the enemy positions.

23 Bloodhound 200, the last NF-14D Tomcat at Naval Base Ventura County, Calif., BuNo 163416, made its final flight with Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 30, ending research, development, test, and evaluation flight operations with the Tomcat.

August

13 The Naval Aerospace Medicine Institute dedicated and named its Aerospace Medicine Academic Center in honor of two Naval Aviation personnel, Capt. David M. Brown and Capt. Laurel B. S. Clark. Both former Navy flight surgeons, they were among the seven astronauts lost when the space shuttle Columbia broke apart during her descent into Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on 1 February 2003.

14 The East Coast Hawkeye-Greyhound Ball, Norfolk, Va., celebrated the E-2 Hawkeye's one-millionth flight hour, as well as the 40th anniversary of the C-2 Greyhound's first flight.

22-23 Nimitz (CVN 68) conducted sea trials following completion of a six-month planned incremental availability at NAS North Island, Calif., that began on 23 February.

27 Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, Va., was awarded an almost $2 billion modification to a previously awarded contract for the extended selected restricted availability of Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise entered the shipyard on 3 September, with completion expected by June 2005.

28 The crew of the SH-60B Seahawk from HSL-45 Det 6 embarked on board the frigate Curts (FFG 38) spotted the 36-foot El Poder de Dios foundering 300 miles east of Ecuador. The helo crew directed Curts to the scene, effecting a combined search and rescue which saved 106 Ecuadorian migrants.

30 The 200th F/A-18 Super Hornet, a two-seat "F" model, was delivered to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 9, NAWS China Lake, Calif.

September

Carrier suitability tests for the mass memory unit upgrade to the S-3B Viking, designed to allow preflight programming and postflight analysis from a laptop computer, was completed.

7 The final report by Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force on the operational assessment of the EP-3E Aries II Sensor System Improvement Program upgrade was issued, finding the upgrade operationally effective and suitable for introduction to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadrons 1 and 2.

8 Lt. Col. John F. "Jack" Bolt, USMC, died in Tampa, Fla., at age 83. A veteran of both WW II and the Korean War, Bolt first gained fame during the former war flying F4U-1 Corsairs with the Black Sheep of VMF-214 in the Solomon Islands, becoming an ace by downing six Japanese Zeros. During the Korean War, he flew F-86F Sabres with the Fifth Air Force, shooting down six Communist MiG-15s, becoming the first Naval Aviator to attain five victories in jet combat. Among his many awards were the Navy Cross and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

9 A P-3C Orion from Patrol Squadron 16 spotted a suspected go-fast vessel in the Pacific Ocean and alerted the Coast Guard cutter Jarvis (WHEC 725). The cutter's HH-65 Dolphin launched to intercept and both the helo and the Orion crews saw the smugglers throwing contraband over board. Although the go-fast escaped, Jarvis recovered bales of cocaine valued at over $40 million.

9 Expeditionary Strike Group 3 conducted a flag staff crossdeck while at sea in the northern Arabian Gulf from Belleau Wood (LHA 3) to Essex (LHD 2). The Essex ESG was activated the next day.

10 The keel was laid for the amphibious transport dock New York (LPD 21) at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, Avondale, La. The ship honors her namesake city as well as the victims of the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks.

17 After surveillance by P-3Cs from Patrol Squadrons 16 and 65, the frigate Curts (FFG 38), her embarked helo from HSL-45 Det 6, and a Coast Guard law enforcement detachment intercepted the fishing vessel Lina Maria southwest of the Galapagos Islands. The Coast Guard boarding team found 14 tons of cocaine on board the vessel.

23 A P-3C Orion from Patrol Squadron 16 vectored the frigate Crommelin (FFG 37) and her embarked SH-60 Seahawk from HSL-37 Det 3 to the fishing vessel San Jose west of the Galapagos Islands. The frigate's Coast Guard law enforcement detachment discovered 13 tons of cocaine on the vessel.

October

Some Naval Aviation "A" school students began moving from NAS Pensacola, Fla., to NAS Oceana, Va., as part of STAR-21, designed to streamline training by having students attend schools in the same geographical areas as their permanent duty stations.

1 VAdm. Charles W. Moore, Jr., passed the Gray Eagle Trophy--honoring the Naval Aviator on the active duty list, not recalled, holding that designation for the longest period of time--to Adm. Gregory G. Johnson. Adm. Johnson passed the trophy to Lt. Gen. Robert Magnus, USMC, on 29 November.

1 The Navy transferred operation of the Naval Space Surveillance System, the "Fence," utilized to track satellites and debris orbiting the Earth, to the Air Force, during a ceremony at Naval Network and Space Operations Command, Dahlgren, Va.

2 The destroyer Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) was christened at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, Pascagoula, Miss. She was the second ship named in honor of Adm. Forrest P. Sherman (1896-1951), who was the Chief of Naval Operations at the time of his death. Sherman commanded Naval Aviation squadrons in the 1920s and 1930s, going on to command Wasp (CV 7) in 1942, followed by staff assignments through the remainder of WW II. He earned the Distinguished Service Medal for his role in planning the capture of Japanese-held islands.

2-8 Two joint interceptions involving a Navy P-3C Orion and the Coast Guard cutter Gallatin (WHEC 721) seized nearly 8,000 pounds of cocaine and eight smugglers from two go-fast vessels in the Columbian basin. In both instances, as the smugglers attempted to escape and jettisoned cargoes, the crew of Gallatin's MH-68A disabled the boats with gunfire.

6 The first of two RQ-4A Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicles allocated for the Navy's Global Hawk Maritime Demonstration Program made its first flight, of approximately four hours, from Northrop Grumman Corp., Palmdale, to Birk Flight Test Center, Edwards AFB, both in California.

22 The production line for the EA-18G, which will begin production starting with the first test model dubbed EA-1, stood up at Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo. A total of 56 EA-18Gs are included in a multiyear contract covering 2005-2009.

28 President George W. Bush signed the $420.6 billion FY05 National Defense Authorization Act. In addition to a 3.5 percent pay increase for all service members, Naval Aviation provisions included eight Marine MV-22s, $4.6 billion for the F-35A/B/C Joint Strike Fighter, $2.9 billion for 42 F/A-18E/Fs, $708 million for the Joint Unmanned Combat Air System program, $132.4 million for H-1 upgrades, and $26.8 million for the P-3 Orion antisurface warfare improvement program. It included further funding for CVN 21; the first follow-on to the LHA class; and one San Antonio (LPD 17)-class amphibious assault ship.

28 The Multimission Maritime Aircraft, based on Boeing's commercial 737, began low-speed wind tunnel testing at Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., concluding on 5 November.

November

The ScanEagle unmanned aerial vehicle surpassed 1,000 flight hours while supporting I Marine Expeditionary Force in Iraq.

7 The Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department on board Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) performed its first at-sea jet engine test, on an engine from an F/A-18 Super Hornet.

11 Two AH-1W Marine Super Cobras were hit by ground fire in separate incidents during the fighting near Fallujah, Iraq. All crew members were rescued, but two were injured.

12-23 The V-22 Integrated Test Team conducted shipboard suitability testing on board the amphibious assault ship Wasp (LHD 1) off the Mid-Atlantic coast, primarily consisting of interaction testing between two Ospreys during flight operations.

16 The AGM-154C Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW-C), the unitary/penetration variant, was unveiled to the Navy at Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz.

20 The seventh C-40A Clipper, BuNo 165835, was delivered to the Naval Reserve.

20 The amphibious transport dock New Orleans (LPD 18) was christened at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, New Orleans, La. She is the second ship of the San Antonio (LPD 17) class.

27 A P-3C Orion crew from Patrol Squadron 9 was instrumental in a multinational search and rescue of eight United Arab Emirates fishermen after their dhow sank off the coast of Bahrain.

December

The Joint Common Missile acquired and tracked a Boghammer-class small coastal patrol boat capable of attaining 30 knots, representing enemy craft that can threaten warships, during 125 test runs at Eglin AFB, Fla.

1 Lockheed Martin announced receipt of a $15.6 million contract to integrate the Armed Helicopter Mission Kit for the MH-60S, part of the Navy's Armed Helo program.

2-3 A 40-foot yola carrying 94 Dominican migrants attempting to gain illegal entry into the U.S. capsized as it approached the north coast of Puerto Rico. A Coast Guard HU-25 Guardian spotted the distressed vessel and alerted search and rescue forces, including three HH-65A Dolphins from CGAS Borinquen, Puerto Rico; the cutters Chincoteague (WPB 1320) and Key Largo (WPB 1324); the Border Patrol; and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The search and rescue teams rescued 85 survivors, performing 35 hoists from six-foot surf, and recovered the bodies of the nine migrants killed in the shipwreck.

4-13 While deployed on board Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in the Arabian Gulf, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126 sent a detachment comprising two E-2C Hawkeyes to Kandahar AB, Afghanistan, to support the inauguration of Hamid Karzai, the country's first democratically elected president. The det provided airborne command and control during the historic event, which was attended by an entourage led by Vice President Richard B. Cheney and Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld.

7-23 Selandang Ayu, a 712-foot freighter of Malaysian registry, lost power in heavy seas, ran aground, and broke in two on the north shore of Unalaska Island, Alaska. A Coast Guard search and rescue force rescued 20 crew members. However, one of the aircraft, an HH-60J from CGAS Kodiak, Tail No. 6020, was lost, causing the deaths of six Selandang Ayu crewmen, though the four Coast Guardsmen on board survived. Additional Coast Guard assets participating in the extensive search and rescue included HC-130H Hercules and the cutters Alex Hailey (WMEC 39), Sherman (WHEC 720), and Sycamore (WLB 209).

8 The MH-60S Armed Helicopter Weapons System was previewed in a ceremony at NAS Patuxent River, Md., providing senior leadership a glimpse of system hardware.

14 Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force, announced that the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW-C) had completed operational testing, and was operationally effective and operationally suitable for fleet deployment.

15 Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) completed her planned incremental availability, which began when she entered drydock on 19 February, at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, Va.

15-22 Oriskany (CV/CVA 34) was towed by the commercial tug Dolphin I from Corpus Christi, Texas, to NAS Pensacola, Fla., in preparation for being sunk as an artificial reef.

26 A magnitude 9.0 earthquake occurred off the west coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia, triggering a massive tsunami across the Indian Ocean littoral. In places reaching 30 feet high in shallow waters and 6 miles wide, the tsunami killed more than 275,950 people. The Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) carrier strike group, visiting Hong Kong when the disaster struck, and the Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) expeditionary strike group, visiting Guam, as well as P-3C Orions from Patrol Squadrons 4 and 8 immediately responded. The new year began with these and other Naval Aviation assets at the forefront of the historic relief effort, which was designated Operation Unified Assistance.

Curtis Utz and Mark Evans are historians and Dale Gordon is an archivist in the Aviation History Office of the Naval Historical Center's Naval Warfare Division.

MAJOR PATROL SQUADRON DEPLOYMENTS, 2004

NAS Keflavik, Iceland /Hato AB, Curacao, Netherlands Antilles*
VP-10  Aug 03-Feb 04

NAS Sigonella, Italy
VP-45  Aug 03-Feb 04
VP-26  Jan 04-Jul 04
VP-16  Jul 04-Dec 04 (Dets in Bahrain and El Salvador)
VP-5   Dec 04-present

Indian Ocean (Det in Bahrain)
VP-47  Nov 03-Jun 04
VP-9   Jun 04-Dec 04
VP-4   Dec 04-present

NAF Misawa, Japan (Det in Kadena)
VP-1   Dec 03-Jun 04
VP-46  Jun 04-Dec 04
VP-8   Dec 04-present

*In February 2004, Navy maritime patrol aircraft ended scheduled flight
operations at Keflavik. Caribbean operations were largely taken over by
reserve VP detachments.

MAJOR ELECTRONIC ATTACK EXPEDITIONARY SQUADRON DEPLOYMENTS, 2004

MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
VAQ-128      Oct 03-Jan 04
VMAQ-4       Jan 04-Apr 04
VMAQ-1       Mar 04-Oct 04
VAQ-142      Oct 04-Apr 05

Tallil Air Base, Iraq
VMAQ-2       Jul 04-Jan 05

Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan
VAQ-137 Det  Dec 03-Jan 04
VAQ-142      Dec 03-Apr 04
VAQ-134      Apr 04-Aug 04
VAQ-133      Aug 04-Jan 05

MAJOR CARRIER AND AIR WING DEPLOYMENTS, 2004

Enterprise (CVN 65)

CVW-1 (Tail Code AB)
IO/Arabian Gulf
1 Oct 03-29 Feb 04

Squadron          Aircraft

VF-211            F-14A
VFA-82            F/A-18C
VFA-86            F/A-18C
VMFA-312 (DR)*    F/A-18A
VAW-123           E-2C
VAQ-137           EA-6B
VRC-40 Det 2      C-2A
VS-32             S-3B
HS-11             SH-60F/HH-60H

George Washington (CVN 73)

CVW-7 (Tail Code AG)
Med/Arabian Gulf
20 Jan 04-26 Jul 04

Squadron          Aircraft

VF-11             F-14B
VF-143            F-14B
VFA-131           F/A-18C
VFA-136           F/A-18C
VAW-121           E-2C
VAQ-140           EA-6B
VRC-40 Det 3      C-2A
VS-31             S-3B
HS-5              SH-60F/HH-60H

John C. Stennis (CVN 74)

CVW-14 (Tail Code NK)
Westpac
24 May 04-1 Nov 04

Squadron          Aircraft

VF-31             F-14D
VFA-25            F/A-18C
VFA-113           F/A-18C
VFA-115           F/A-18E
VAW-115           E-2C
VAQ-139           EA-6B
VRC-30 Det 1      C-2A
VS-35             S-3B
HS-4              SH-60F/HH-60H

John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

CVW-17 (Tail Code AA)
Med/Arabian Gulf
7 Jun 04-13 Dec 04

Squadron          Aircraft

VF-103            F-14B
VFA-34            F/A-18C
VFA-81            F/A-18C
VFA-83            F/A-18C
VAW-125           E-2C
VAQ-132           EA-6B
VRC-40 Det 4      C-2A
VS-30             S-3B
HS-15             SH-60F/HH-60H

Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

CVW-3 (Tail Code AC)
Med/Arabian Gulf
13 Oct 04-18 Apr 05

Squadron          Aircraft

VF-32             F-14B
VFA-37            F/A-18C
VFA-105           F/A-18C
VMFA-115 (VE)*    F/A-18A
VAW-126           E-2C
VAQ-130           EA-6B
VRC-40 Det 1      C-2A
VS-22             S-3B
HS-7              SH-60F/HH-60H

Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)

CVW-2 (Tail Code NE)
WestPac
19 Oct 04-1 Mar 05

Squadron          Aircraft

VFA-2             F/A-18F
VFA-82            F/A-18C
VFA-137           F/A-18E
VFA-151           F/A-18C
VAW-116           E-2C
VAQ-131           EA-6B
VRC-30 Det 4      C-2A
HSL-47            SH-60B
HS-2              SH-60F/HH-60H

* While on deployment, VMFA squadrons take on the tail code of the air
wing. Their original tail codes are noted in parentheses.

MAJOR AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT CARRIER AND MARINE HELICOPTER SQUADRON (REIN)
DEPLOYMENTS, 2004

Peleliu (LHA 5)

HMM-163(R) (Tail Code YP)
WestPac/IO
22 Aug 03-09 Mar 04

Squadron                                             Aircraft

VMA-513 Det                                          AV-8B
HMM-163                                              CH-46E
HMH-465 Det                                          CH-53E
HMLA-169 Det                                         UH-1N/AH-1W
HC-11 Det 9 (VR)*                                    MH-60S

Boxer (LHD 4)

HMH-466**
WestPac/IO
14 Jan 04-29 Apr 04

Squadron                                             Aircraft

HMH-466 (YK)                                         CH-53E
HC-11 Det 5 (VR)*                                    CH-46D

Bataan (LHD 5)

HMM-261 & HMLA-167***
Med/IO
19 Jan 04-31 Mar 04

Squadron                                             Aircraft

HMM-261 (EM)                                         CH-46E
HMLA-167 Det B (TV)                                  UH-1N/AH-1W
HC-6 Det 2 (HW)*                                     MH-60S

Wasp (LHD 1)

HMM-266(R) (Tail Code ES)
Med/IO
17 Feb 04-18 Sep 04

Squadron                                             Aircraft

VMA-542 Det                                          AV-8B
HMM-266                                              CH-46E
HMH-? Det                                            CH-53E
HMLA-? Det                                           UH-1N/AH-1W
HC-8 Det 5 (BR)*                                     MH-60S

Belleau Wood (LHA 3)

HMM-166(R) (Tail Code YX)
WestPac/IO
27 May 04-24 Oct 04

Squadron                                             Aircraft

VMA-214 Det B                                        AV-8B
HMM-166                                              CH-46E
HMH-465 Det                                          CH-53E
HMLA-169 Det                                         UH-1N/AH-1W
HC-11 Det 1 (VR)*                                    MH-60S

Kearsarge (LHD 3)

HMM-263(R) (Tail Code EG) ([dagger])
Med/IO
07 Jun 04-14 Aug 04

Squadron                                             Aircraft

HMM-263                                              CH-46E
HMH-464 Det                                          CH-53E
HC-8 Det 1 (BR)*                                     MH-60S

Essex (LHD 2)

HMM-265(R) (Tail Code EP)
IO
23 Aug 04-06 Apr 05

Squadron                                             Aircraft

VMA-211 Det                                          AV-8B
HMM-265                                              CH-46E
HMH-463 Det                                          CH-53D
HMLA-369 Det                                         UH-1N/AH-1W
HC-5 Det 6 (RB)*                                     MH-60S
HM-15 (TB) ([dagger][dagger])                        MH-53E
HMM-262 Det (ET) ([dagger][dagger])                  CH-46E
HC-5 Det 3 (RB) ([dagger][dagger])                   MH-60S

Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6)

HMM-165(R) (Tail Code YW)
WestPac/IO
06 Dec 04-present

Squadron                                             Aircraft

VMA-513                                              AV-8B
HMM-165                                              CH-46E
HMH-462 Det                                          CH-53E
HMLA-? Det                                           UH-1N & AH-1W
HC-11 Det 4 (VR)*                                    MH-60S

* While on deployment, HC squadron detachments are assigned to the
amphibious assault carrier rather than to the embarked Marine
helicopter squadron (reinforced). The detachment helicopters therefore
retain their own squadron tail codes.
** Boxer transported HMH-466 from San Diego, Calif., to the CENTCOM AOR.
Offload of the squadron, Marines, and equipment was conducted in the
northern Arabian Gulf from 20-25 February.
*** Bataan transported HMM-261 and HMLA-167 from MCAS Cherry Point,
N.C., to the CENTCOM AOR. Offload of the squadrons, Marines, and
equipment was conducted in the northern Arabian Gulf from 20-22
February.
([dagger]) HMM-263 and the HMH-464 det flew ashore from Kearsarge in the
Arabian Sea to the CENTCOM AOR (Kuwait) on 7 July and linked up with
the other elements of HMM-263 (Rein) which were transported by air to
Kuwait. HMM-263 (Rein) was returned to CONUS by air transport in
February 2005.
([dagger][dagger]) Essex was temporarily assigned to provide relief
support to the area of southeast Asia devastated by the tsunami of 26
December 2004. With HMM-265 (Rein) operating ashore in Iraq, a
detachment of four MH-53E Sea Dragons from HM-15 was flown aboard at
Bahrain on 10 January. On 18 January, the two MH-60S Seahawks from HC-5
Det 3 on board USNS Niagara Falls (T-AFS-3) and six CH-46E Sea Knights
from HMM-262, transported from Okinawa by Fort McHenry (LSD 43), boarded
the ship. By 10 February, Essex had completed her relief operations and
returned to the Arabian Gulf.
Thanks to William S. Hart for compiling this data.

AVIATION COMMAND CHANGES, 2004

Established
Fleet Antisubmarine Warfare Command                       7 Jan
VXS-1                                                    13 Dec

Deactivated
VS-29                                                    30 Apr
VS-38                                                    30 Apr
VFA-203                                                  30 Jun
VAQ-128                                                  30 Sep
Naval Air Reserve Center, Denver, CO                      1 Nov
Naval Air Reserve Center, Selfridge, MI                   4 Nov
Naval Air Reserve Center, Chicago, IL                     4 Nov
Naval Air Maintenance Training Group                      3 Dec

Redesignated
VP-64 to VR-64                                           18 Sep
Commander Carrier Group 1 to Commander
  Carrier Strike Group 1                                  1 Oct
Commander Carrier Group 2 to Commander
  Carrier Strike Group 2                                  1 Oct
Commander Carrier Group 3 to Commander
  Carrier Strike Group 3                                  1 Oct
Commander Carrier Group 4 to Commander
  Carrier Strike Group 4                                  1 Oct
Commander Carrier Group 5 to Commander
  Carrier Strike Group 5                                  1 Oct
Commander Carrier Group 6 to Commander
  Carrier Strike Group 6                                  1 Oct
Commander Carrier Group 7 to Commander
  Carrier Strike Group 7                                  1 Oct
Commander Carrier Group 8 to Commander
  Carrier Strike Group 8                                  1 Oct
Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group 1 to Commander
  Carrier Strike Group 15                                 1 Oct
Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group 2 to Commander
  Carrier Strike Group 10                                 1 Oct
Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group 3 to Commander
  Carrier Strike Group 9                                  1 Oct
Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group 5 to Commander
  Carrier Strike Group 11                                 1 Oct
Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group 8 to Commander
  Carrier Strike Group 12                                 1 Oct
Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group 12 to Commander
  Carrier Strike Group 14                                 1 Oct
Naval Air Reserve Center, Minneapolis, MN to Naval and
  Marine Corps Reserve Center Minneapolis                 4 Nov

LAMPS MK III SHIP DEPLOYMENTS, 2004

HSLWINGLANT

CARRIER STRIKE GROUP DEPLOYMENTS

Enterprise (CVN 65)
1 Oct 03-29 Feb 04

Squadron        Ship

HSL-42 Det 7    Gettysburg (CG 64)
HSL-44 Det 3    Philippine Sea (CG 58) (6 Oct 04-10 Mar 04)
HSL-46 Det 4    Nicholas (FFG 47) (13 Jun 03-16 Dec 03)*
HSL-48 Det 10   Thorn (DD 988) (28 Nov 03-27 May 04)

George Washington (CVN 65)
20 Jan 04-26 Jul 04

Squadron        Ship

HSL-44 Det 8    Bulkeley (DDG 84)
HSL-46 Det 8    Vella Gulf (CG 72)

John F. Kennedy (CV 67)
7 Jun 04-13 Dec 04

Squadron        Ship

HSL-46 Det 2    Spruance (DD 963) (7 Jun 04-7 Dec 04)
HSL-48 Det 9    Roosevelt (DDG 80) (7 Jun 04-7 Dec 04)
HSL-42 Det 8    Vicksburg (CG 69) (15 Jun 04-13 Dec 04)

Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)
13 Oct 04-18 Apr 05

Squadron        Ship

HSL-46 Det 4    Monterey (CG 61)
HSL-46 Det 1    Mason (DDG 87)

EXPEDITIONARY STRIKE GROUP DEPLOYMENTS

Expeditionary Strike Group 2

Wasp (LHD 1)
17 Feb 04-18 Sep 04

Squadron        Ship

HSL-42 Det 2    Yorktown (CG 48) (17 Feb 04-17 Aug 04)
HSL-48 Det 5    Leyte Gulf (CG 55) (15 Feb 04-15 Aug 04)

INDIVIDUAL DEPLOYMENTS

Squadron                 Dates                Ship

HSL-48 Det 7             28 Jul 03-26 Jan 04  Doyle (FFG 39)
HSL-42 Det 10            25 Sep 03-18 Mar 04  Stephen W. Groves (FFG 29)
HSL-44 Det 7             25 Sep 03-19 Mar 04  Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58)
HSL-46 Det 7              9 Feb 04-20 Jul 04  Klakring (FFG 42)
HSL-42 Det 9             26 Apr 04-2 Aug 04   Thomas S. Gates (CG 72)
HSL-42 Det 4             30 Apr 04-17 Sep 04  Elrod (FFG 55)
HSL-44 Det 5             15 Jun 04-9 Dec 04   DeWert (FFG 45)
HSL-46 Det 5             18 Jun 04-20 Dec 04  John L. Hall (FFG 32)
HSL-48 Det 3             20 Aug 04-13 Feb 04  Hue City (CG 66)
HSL-44 Det 1             20 Aug 04-13 Feb 04  Underwood (FFG 36)
HSL-44 Det 10             7 Sep 04-9 Dec 04   Simpson (FFG 56)
HSL-60 Det                8 Oct 04-8 Apr 05   Boone (FFG 40)
  2 ([dagger][dagger])
HSL-48 Det 7              8 Oct 04-8 Apr 05   Halyburton (FFG 40)
HSL-44 Det 9             28 Nov 04-present    Taylor (FFG 50)
HSL-48 Det 6             29 Nov 04-present    O'Bannon (DD 987)

HSLWINGPAC

CARRIER STRIKE GROUP DEPLOYMENTS

John C. Stennis (CVN 74)
24 May 04-1 Nov 04

Squadron        Ship

HSL-49 Det 6    Ford (FFG 54)
HSL-45 Det 4    Lake Champlain (CG 57) (24 May 04-25 Oct 04)
HSL-45 Det 1    Howard (DDG 83) (24 May 04-25 Oct 04)

Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)
19 Oct 04-1 Mar 05

Squadron        Ship

HSL-47          Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)**
                Shiloh (CG 67)
                Shoup (DDG 86)

EXPEDITIONARY STRIKE GROUP DEPLOYMENTS

Expeditionary Strike Group 1

Peleliu (LHA 5)
29 Aug 03-9 Mar 04

Squadron        Ship

HSL-49 Det 3    Jarrett (FFG 33)
HSL-37 Det 1    Port Royal (CG 73) (3 Sep 03-11 Mar 04)
HSL-49 Det 4    Fletcher (DD 992) (5 Dec 03-3 June 04)***

Expeditionary Strike Group 3 ([dagger])

Belleau Wood (LHA 5)
27 May 04-24 Oct 04

Essex (LHD 2)
23 Aug 04-6 Apr 05

Squadron        Ship

HSL-43 Det 2    Mobile Bay (CG 53) (17 Jun 04-present)
HSL-43 Det 3    Preble (DDG 88) (17 Jun 04-17 Dec 04)

Expeditionary Strike Group 5

Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6)
6 Dec 04-present

Squadron        Ship

HSL-43 Det 4    Thach (FFG 53)
HSL-49 Det 2    Bunker Hill (CG 52)

INDIVIDUAL DEPLOYMENTS

Squadron               Dates                Ship

HSL-43 Det 6            3 Dec 03-2 Jun 04   McClusky (FFG 41)
HSL-37 Det 4           12 Feb 04-23 Apr 04  Reuben James (FFG 57)
HSL-60 Det             10 Mar 04-19 Jul 04  Ticonderoga (CG 49)
 1 ([dagger][dagger])
HSL-43 Det 5           25 Mar 04-21 Jun 04  Valley Forge (CG 50)
HSL-49 Det 5            5 May 04-7 Nov 04   McCampbell (DDG 85)
HSL-37 Det 3           12 May 04-12 Nov 04  Crommelin (FFG 37)
HSL-45 Det 6            2 Aug 04-2 Feb 05   Curts (FFG 38)
HSL-37 Det 5           23 Aug 04-18 Dec 04  Lake Erie (CG 70)
HSL-51 Det 5           19 Aug 04-17 Oct 04  McCan pbell (DDG 85)
                                              ([dagger][dagger][dagger])

* Early deployer.
** HSL-47 was the first LAMPS squadron deployed in its entirety to a
carrier. The squadron provided LAMPS dets to the other ships of the
strike group.
*** Fletcher (DD 992) was one of the ships participating in the Sea Swap
Program and was first deployed to the Fifth Fleet AOR in 2002.
([dagger]) Commander ESG-3 shifted his flag from Belleau Wood to Essex
on 10 September 2004.
([dagger][dagger]) Deployed reserve detachment.
([dagger][dagger][dagger]) The HSL-51 det augmented the HSL-49 det on
board McCampbell for extended maritime inderdiction operations.

MAJOR HC SQUADRON DEPLOYMENTS, 2004

HELTACWINGLANT

Squadron        Date            Ship/Location

HC-2 Det 1*                     LaSalle (AGF 3/Naples, Italy)
HC-2 Det 2*                     Manama, Bahrain
HC-4**                          Sigonella, Italy
HC-4 Det 1*                     Fujairah, UAE
HM-15 Det 2**                   Manama, Bahrain
HC-6 Det 1      Sep 03-Feb 04   Detroit (AOE 4)
HC-6 Det 2      Jan 04-Mar 04   Bataan (LHD 5)
HC-6 Det 6      Jan 04-Jul 04   Supply (TAOE 6)
HC-6 Det 4      Jan 04-Jul 04   Sirius (TAFS 6)
HC-8 Det 5      Feb 04-Sep 04   Wasp (LHD 3)
HC-8 Det 1      Jun 04-Aug 04   Kearsarge (LHD 3)
HC-8 Det 4      Jun 04-Dec 04   Seattle (AOE 3)
HC-8 Det 3      Aug 04-Nov 04   Saturn (TAFS 10)/Spica (TAFS 9)
HC-6 Det 5      Oct 04-Apr 05   Arctic (TAOE 8)

HELTACWINGPAC

Squadron        Date            Ship/Location

HC-5 Det 3      unknown         Niagara Falls (TAFS 3)/Essex (LHD 2)
HC-5 Det 3      unknown         San Jose (TAFS 7)
HC-5 Det 2      unknown         Flint (TAE 32)
HC-5 Det 4      unknown         Niagara Falls (TAFS 3)
HC-11 Det 9     Aug 03-Mar 04   Peleliu (LHA 5)
HC-11 Det 5     Jan 04-Apr 04   Boxer (LHD 4)
HC-11 Det 1     May 04-Oct 04   Belleau Wood (LHA 3)
HC-11 Det 2     May 04-Nov 04   Rainier (TAOE 7)
HC-5 Det 6      Aug 04-Apr 05   Essex (LHD 2)
HC-11 Det 4     Dec 04-present  Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6)

* Permanent detachment
** Forward deployed
Note: Some data may be incomplete because of limited accurate source
material due to the failure of some squadrons and wings to file a 2004
command history in accordance with OPNAVINST 5750.12 H.

AIRCRAFT ACCEPTED IN 2004

Bureau Number     Qty      Type         Name            Contractor

163787             1       HH-60H       Seahawk         Sikorsky
163800             1       HH-60H       Seahawk         Sikorsky
163935-163936      2       AH-1W        Sea Cobra       Bell Helicopter
164843             1       HH-60H       Seahawk         Sikorsky
165596             1       AV-8B        Harrier H       Boeing
165619             1       T-45C        Goshawk         Boeing
165628-165634      7       T-45C        Goshawk         Boeing
165815             1       E-2C         Hawkeye         Northrop Grumman
165819-165821      3       E-2C         Hawkeye         Northrop Grumman
165835             1       C-40A        Clipper         Boeing
165838             1       MV-22B       Osprey          Bell/Boeing
165906-165907      2       F/A-18E      Super Hornet    Boeing
165929             1       F/A-18F      Super Hornet    Boeing
165942-165946      5       MV-22B       Osprey          Bell/Boeing
165987-166000     14       T-6A         Texan II        Raytheon/Beech
166298-166299      2       MH-60S       Seahawk         Sikorsky
166312-166315      4       MH-60S       Seahawk         Sikorsky
166317-166327     11       MH-60S       Seahawk         Sikorsky
166383             1       MV-22B       Osprey          Bell/Boeing
166385-166386      2       MV-22B       Osprey          Bell/Boeing
166388-166389      2       MV-22B       Osprey          Bell/Boeing
166434-166440      7       F/A-18E      Super Hornet    Boeing
166442             1       F/A-18E      Super Hornet    Boeing
166444-166448      5       F/A-18E      Super Hornet    Boeing
166458-166462      5       F/A-18F      Super Hornet    Boeing
166465-166467      3       F/A-18F      Super Hornet    Boeing
166473             1       KC-130J      Hercules        Lockheed Martin
166500             1       UC-35D       Encore          Cessna
166511-166512      2       KC-130J      Hercules        Lockheed Martin
166598-166603      6       F/A-18E      Super Hornet    Boeing
166610-166611      2       F/A-18F      Super Hornet    Boeing
166612             1       F/A-18E      Super Hornet    Boeing
166613-166626     14       F/A-18F      Super Hornet    Boeing
761551             1       F-5N         Tiger II        Northrop

AIRCRAFT STRICKEN IN 2004

Aircraft                  BuNo                  Date

AH-1W                     160745                08 Apr
AH-1W                     160800                01 Dec
AH-1W                     161016                12 Aug
AH-1W                     161021                12 Nov
AH-1W                     162535                23 Jan
AH-1W                     163947                29 Mar
AH-1W                     164595                29 Mar
AV-8B                     161397                26 Jan
AV-8B                     163424                20 Sep
AV-8B                     163673                18 Oct
AV-8B                     163677                18 Oct
AV-8B                     165424                31 Mar
AV-8B                     165426                01 Dec
AV-8B                     165571                31 Mar
CH-46D                    152563                10 Mar
CH-46D                    153352                06 Feb
CH-46E                    153372                08 Sep
CH-46E                    153389                29 Nov
CH-53D                    157131                02 Nov
CH-53D                    157141                02 Nov
CH-53D                    157155                16 Dec
CH-53D                    157158                16 Dec
CH-53D                    157742                13 Aug
CH-53E                    161181                02 Nov
CH-53E                    161532                02 Nov
CH-53E                    161533                02 Nov
CH-53E                    161538                07 Apr
CH-53E                    161539                02 Nov
CH-53E                    161540                02 Nov
CH-53E                    161542                02 Nov
CH-53E                    161543                02 Nov
CH-53E                    161990                02 Nov
CH-53E                    162492                29 Jan
CH-53E                    162519                29 Jan
CH-53E                    164782                11 Aug
E-2C                      161229                18 May
E-2C                      162618                02 Jun
E-2C                      162619                27 Sep
E-2C                      163026                02 Jun
E-2C                      163027                02 Jun
E-2C                      163028                02 Nov
E-2C                      163851                14 Apr
E-2C                      164484                25 Mar
E-2C                      166417                29 Mar
EA-6B                     159586                23 Mar
ERA-3B                    142668                06 Jul
ERA-3B                    144832                06 Jul
ERA-3B                    144838                01 Oct
ERA-3B                    144841                06 Jul
F-14A                     158637                06 Jan
F-14A                     159428                06 Jan
F-14A                     161168                07 Apr
F-14A                     161271                07 Apr
F-14A                     161275                29 Jul
F-14A                     161291                07 Apr
F-14A                     161295                02 Mar
F-14A                     161296                07 Apr
F-14A                     161621                07 Apr
F-14A                     161856                07 Apr
F-14A                     161866                07 Apr
F-14A                     162601                07 Apr
F-14A                     162604                07 Apr
F-14A                     162611                07 Apr
F-14A                     162698                07 Apr
F-14B                     161418                15 Nov
F-14B                     161421                29 Oct
F-14B                     161432                31 Mar
F-14B                     161434                08 Dec
F-14B                     161855                31 Mar
F-14B                     161873                06 Dec
F-14B                     162910                13 Oct
F-14B                     162911                11 Dec
F-14B                     162924                15 Sep
F-14B                     163215                29 Mar
F-14B                     163221                31 Mar
F-14B                     163222                04 Jun
F-14B                     163225                06 Aug
F-14D                     159595                02 Nov
F-14D                     159613                02 Nov
F-14D                     159628                16 Dec
F-14D                     159630                02 Nov
F-14D                     163418                02 Nov
F-14D                     163894                29 Oct
F-14D                     164344                29 Mar
F-14D                     164604                16 Jul
F-5E                      741519                13 Apr
F-5E                      741529                20 Aug
F-5E                      741531                20 Aug
F/A-18A                   161928                07 Apr
F/A-18A                   161946                07 Apr
F/A-18A                   161955                28 Oct
F/A-18A                   161956                01 Dec
F/A-18A                   161965                07 Apr
F/A-18A                   161970                20 Sep
F/A-18A                   161979                07 Oct
F/A-18A                   161983                06 Jan
F/A-18A                   161985                07 Apr
F/A-18A                   162401                02 Nov
F/A-18A                   162403                12 Jul
F/A-18A                   162407                02 Nov
F/A-18A                   162414                08 Sep
F/A-18A                   162414                08 Sep
F/A-18A                   162420                07 Apr
F/A-18A                   162424                07 Apr
F/A-18A                   162425                07 Apr
F/A-18A                   162434                21 Apr
F/A-18A                   162440                23 Feb
F/A-18A                   162458                10 Jun
F/A-18A                   162830                07 Apr
F/A-18A                   162839                29 Mar
F/A-18A                   162853                10 Mar
F/A-18A                   162889                03 Aug
F/A-18A                   162892                02 Aug
F/A-18A                   162896                07 Apr
F/A-18A                   162900                12 May
F/A-18A                   163097                21 Jul
F/A-18A                   163097                21 Jul
F/A-18A                   163098                01 Aug
F/A-18A                   163117                11 Mar
F/A-18A                   163118                07 Apr
F/A-18A                   163126                10 May
F/A-18A                   163127                16 Dec
F/A-18A                   163144                07 Apr
F/A-18A                   163145                27 Jun
F/A-18A                   163150                22 Mar
F/A-18A                   163154                07 Apr
F/A-18A                   163160                07 Apr
F/A-18A                   163165                05 May
F/A-18B                   162870                21 Jul
F/A-18B                   163123                04 Jun
F/A-18C                   163473                31 Mar
F/A-18C                   163781                24 Mar
F/A-18C                   164269                28 Jun
F/A-18C                   164689                26 Mar
F/A-18C                   164904                14 Sep
F/A-18C                   165204                24 Mar
F/A-18C                   165226                09 Nov
F/A-18D                   163474                09 Sep
F/A-18D                   164005                16 Sep
F/A-18E                   165169                10 May
HH-IN                     158233                07 Dec
HH-IN                     158235                02 Nov
HH-IN                     158238                02 Nov
HH-IN                     158240                02 Nov
HH-IN                     158252                26 Oct
HH-IN                     160838                02 Nov
HH-46D                    150951                07 Jul
HH-46D                    150954                07 Jul
HH-46D                    150958                23 Jan
HH-46D                    151908                16 Dec
HH-46D                    151910                02 Nov
HH-46D                    151915                23 Jan
HH-46D                    151927                23 Jan
HH-46D                    151933                02 Nov
HH-46D                    151950                27 Sep
HH-46D                    151951                28 Jul
HH-46D                    151953                08 Jul
HH-46D                    151955                15 Oct
HH-46D                    152498                16 Dec
HH-46D                    152501                31 Aug
HH-46D                    152513                03 May
HH-46D                    152522                23 Jan
HH-46D                    152538                23 Jan
KC-130F                   147572                16 Dec
KC-130F                   148248                16 Dec
KC-130F                   148898                23 Jan
KC-130F                   149800                16 Dec
KC-130F                   149811                01 Jul
KC-130F                   149816                02 Nov
MH-53E                    162506                07 Apr
MH-53E                    162516                16 Dec
MH-53E                    163057                02 Nov
MH-53E                    163058                07 Apr
MH-53E                    163068                29 Jan
MV-22B                    165437                13 Sep
MV-22B                    165438                13 Sep
MV-22B                    165439                13 Sep
NF-14A                    160378                07 Apr
NP-3D                     150524                22 Apr
NP-3D                     158227                23 Jan
P-3C                      156512                07 Apr
P-3C                      156513                07 Apr
P-3C                      156516                02 Nov
P-3C                      156518                07 Apr
P-3C                      156520                27 Apr
P-3C                      156523                16 Dec
P-3C                      156524                07 Apr
P-3C                      156525                23 Jan
P-3C                      156526                07 Apr
P-3C                      156530                02 Nov
P-3C                      157311                06 Dec
P-3C                      157312                14 Dec
P-3C                      157314                23 Jan
P-3C                      157315                07 Apr
P-3C                      157317                16 Dec
P-3C                      157321                07 Apr
P-3C                      157323                02 Nov
P-3C                      157324                16 Dec
P-3C                      157328                20 Dec
P-3C                      158205                02 Nov
P-3C                      158207                07 Apr
P-3C                      158208                22 Jan
P-3C                      158209                23 Jan
P-3C                      158211                07 Apr
P-3C                      158212                28 Jul
P-3C                      158218                07 Apr
P-3C                      158219                23 Jan
P-3C                      158220                02 Nov
P-3C                      158221                23 Jan
P-3C                      158223                02 Nov
P-3C                      158226                16 Dec
P-3C                      158565                02 Nov
P-3C                      158566                07 Apr
P-3C                      158569                14 Jun
P-3C                      158572                23 Jan
P-3C                      158913                23 Jan
P-3C                      158920                02 Nov
P-3C                      158931                16 Dec
P-3C                      158932                16 Dec
P-3C                      158933                02 Nov
P-3C                      159319                07 Apr
P-3C                      159321                07 Apr
P-3C                      159324                02 Nov
P-3C                      159327                07 Apr
P-3C                      159328                07 Apr
P-3C                      159505                07 Apr
P-3C                      159508                07 Apr
P-3C                      159509                07 Apr
P-3C                      159510                07 Apr
P-3C                      159511                07 Apr
P-3C                      159883                07 Apr
P-3C                      159890                07 Apr
P-3C                      159891                29 Jan
P-3C                      160289                07 Apr
P-3C                      161000                15 Jan
P-3C                      161003                02 Nov
P-3C                      161004                16 Dec
QF-4N                     151482                20 Jul
QF-4N                     153011                19 Aug
QF-4N                     153030                25 Aug
QF-4S                     153809                27 Sep
QF-4S                     153821                27 Sep
QF-4S                     153832                07 May
QF-4S                     153833                09 Sep
QF-4S                     153851                22 Sep
QF-4S                     155544                29 Mar
QF-4S                     155561                24 Jul
QF-4S                     155741                18 Aug
QF-4S                     155845                12 Aug
QF-4S                     157261                20 Apr
QF-4S                     158359                27 Sep
QF-4S                     158360                17 Aug
RA-3B                     144843                06 Jul
RC-12M                    163847                16 Dec
S-3B                      158867                23 Jan
S-3B                      159399                16 Dec
S-3B                      159761                07 Apr
S-3B                      159763                28 Oct
S-3B                      159766                25 Mar
S-3B                      159770                22 Jul
S-3B                      160131                16 Dec
S-3B                      160567                10 Aug
S-3B                      160591                07 Apr
S-3B                      160596                07 Apr
S-3B                      160607                25 Mar
SH-3H                     154117                07 Apr
SH-60B                    162106                20 Aug
T-2C                      156691                07 Apr
T-2C                      156704                02 Nov
T-2C                      156705                02 Nov
T-2C                      156709                07 Apr
T-2C                      156715                02 Nov
T-2C                      156719                02 Nov
T-2C                      156726                02 Nov
T-2C                      156733                02 Nov
T-2C                      157030                07 Apr
T-2C                      157033                07 Apr
T-2C                      157036                07 Apr
T-2C                      157054                02 Nov
T-2C                      157055                02 Nov
T-2C                      157058                06 Apr
T-2C                      157061                07 Apr
T-2C                      157062                02 Nov
T-2C                      157063                07 Apr
T-2C                      157064                07 Apr
T-2C                      157065                07 Apr
T-2C                      158314                02 Nov
T-2C                      158319                07 Apr
T-2C                      158331                07 Apr
T-2C                      158332                07 Apr
T-2C                      158333                07 Apr
T-2C                      158575                07 Apr
T-2C                      158577                07 Apr
T-2C                      158580                07 Apr
T-2C                      158584                23 Jan
T-2C                      158588                02 Nov
T-2C                      158591                02 Nov
T-2C                      158594                23 Jan
T-2C                      158596                06 Apr
T-2C                      158597                07 Apr
T-2C                      158602                07 Apr
T-2C                      158607                23 Jan
T-2C                      158878                23 Jan
T-2C                      158879                23 Jan
T-2C                      158882                07 Apr
T-2C                      158884                02 Nov
T-2C                      158885                07 Apr
T-2C                      158888                02 Nov
T-2C                      158895                07 Apr
T-2C                      158897                07 Apr
T-2C                      158899                23 Jan
T-2C                      158900                07 Apr
T-2C                      158901                07 Apr
T-2C                      158903                02 Nov
T-2C                      158907                07 Apr
T-2C                      159161                07 Apr
T-2C                      159163                02 Nov
T-2C                      159164                07 Apr
T-2C                      159171                02 Nov
T-2C                      159172                07 Apr
T-2C                      159704                07 Apr
T-2C                      159706                02 Nov
T-2C                      159708                07 Apr
T-2C                      159714                02 Nov
T-2C                      159716                23 Jan
T-2C                      159718                07 Apr
T-2C                      159719                16 Dec
T-2C                      159720                02 Nov
T-2C                      159721                07 Apr
T-2C                      159723                07 Apr
T-34C                     160946                30 Jul
T-34C                     162277                27 Aug
T-34C                     162305                27 Aug
T-39G                     158843                02 Nov
T-39G                     159362                02 Nov
T-45C                     165476                02 Jun
TA-3B                     144856                01 Oct
TC-12B                    161194                16 Dec
TC-12B                    161199                16 Dec
TH-57C                    162045                02 Nov
TH-57C                    162667                02 Nov
TH-57C                    162685                02 Nov
TH-57C                    162686                02 Nov
TH-57C                    162818                02 Nov
UC-12B                    161186                02 Nov
UC-12B                    161202                02 Nov
UC-12B                    161308                02 Nov
UC-12B                    161321                02 Nov
UC-12B                    161322                16 Dec
UC-12B                    161499                02 Nov
UC-12B                    161516                02 Nov
UC-35D                    165938                10 Mar
UH-IN                     160174                23 Jan
UH-IN                     160439                07 Oct
UH-3H                     149711                23 Mar
UH-3H                     149722                30 Sep
UH-3H                     149728                27 Oct
UH-3H                     149897                22 Apr
UH-3H                     149899                17 Dec
UH-3H                     149906                28 Jul
UH-3H                     152135                20 Sep
UH-3H                     152708                03 Nov
UH-3H                     152709                02 Nov
UH-3H                     152710                22 Sep
UH-3H                     154101                22 Apr
UH-46D                    151903                28 Jul
UP-3A                     150495                07 Apr
VH-3A                     150611                22 Mar
VH-3A                     150613                21 Jan
VP-3A                     150496                17 Dec
VP-3A                     150515                16 Dec