Nimitz Trains New, Returning Naval Aviators

Official Statements

• USS Nimitz (CVN 68), November 9: “Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) returned to Naval Station Norfolk, completing its first east coast training underway in support of carrier qualifications for both new and experienced naval aviators, Nov. 9.

  Following a brief Carrier Air Traffic Control Center (CATCC) recertification, Nimitz began the underway with carrier qualifications for Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 and the “Gladiators” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106.

  “The Nimitz team is beyond proud to support the training and education of our naval aviators at multiple stages of their development,” said Capt. Joseph “FOO” Furco, commanding officer of Nimitz. “With two deployments to three areas of responsibility under our belts in the span of less than two years, this crew has invaluable knowledge and experience to pass on to the warfighters tasked with carrying the torch forward.”

  Qualifications for VFA 106, a fleet replacement squadron (FRS), included support for naval aviators heading out to the fleet for the first time and those returning to the fleet from disassociated sea tours, sea-duty assignments in non-flying roles.

  For the former group, this represented their first arrested landings onboard and catapult launches from an aircraft carrier while flying F/A-18E/F Super Hornet strike fighters.

  “After qualifying on Nimitz, these aviators will be ready to head out to the tip of spear, either for the first time, or with previous deployments under their belts,” said Cmdr. Michael Farley, air boss onboard Nimitz. “It is extremely satisfying to know that we are playing an impactful role in getting them ready for whatever challenges they may face.”

  Following air wing and FRS qualifications, student naval aviators, attached to Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) Training Air Wings (TRAWING) 1 and 2, practiced landing on and launching from an aircraft carrier for the first time in T-45C Goshawk training aircraft.

  During the overall underway, Nimitz supported 103 sorties, 442 arrested landings and 152 touch-and-goes.

  Nimitz is scheduled to conduct multiple additional carrier qualification underways in advance of its eventual deactivation, continuing to demonstrate the ship’s operational readiness and capability to support the fleet.

  “While we might be deactivating eventually, the Nimitz legacy of teamwork will endure,” said Furco. “The knowledge gained both by our crew and Sailors from other commands, training onboard this iconic warship, will permeate the fleet for generations to come, paying dividends toward our Navy’s ability to fight and win.”

  Nimitz is currently homeported in Naval Station Norfolk as flagship of Carrier Strike Group 8.”