2001 Ad

0 Comments | Naval Aviation News, Jan, 2002 | by Ed Wright

JO1(SW) Ed Wright

Operation Enduring Freedom (formerly Operation. Infinite Justice) began in earnest on 25 September 2001 as the nation's war on terrorism was declared. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld announced the new name saying it was meant to remind Americans that the effort will take a long time. He added the name suggests that "this is not a quick fix ... it'll take years. I suspect."

The initial strikes by the U.S. military against al-Qaeda terrorist training camps and military installations of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan began on 7 October 2001. The first F-14 Tomcats and F/A-18 Hornets launched from the decks of Enterprise (CVN 65) and Carl Vinson (CVN 70) beginning the war on terrorism in Afghanistan. The carefully targeted actions are designed to disrupt the use of Afghanistan as a base for terrorist operations.

Speaking about the strikes from the White House, President George W. Bush said, "We are joined in this operation by our staunch friend, Great Britain. Other close friends have pledged forces as the operation unfolds. More than 40 countries have granted air transit or landing rights. We are supported by the collective will of the world." The president went on to say, "We did not ask for this mission, but we will fulfill it."

The involvement of the Naval Aviation community has been extensive. Enterprise was on her way home to Norfolk, Va., when she was ordered to turn around and head to the Arabian Sea to assist Carl Vinson in the initial air strikes. Kitty Hawk (CV 63) was directed in October to sail toward the Arabian Sea from her home port of Yokosuka, Japan, to support the two carriers. Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) later entered the region to relieve Enterprise for her return home. John C. Stennis (CVN 74) then left her San Diego, Calif., home port to relieve Carl Vinson on station.

In the war against terrorism, Naval Aviation forces are prepared to endure with steady aim, swift delivery and deadly impact until the mission is complete.