VFA-115 Joins USS George Washington, CVW-5 Team
By MC3 David Cox, USS George Washington Public Affairs

When Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 embarked aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) for the ship’s carrier qualifications, they brought a new partner to the fight, the Eagles of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115.

Though most VFA-115 Sailors today are new to CVW-5, for the squadron, returning to the forward-deployed naval forces is more of a homecoming after a 13-year absence.

In 1996, the Eagles left CVW-5 for Lemoore, Calif. to transition from A-6E Intruders to F/A-18C Hornets, an airframe they flew for only a short period before again transitioning to the F/A-18E Super Hornets, the airframe they still fly today. Since then, they have distinguished themselves in flying combat operations and earning two Battle “E” awards during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“Besides the combat experience the squadron has had during major combat evolutions, we are better known for our professionalism and teamwork, and we are looking forward to carrying that on while working with CVW-5 and the George Washington,” said Cmdr. Trey Sisson, VFA-115 commanding officer.

“We’ve got 11 fantastic airplanes with the latest and greatest in F/A-18E [Super Hornet] technology, but what we’ve really got that’s even better are some fantastic Sailors who are excited about being here,” said Sisson.

According to the squadron’s website, the squadron’s 11 jets surpassed 70,000 hours free of Class “A” mishaps during their transpacific flight to Japan.

Though VFA-115 joined CVW-5 in December 2009, George Washington’s carrier qualifications mark the first time they have deployed together.

“I don’t consider our transition complete until we’ve fully integrated into the George Washington and CVW-5,” said Sisson. According to VFA-115 Sailors, that integration, with other squadrons on board, is already happening. “It’s amazing how efficiently we are able to come together to get the job done,” said Aviation Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Joe Normil.

“We’re here to support the air wing and our guys are team players, our Sailors are hard workers and honest, they believe in honor, courage and commitment, and are glad to be apart of this great ship,” said VFA-115 Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Domingo Soto.

Soto also mentioned that due to the long absence from Japan that many of the Sailors will now have to adapt to a forward-deployed environment.

“Some of our Sailors have never been forward deployed. Japan is a whole new area, so we’re trying to get them used to the carrier and sea life. We’re really depending on our experienced personnel and the rest of the air wing to help them adapt,” said Soto.