Supercarrier USS Theodore Roosevelt completes carrier qualifications

American aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt and Carrier Air Wing 11 have completed carrier qualifications, say the U.S. Navy.

Completing carrier qualification was the last milestone in returning Theodore Roosevelt to sea as a ready, credible naval asset capable of projecting power.

The U.S. Navy say that the Theodore Roosevelt qualified pilots from the Tomcatters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31, Golden Warriors of VFA-87, Blue Diamonds of VFA-146, Black Knights of VFA-154, Liberty Bells of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 115, The Gray Wolves of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142, and the Providers of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30.

Carrier qualifications are a time for naval aviators to refine their skills practiced during field carrier landing practice for sustained operations at sea aboard the aircraft carrier. Carrier qualifications fortified the operational relationship between CVW-11 and the Theodore Roosevelt.

Theodore Roosevelt and CVW-11 are on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to provide maritime security, maintain freedom of the seas in accordance with international law and customs, and operate with international partners and allies to promote regional stability and prosperity.

Theodore Roosevelt is the U.S Navy’s fourth Nimitz-class aircraft carrier with a crew of nearly 5,000 Sailors who support and conduct air operations at sea. Theodore Roosevelt departed San Diego for a scheduled Indo-Pacific deployment January 17th.