It was also the first day that “Team Jackpot” completed cyclic flight operations together – and the first time either completed them since their last deployments. Team Jackpot refers to Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10’s air and strike component - the combination of CVN 77 and CVW-7 (777) - a warfighting jackpot for combatant commanders.
Cyclic flight operations deliver combat capability to the carrier strike group and numbered fleet commanders in support of national priorities. They also require all hands to be vigilant and situationally aware while working on a dynamic flight deck that is constantly moving.
“My top priorities are Sailors, safety, and operations,” said Aguilar. “Risk is a characteristic of this line of work. However, through procedural compliance, humility, critical thinking, and a questioning attitude across the team, we can mitigate risk greatly and accomplish the mission.”
George H.W. Bush and CVW-7 are underway completing Tailored Ship’s Training Availability and Final Evaluation Problem (TSTA/FEP) - the training event before entering the integrated phase of training where they will sail with Destroyer Squadron 26, USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), and the Information Warfare Commander under the leadership of CSG 10 as it becomes the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group.
“We have to maintain an attitude that everything on the deck can kill you,” said Bodine. “This is an environment where losing situational awareness can be catastrophic. This is a winning team, and we will continue to build upon our skill-sets through professionalism and safe training.”
The Navy recently elevated the Naval Safety Center to the two-star Naval Safety Command in order to help the service understand and mitigate risk.
USS George H.W. Bush provides the national command authority flexible, tailorable warfighting capability as the flagship of a carrier strike group that maintains maritime stability and security to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests.
CVW-7 is the offensive air and strike component of Carrier Strike Group TEN (CSG-10) and the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group. The squadrons of CVW-7 are Strike Fighter Squadron 143 “Pukin’ Dogs,” Strike Fighter Squadron 103 “Jolly Rogers,” Strike Fighter Squadron 86 “Sidewinders,” Strike Fighter Squadron 136 “Knighthawks,” Electronic Attack Squadron 140 “Patriots,” Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 121 “Bluetails,” Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5 “Nightdippers,” and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 46 “Grandmasters.