Looking for gouge? Ask your Stupid Questions about Naval Aviation here (Part 1)

[Autorotate]

I've got two answers to provide, since I haven't been here since November.

Two best words to come over the 1MC? (For a Marine anyway):

-"General Quarters!"

What does DCM stand for?

-It's a definitely a code for skid pilots, I think it's Defensive Combat Maneuvering, or similar. Phrogs and 5hitters do DM, Defensive Maneuvering. We only did it on the boat on the ride back. Something about excess power, some sh-t like that...

 

[phrogpilot73]

Phrogs and 5hitters do DM, Defensive Measures. We only did it on the boat on the ride back. Something about excess power, some sh-t like that...

Fixed it for you

My experience with getting crews DM qualified had nothing to do with PsEM or excess power, or anything along those lines. The biggest difficulty was getting: 1.) A current and qualified DMI, 2.) Fixed Wing/Rotary Wing that could play. For the record, the A-10 guys are always happy to do "Anti-Helo" training...

For the record, I only ever got a chance to do Fixed Wing DM (and I see that they've changed Ground DM/EW to a separate block). Never got the chance to do Rotary Wing DM or get my DMI...

 

[Achilles]

This is probably a really dumb question, but since this is the right place. Do Marine fighter attack squadrons (VMFA) deploy to land or sea generally? As in, do they go on cruises or do they just deploy to a country? I know that the rotary and harrier guys typically cruise on an LHD but do the hornet guys cruise on a carrier?

 

[VIZKRIEG]

Along the same lines as the previous post, what about Cobras? Do they usually "live" on a carrier, smaller flattop, or land?

 

[Schnugg]

I had VMFA squadrons deploy on the John C Stennis on both of my cruises.

The MAG commander and CSG Commander sign an MOU that puts the VMFA squadron under TACON to the CSG for most of work ups and deployment.

 

[phrogdriver]

Along the same lines as the previous post, what about Cobras? Do they usually "live" on a carrier, smaller flattop, or land?

Same as most Marine helos. Lately, many/most have deployed on land supporting OIF. In simpler times, most deployments would find them onboard Navy amphibious ships, such as LHDs.

 

[nittany03]

Translation for the newbs:

I had VMFA squadrons deploy on the John C Stennis on both of my cruises.

The Marine Air Group commander and Carrier Strike Group Commander sign an Memorandum Of Understanding that puts the VMFA squadron under Tactical Control to the Carrier Strike Group for most of work ups and deployment.

 

[HeyJoe]

This is probably a really dumb question, but since this is the right place. Do Marine fighter attack squadrons (VMFA) deploy to land or sea generally? As in, do they go on cruises or do they just deploy to a country? I know that the rotary and harrier guys typically cruise on an LHD but do the hornet guys cruise on a carrier?

Here's what goes to sea as part of the ACE in a MEU (SOC) aboard a LHA or LHD:

080212-N-8335D-184 ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 12, 2008) Capt. Vincent K. Dixon, left, and 1st Lt. Andrew C. Robbins of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron Reinforced [HMM (REIN)] 166 land their AH-1W Super Cobra on the amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1). (Released)

080211-N-8335D-045 ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 11, 2008) A UH-1N Huey assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron Reinforced [HMM (REIN)] 166 lands on the amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1).

080210-N-8335D-100 PERSIAN GULF (Feb. 10, 2008) An AV-8B Harrier attached to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 166 Reinforced [HMM 166(REIN)] lands on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Richard Doolin (Released)

080212-N-8335D-054 ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 12, 2008) Helicopter pilot Capt. Heather R. Holbert, assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron Reinforced [HMM (REIN)] 166 conducts a preflight inspection of her CH-53E Super Stallion on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1). U.S. forces maintain a naval and air presence in the region to promote stability and safeguard vital links to the global economy. U.S. Navy photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Richard Doolin (Released)

080210-N-7643B-039 PERSIAN GULF (Feb. 10, 2008) A CH-46 Sea Knight attached to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron Reinforced [HMM (REIN)] 166 approaches the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman David A. Brandenburg (Released)

As to Hornets, the Marines have been a part of Carrier Air Wings since World War II, but recently, the TACAIR integration plan brought Marine Hornets into regular rotations (as well as Navy squadrons to shore based assignments traditionally filled by Marines). This brings an interesting situation with advent of JSF (F-35) as to whether it is practical to have the F-35B integrated into the Carrier Air Wings.

071025-N-1598C-048 GULF OF OMAN (Oct. 25, 2007) - Chief Warrant Officer Kenneth Joubert observes the take off of an F/A-18C Hornet, attached to the "Thunderbolts" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251, from the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 are underway on a scheduled deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class McKinley Cartwright (RELEASED)

071005-N-5681S-098 PERSIAN GULF (Oct. 5, 2007) - An F/A-18C Hornet attached to the "Thunderbolts" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251, makes an arrested landing on the flight deck aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael Starkey (RELEASED)

070824-N-3541A-209 PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 24, 2007) - Two F/A-18Cs, assigned to the "Death Rattlers" of Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 323, fly by Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) during an air power demonstration. The demonstration showed the capability of Stennis and Carrier Air Wing 9 to service members' family and friends who were invited to get underway with the ship. Stennis is returning to the United States after a 7.5-month-long deployment promoting peace, regional cooperation and stability and supporting the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Davis Anderson (RELEASED)

070808-N-2659P-065 PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 8, 2007) - An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the "Death Rattlers" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323, attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) after completing a training mission as part of exercise Valiant Shield 2007. The John C. Stennis, Kitty Hawk and Nimitz Carrier Strike Groups are part of the largest joint exercise in recent history. Held in the Guam operating area, the exercise includes 30 ships, more than 280 aircraft and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul J. Perkins (RELEASED)

070807-N-8119R-050 PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 7, 2007) - Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Anthony Raymond directs an F/A-18A Hornet, assigned to the "Red Devils" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, onto the catapult prior to launching off the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 are deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation, participating in Valiant Shield 2007. Valiant Shield, the largest joint exercise in recent history, includes 30 ships, more than 280 aircraft, and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gretchen Roth (RELEASED)

070807-N-6326B-026 PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 7, 2007) - Sailors and Marines ensure the safe operation of elevator 2 while lowering two F/A-18A Hornets, assigned to the "Red Devils" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 are deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet of operations participating in exercise Valiant Shield 2007. The Nimitz, Kitty Hawk, and John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Groups are part of the largest joint exercise in recent history. Held in the Guam operating area, the exercise includes 30 ships, more than 280 aircraft and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jake Berenguer (RELEASED)

 

[HeyJoe]

Hornets deployed to shore bases

While some go to sea, others deploy to shore bases.....

060705-M-9529D-008 Al Asad, Iraq (July 5, 2006) – Two F/A-18D Hornets, assigned to the “Knighthawks” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron Five Three Three (VMFA-533) taxi on the flight line in Al Asad. VMFA-533 is deployed with 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD) (IMEF) in support of global war on terrorism. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. William L. Dubose III
(RELEASED)

050403-M-5607G-005 Al Asad, Iraq (Apr. 3, 2005) - An F/A-18D Hornet, assigned to the “Bengals” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron All Weather Two Two Four [VMFA (AW)-224], sits on the runway on board Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. The Marines and Sailors assigned to VMFA(AW)-224 departed for the unit's first deployment to Iraq on Jan. 11, 2005. The deployment marked the first U.S. Marine Corps East Coast Hornet squadron to deploy to Iraq. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alicia M. Garcia (RELEASED)

070428-M-7404B-042 Al Anbar, Iraq (April 28, 2007) - Two F/A-18D Hornets with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 taxi at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, after returning from a mission. VMFA-121 is deployed as a part of Multi National Forces-West in support of the global war on terrorism in the Al Anbar province of Iraq to develop the Iraqi Security Forces. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sheila M. Brooks (RELEASED)

070220-N-0780F-006 Souda Bay, Crete, Greece (Feb. 20, 2007) - An F/A-18D Hornet assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron One Twenty One (VMFA-121) takes off from U.S. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay following a transit stop. VMFA-121 is based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and is making a routine deployment in support of the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Mr. Paul Farley (RELEASED)

061003-M-3988H-009 Al Asad, Iraq (Oct. 3, 2006) - A KC-130 assigned to Marine Aerial Refuel and Transport Squadron Three Five Two/Two Five Two (VMGR-352/252) refuels an F/A-18 Hornet assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron Two Four Two (VMFA-242) over the Al Anbar Province. VMGR 352/252 is deployed with First Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) in the al Anbar Province of Iraq (Multi-National Force West), in support of developing the Iraqi Security Forces, facilitate the development of official rule of law through democratic government reforms, and continue the development of a market-based economy centered on Iraqi reconstruction. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Corporal Richard A Hilario (RELEASED)

051019-M-7404B-201 Al Asad, Iraq (Oct. 19, 2005) – U.S. Marines refuel an F/A-18D Hornet, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (All Weather) Three Three Two (VMFA(AW)-332), in Al Asad, Iraq. VMFA(AW)-332 is deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) to conduct counter-insurgency operations to isolate and neutralize anti-Iraqi forces, support the continued development of Iraqi Security Force, support Iraqi reconstruction and democratic elections and to facilitate the creation of a secure environment that enables Iraqi self-reliance and self-governance. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Sheila M. Brook (RELEASED)

051013-M-0000L-001 Pacific Ocean (Oct. 10, 2005) - An F/A-18C Hornet, assigned to the “Lancers” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron Two One Two (VMFA-212), receives fuel from a KC-130 Hercules, assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron One Five Two (VMGR-152) over the Pacific Ocean near Okinawa, Japan. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cathryn Lindsay (RELEASED

And back to sea with another pretty cool Death Rattler shot afloat

060208-N-7232R-025 Pacific Ocean (Feb. 8, 2006) - An F/A-18C Hornet, assigned to the “Death Rattlers” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron Three Two Three (VMFA-323) launches from the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Stennis is currently conducting flight deck certifications off the coast of Southern California. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Ryan J. Restvedt (RELEASED)

And here's a few of the Silver Eagles who have had a long term relationship with Carriers dating back to F-4 Phantom days

051015-N-5345W-090 Atlantic Ocean (Oct. 15, 2005) – An F/A-18A+ Hornet, assigned to the "Silver Eagles" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron One One Five (VMFA-115), launches off the flight deck in afterburner aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Truman is currently conducting carrier qualifications and sustainment training with embarked Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW-3) off the East Coast. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Kristopher Wilson (RELEASED)

041206-N-4308O-165 Persian Gulf (Dec. 6, 2004) - An F/A-18A Hornet, assigned to the "Silver Eagles" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron One One Five (VMFA-115), taxies in front of the island structure on the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Currently aircraft from Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW-3) embarked aboard Truman are providing close air support and conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions in ongoing operations over Iraq. Truman's Carrier Strike Group Ten (CSG-10) and embarked CVW-3 are currently on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Ryan O'Connor (RELEASED)

051015-N-5345W-051 Atlantic Ocean (Oct. 15, 2005) – An F/A-18A+ Hornet, assigned to the "Silver Eagles" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron One One Five (VMFA-115), launches during flight operations aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Truman is currently conducting carrier qualifications and sustainment training with embarked Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW-3) off the East Coast of the United States. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Kristopher Wilson (RELEASED)

040107-N-7278A-001 Arabian Gulf (Jan. 5, 2004) -- An F/A 18 Hornet assigned to the “Checkerboards” of Marine Strike Fighter Squadron Three One Two (VMFA-312) launches from one of four steam driven catapults on the flight deck aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) and the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (CSG) are deployed conducting missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the continued war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Lucious Alexander. (RELEASED)

040126-N-3241H-071 Pacific Ocean (Jan 26, 2004) - An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the "Black Knights" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron Three One Four (VMFA-314) successfully catches an arresting wire before coming to a safe stop during flight operations aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). The Bremerton, Wash. based nuclear powered aircraft carrier and her crew are currently underway for the first time since returning from an eight and a half month Western Pacific deployment. Vinson is conducting training with Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW-9) and units of the Carl Vinson Strike Group. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Dustin Howell. (RELEASED)

And here's a VMFAT-101 jet in Adversary markings during CQ

041213-N-7130B-150 Pacific Ocean (Dec. 13, 2004) - An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron One Zero One (VMFAT-101), prepare to be launched off the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Reagan is currently underway in the Pacific Ocean conducting carrier qualifications for the West Coast fleet replacement squadrons. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Aaron Burden (RELEASED)

 

[phrogpilot73]

Translation for the newbs:

MAG = Marine Air Group... Not Amphibious Group. There's no such thing.

Good try though!

To answer the question - Delta hornets qual on the boat, but don't do carrier deployments. They do UDP's and dirt dets.

Cobras can deploy anywhere, but once Iraq & Afghanistan end, they'll primarily deploy on LHD/LHA's...

 

[Achilles]

Thanks for the detailed answers and pictures HJ. On this same vein, I understand that the VMFA and VMA will be transitioned eventually to the F-35B. What are they going to do with VMFA(AW) squadrons? If they just simply deactivate those squadrons won't that mean a lot of Marine NFO's out of a job? If this is one of those questions that no one knows the answer to than I understand, I just didn't know if the Marine Corps had already published a plan or there was ideas circulating the rumor mill.

 

[nittany03]

MAG = Marine Air Group... Not Amphibious Group. There's no such thing.

Good try though!

To answer the question - Delta hornets qual on the boat, but don't do carrier deployments. They do UDP's and dirt dets.

Cobras can deploy anywhere, but once Iraq & Afghanistan end, they'll primarily deploy on LHD/LHA's...

Whoops. How did I miss that? :icon_tong

 

[A4sForever]

MAG = Marine Air Group...

O.K., Mr. Smarty Gyrene .... then what is "MEU" (phonetically "mew"?) .... ???

Perhaps THIS:

 

[Flash]

This is probably a really dumb question, but since this is the right place. Do Marine fighter attack squadrons (VMFA) deploy to land or sea generally? As in, do they go on cruises or do they just deploy to a country? I know that the rotary and harrier guys typically cruise on an LHD but do the hornet guys cruise on a carrier?

I am pretty sure there are 4 VMFA F/A-18A/C squadrons assigned to the 10 Carrier Air Wings, one each for four air wings. One of the proposals for further integration of Navy and Marine air would put one Marine VMFA squadron with all 10 air wings. I am not sure of the status of that proposal. It was a money saving measure.

 

[HeyJoe]

Navy Super Hornet from Air Wing helping out Harrier from nearby MEU

080110-M-6412T-018 MIDDLE EAST (Jan. 10, 2008) An AV-8B Harrier, left, from the amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1), piloted by Capt. Daniel S. Fiust of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron Reinforced, HMM-166 (REIN), performs an aerial refueling maneuver with an F/A-18E Hornet from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). U.S. Marine Corps photo by Capt. James Traylor (Released)