George Washington (CVN 73) - Naval Cruise Book

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VF-143 Dogs The ‘‘World Famous Dogs” of Fighter Squadron 143 flew more than 930 sorties and compiled 1,400 flight hours on GW’s maiden deployment. CDR Thomas B. Hill commanded the squadron on deployment until 19 August 1994, when the reins were passed to CDR Peter J. Williams in a moving ceremony on the flight deck. The cruise started off impressively with the Dogs participating in the D-Day commemoration by performing in numerous air shows in England. The highlight was a fly-by over Her Majesty’s Yacht, HMS Britania, with Queen Elizabeth II, President Bill Clinton and the leaders of 16 other nations embarked. At the end of June, the call came for the Dogs to assist in Operation Deny Flight over Bosnia. Using their unique Tactical Air Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS) capabilities, the Dogs provided invaluable support to the battle group and theater commanders. Several of these missions received praise from the White House when the imagery obtained was used by the United Nations to monitor sanctions compliance by the warring factions. After two months of operations in the former Yugoslavia, the call came from the Persian Gulf: the Dogs were needed to support Operation Southern Watch over the skies of southern Iraq. Within days. they were ‘‘on station and ready to play” by t beginning of September. In October, the sortied in the skies of Iraq as part of Operation Vigilant Warrior. By the end of September, the “Dogs” were needed over Bosnia-Herzcgovina again, and in record time were through the Suez Canal and back in the Adriatic Sea, supporting Operation Den Flight. Because of the potential for hostiliti Bosnia, as well as Iraq, all Dog aircrews Air Medal for their contributions. Dogs extended their enviable safety record than six years and 20,000 hours As the cruise wound down, the Dogs eagerly anticipated their return to loved ones and friends. Throughout their six-month deployment, the support and encouragement of family and friends enabled the Dogs to achieve unsurpassed success. CDR Daryl Johnson LCDR Milton Abner LCDR Larry Coy LCDR William Dine LCDR James Flatley LCDR Greg Luttrell LT Stuart Alexander LT Paul Avema 624 VF-143 ’Dogs