CVW-8 became the first to incorporate the wing commander/deputy commander concept (Super CAG), which provided an improved focus on power projection and enhanced tactical development and strike planning.Ģ2 January 1986-Vice President George H. Rainey Jr., as Commander Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 at NAS Oceana, Virginia. Colleen Nevius became the first female naval aviator to graduate from the Naval Test Pilot School, NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, and be designated a Navy test pilot.Ģ8 September 1983-HSL-41 received its first production SH-60B Seahawk.Ĩ January 1986-Capt. Young received the Space Medal of Honor, the seventh person so honored, and the fifth of Navy or Marine Corps recipients.ġ0 June 1983-Lt. Reagan presented medals to Young and Crippen at the White House. After 36 orbits, Columbia touched down on 14 April at Edwards AFB, California. Kennedy Space Center, Florida, crewed by naval aviators Capt. Enlisted pilots had performed their duties for more than 61 years as naval aviators on combat missions, as transport pilots, and as instructors.ġ2 April 1981-Space shuttle mission STS-1, orbiter Columbia, launched from John F. Jones, retired after 38 years of service. The remaining Hercules evacuated the survivors.ģ1 January 1981-The era of enlisted naval aviators came to a close when the last enlisted pilot, ACCM Robert K. During the withdrawal of a helicopter, it collided with a Hercules when it repositioned to refuel, killing eight men. Planning called for a minimum of six operational helicopters to rescue the hostages, and with only five capable of continuing, commanders aborted the mission. 6 to put down at a secret refueling site within Iran designated Desert One. 2 and 5 to land short of their objective, and mechanical problems compelled No. A haboob - a huge dust cloud - forced helicopters No. Eight RH-53D Sea Stallions lifted off from Nimitz (CVN-68) in the Arabian Sea to rendezvous with Special Forces troops and with six USAF C-130 Hercules flying from al Masirah Island, Oman. As the 1980s ended, the détente between the Americans and Soviets continued.Ģ4 April 1980-The United States launched Operation Blue Light (Eagle Claw) to rescue the 53 Americans held hostage by Iranian militants in Tehrān, Iran. Other activities included continued involvement in the manned space program and assistance during natural disasters. Customs and the Coast Guard to curb the influx of drugs into the United States, and E-2C Hawkeyes became permanent participants in the detection of drug-smuggling aircraft. As the decade ended, Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait and the UN imposed an economic blockade on Iraq to force its withdrawal. The Persian Gulf War between Iran and Iraq escalated and the fleet became involved in short but fierce battles in that area. Naval aviation was critical in operations in and around Lebanon and in responding to terrorist crimes and hijackings around the Mediterranean basin. Naval aviation celebrated its 75th anniversary in 1986.Ĭlashes with the Libyans demonstrated naval aviation’s air-to-air and strike capabilities, and Operation Urgent Fury reestablished democracy on Grenada in the Caribbean. Additional Nimitz (CVN-68)-class nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and Wasp (LHD-1)-class multipurpose amphibious assault ships were commissioned. The platforms for these missiles also kept pace. New introductions included precision strike air-to-ground missiles, and cruise missiles capable of attacking ships and targets ashore. Missile development kept pace with aircraft progress. A number of new aircraft joined the fleet, such as the AV-8B Harrier II and V-22 Osprey some with innovative aviation technologies. Naval aviation experienced resurgence in strength and capabilities through building programs and new technology research. Eastern Bloc naval expansion threatened Western control of the sea, and the United States countered by developing a maritime strategy that focused on the three pillars of deterrence, forward defense, and alliance solidarity. power against extremists who held Americans hostage in Tehran, Iran. As the decade began, aircraft carriers sailed ready to project U.S. response to global crises characterized the eighth decade of naval aviation. A build-up of naval aviation, the rise of global acts of terrorism, and the U.S.
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