3 squadrons to return from deployment

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Three Carrier Air Wing 17 ( CVW-17) squadrons will return to two Hampton Roads cities today from a 6-month deployment.

The squadrons are based aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and participated in Operation Enduring Freedom in the U.S. Fifth Fleet and Central Command Area of Responsibility.

The "Sunliners" of Strike Fighter Squadron 81 (VFA-81), including 12 F/A-18E "Super Hornets" and 12 pilots, returns to Naval Air Station Oceana today. During deployment, VCA-81 completed 1,528 sorties - 238 of which were in combat - for a total of 3,670 flight hours and 1,570 arrested landings, or "traps."

The "Tigertails" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 125 (VAW-125), including four E-2C "Hawkeye" aircraft and 20 aviators, completed 1,395 flight hours on 386 sorties - 112 of which were in combat - and completed 493 traps. VAW-125 will return to Naval Station Norfolk Chambers.

The "Rawhides" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40 (VRC-40), including 50 personnel, provided transportation for  2,477 passengers including 269 distinguished visitors and 8 medical evacuations in two C-2A "Greyhound" aircraft. This crew also delivered 435,000 pounds of cargo and mail while completing 283 sorties. VRC-40 will return to Naval Station Norfolk Chambers.