Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) welcomed aboard Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, Jan. 17, for carrier qualifications in preparation to begin the ship's work-up cycle.

The flight operations mark the first time aircraft have landed aboard Theodore Roosevelt in almost a year. CVW-17 was previously embarked aboard Theodore Roosevelt in early 2016 before the ship entered its planned incremental availability.

"The relationship between the TR and CVW-17 was as smooth as I've ever experienced between an air wing and ship's crew, and I'm very optimistic this will continue," said Cmdr. Christopher Jason, Theodore Roosevelt's air boss. "We're both very professional groups, and despite having new personnel, we have the same core of leadership to ensure success during this critical underway period. We're heading right into work-ups, so this gives us a chance to recalibrate and refresh ourselves on how to conduct flight operations."

Preparations to bring CVW-17 aboard started immediately after the air wing disembarked March 2016. Theodore Roosevelt has undergone an extensive amount of upgrades and maintenance, with the ultimate goal of returning to sea to conduct flight operations.

"There are key roles from every single department to prepare for the air wing coming aboard," said Lt. Cmdr. Anthony K. Tobias, Theodore Roosevelt's principal assistant for logistics. "It's challenging to be fully prepared for the additional people, but with the TR spirit it makes the transition easy."

More than 180 pallets of Theodore Roosevelt's cargo, including food, storeroom parts, ship's store items, and other resources along with 175 pallets of CVW-17's cargo were on-loaded to accommodate new personnel living aboard, said Tobias. There was also an immense effort from the crew to off-load trash and other unnecessary materials before getting underway.

Theodore Roosevelt becoming fully operational gives many of the "Big Stick's" Sailors their first look at flight operations, and many CVW-17 Sailors and Marines their first experience living aboard a ship.

Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Eric Williams stepped aboard an aircraft carrier for the very first time.

"It honestly made me proud to be a Sailor," said Williams. "I'm excited to finally be doing what I'm supposed to do, and I'm looking forward to deployment."

Completing carrier qualifications, including the upcoming flight deck certification, is a key factor in keeping Theodore Roosevelt on schedule for a deployment later this year.

CVW-17 is comprised of the following squadrons: the "Redcocks" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22, the "Mighty Shrikes" of VFA-94, the "Stingers" of VFA-113; the "Checkerboards" of Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 312; the "Cougars" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139; the "Sun Kings" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 116; the "Indians" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6; the "Battlecats" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73; and the "Providers" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30.

Theodore Roosevelt is currently off the coast of Southern California conducting carrier qualifications.

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