The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) began conducting cyclic flight operations, Aug. 1.

Having previously focused on carrier qualifications, Lincoln transitioned to cyclic flight operations to better simulate operational missions that will be completed on deployment.

“When running these missions, the goal is to become more proficient in the air,” said Lt. Eric Buffkin, a pilot from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86, a part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7. “We need to be the most lethal, capable team we can be.”

CVW-7, along with Abraham Lincoln, is conducting these exercises to test the operational capabilities of the ship and the ability of the pilots and Sailors to complete mission-critical evolutions as quickly and efficiently as possible.

“Simulating these missions is just like everything else we do in the Navy,” said Lincoln’s Night Aircraft Handling Officer, Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Jermaine Joyles,. “We need to train like we fight, so when the time comes, there’s no transition or distinction between the way we train and the way we fight.”

During cyclic flight operations, Lincoln launches and recovers aircraft over a set period of time, with brief pauses to allow for maintenance and fuel or ordnance exchanges. While in the air, pilots complete various missions, from close air support of troops on the ground and air-to-air maneuvers to bomb drops and supply runs. Once the pilots successfully complete their missions, they land on the flight deck and prepare to launch again.

“These operations test what our current capabilities are,” said Buffkin. “They drive us to push the envelope. Every mission we accomplish prepares us for deployment. This is the crew we’re bringing across the world, so we need to learn to do everything as a team.”
Previously, during carrier qualifications, pilots worked to earn their initial flight qualifications and to maintain proficiency through constant training. Now, during cyclic flight operations, Lincoln’s pilots must use the fundamental skills learned in training to complete mission-critical evolutions.

“These operations are primarily for pilot proficiency,” said Joyles. “It’s all about the mission. Whether it’s event one or event eight, the armament packages and sections flown all play different, yet vital roles in the defense of our national interests, assets and territorial waterways.”

Lincoln’s Operations Department works to provide radar services and guidance for aircraft, coordinating with Navigation Department to maneuver the ship for ideal launch and recovery conditions. In conjunction with the Air Department, they make sure that flight operations and missions run smoothly.

“Performing these missions integrates ship’s company and staff,” said Senior Chief Air Traffic Controllman Derrick Hobson. “They resemble the types of combat missions we perform on deployment, and they bring everyone together to accomplish a single mission.”

Working with a “team of teams” approach to accomplish the mission is a top priority for Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12. As CSG 12 comes together to prepare for conducting global operations, creating effective and lasting command and control will be critical to maintaining a dynamic force that is ready to respond. Cyclic flight operations is only one example of CSG 12 synchronizing its efforts with Abraham Lincoln, CVW-7, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2 and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55).

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