NORFOLK (NNS) - USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) returned to its homeport of Norfolk after conducting carrier qualification (CQ) operations for pilots from the "Gladiators" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106, May 9.

CQs are periodic requirements that test the ability of Navy pilots to perform carrier-based landings and launches. Pilots initially perform CQs in trainer jets, and then move onto their specific type of aircraft and requalify.

"During this underway, we had 24 pilots from VFA-106 come on board," said Lt. Doug Fitzpatrick, strike operations officer. "They completed 277 carrier based landings."

Once qualified for carrier based landings, they may then move on to the fleet to continue normal flight operations. These particular pilots will continue on in the fleet as instructors for other training squadrons.

"VFA-106 is a Super Hornet Squadron," said Lt. Cmdr. Dan Marzluff, assistant air operations officer. "These pilots requalified to be attached to Fleet Readiness Squadrons (FRS) in high ranking positions."

Marzluff said once they attach to an FRS, these officers will train other pilots and flight officers in their specific type of aircraft before being assigned to squadrons in the fleet.

George H. W. Bush is currently homeported in Norfolk.
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