PACIFIC OCEAN – On June 24, 2024, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Airman (Launch/Recovery Equipment) Carnell Hill, from Lexington, expertly signaled the retraction of the arresting gear wire after an F/A-18E Super Hornet, part of the Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195 “Dambusters,” successfully landed on the flight deck of the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). This maneuver took place in the Pacific Ocean, showcasing the operational precision of the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier.
The Dambusters squadron earned its storied nickname on May 1, 1951, during the Korean War. In a daring mission, the squadron’s Skyraiders executed precise low-level runs to destroy the strategically crucial Hwacheon Dam in North Korea with aerial torpedoes, overcoming formidable defenses.
As the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, the USS Ronald Reagan provides a combat-ready force that safeguards the United States and supports alliances, partnerships, and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region. The carrier’s deployment exemplifies the Navy’s commitment to maintaining stability and promoting freedom of navigation in these vital waters.
Photo Caption:
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Airman Carnell Hill signals the retraction of the arresting gear wire after an F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the Dambusters of VFA 195, lands on the USS Ronald Reagan.
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan C. Brown
