USS Enterprise, At Sea - The “Maulers” of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 32, currently assigned aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65), are the first squadron to test the first-generation capabilities of the Low Altitude Navigation and targeting Infrared System for Night (LANTIRN) pod on their S-3 Viking aircraft.

LANTIRN provides the aircraft with new capabilities, such as Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR), live video feedback to the ship for real-time use, and video recording for later intelligence debriefing. Future models of LANTIRN will include laser designation capabilities.

This sophisticated sensor pod mounts on the aircraft's wing station and is operated by the naval flight officer (NFO) in the right front seat of the aircraft.

LANTIRN will allow VS-32 to keep a closer eye on vessels near the carrier and its strike group.

“It gives us the capability to stand off and observe vessels from a distance,” said Lt. Matt Russell, of VS-32. “We're the first S-3 squadron to get it, so we're the first-generation experiment.”

“The amount of detail and the distance we can see with LANTIRN are both big advantages to the system,” said Russell. “The clarity and range are phenomenal. These advanced abilities translate into a real-world payoff for the Enterprise Strike Group as it continues its mission in the 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO)."

While in the AOO, the ship and its crew of more than 5,400 Sailors and Marines will conduct Maritime Security Operations (MSO). These operations help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. MSO deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet's area of responsibility encompasses about 7.5 million square miles and includes the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, comprised of 25 countries, includes three critical choke points at the Suez Canal, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen .

USS Enterprise (CVN 65) is the flagship for Commander, Carrier Strike Group 12 and is also home to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 and Destroyer Squadron 2. Other ships in the strike group include guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74), guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), frigate USS Nicholas (FFG 47), attack submarine USS Alexandria (SSN 757), and fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE-6).

The squadrons of CVW 1 include the “Sidewinders” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86, the “Checkmates” of VFA-211, the “Knighthawks” of VFA-136, the “Thunderbolts” of Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 251, the “Screwtops” of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123, the “Rooks” of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 137, the “Maulers” of VS-32, the “Rawhides” of Carrier Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40, and the “Dragonslayers” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 11.