On November 12 , 2001 the squadron deployed with CVW-9 on to conduct combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom over Afghanistan . The squadron deployed two months early in response to the September 11 attacks . Port calls on the way included Hong Kong and Singapore arriving in the North Arabian Sea . On December 12 , 2001 the squadron began their first night strikes into Afghanistan . The missions ranged from 4.5 to 6.0 hours with help from the '' Roosevelt '' Battle Group and the '' Kennedy '' Battle Group . The squadron amassed over 3,500 flight hours and delivering over 102,000 pounds of ordnance . Milestones included extending their Top Hook Award streak to 24 after the first line period . Weapons included the JDAM , Laser Guided Bombs , and Mark 82 bombs . The squadron returned at the end of May 2002 after a stopover in Australia and a Tiger Cruise from Hawaii . VFA-146 began its 27th deployment on board USS CARL VINSON ( CVN 70 ) on January 15 , 2003 . The Blue Diamonds and the CWV-9 team were attached to 7th Fleet in the Sea of Japan as a power projection asset . It was the first “ traditional ” WESTPAC for the Blue Diamonds in several years . The deployment lasted 8 months to the day , getting our Sailors home on September 17 , 2003
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
VFA-146