Bernard, fellow sailors launch attack

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Marolyn Bernard, daughter of Ella M. Bernard of Jeanerette; Navy Seaman Kevin L. Thibodeaux, son of Rose Julien of New Iberia; Navy Seaman Shawn O. Charles, son of Gwen H. and Donald R. Charles of Jeanerette and their fellow crewmembers aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, homeported in Norfolk, Va., recently helped launch the ship's first precision-guided munitions attack since the start of the new year.

Two F/A-18 Hornets from Strike Fighter Squadron 86 deployed from the Enterprise to attack an enemy mortar position near Balad, Iraq, north of Baghdad, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Bernard, Thibodeaux and their crewmembers also received the Navy's Retention Excellence Award for fiscal year 2003.

The award, also known as the Golden Anchor, recognizes a command's ability to meet or exceed its annual goals for Sailor retention.

The award is also a credit to the dedicated effort of Bernard, Thibodeaux, Charles and others aboard Enterprise in ensuring the ship's continuing appeal after more than 40 years of active service.

Carriers such as Enterprise are deployed throughout the world to maintain U.S. presence and provide rapid response in times of crisis.

They serve as a highly visible deterrent to would-be aggressors, and are equipped with the most versatile and powerful weapons and aircraft available.

Bernard joined the Navy in September 1999.

Thibodeaux is a 1999 graduate of Loreauville High School who joined the navy in October 2001.

Charles is a 2002 graduate of West St. Mary High School in Baldwin.

For more information on the deployment and high resolution photographs, visit USS Enterprise's website at http://www.enterprise.navy.mil