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85-492: ATFLIR is 72 in (183 cm) long, weighs 420 lb (191 kg), and has a slant range of 40 mi (64.3 km), said to be useful at altitude of up to 50,000 ft (15,240 m). It has fewer parts than many previous systems, which is intended to improve serviceability (although early examples, in service with VFA-115 'Eagles' in 2003 experienced problems). Crews indicate that it offers much greater target resolution and image accuracy than previous systems. ATFLIR presently

170-512: A fourth Presidential Unit Citation. In September 1973, USS Midway changed homeport to Yokosuka, Japan , and CVW-5 was based at NAF Atsugi . USS Midway and VA-115 would again serve off the coast of Vietnam and in 1975, participated in Operation Eagle Pull , the evacuation of Phnom Penh and Operation Frequent Wind , the evacuation of Saigon . In August and September 1976 USS Midway and VA-115 operated off Korea following

255-559: A later date. During the 1360s, the Javanese -centered Hindu-Buddhist Shivaite empire of Majapahit briefly ruled over Luzon as recorded in the epic poem Nagarakretagama , which reports imperial colonies in the Philippines at Saludong ( Manila ) and Solot ( Sulu ). Eventually, the kingdoms of Luzon regained independence from Majapahit after the 1365 Battle of Manila. Sulu also reestablished independence and in vengeance assaulted

340-538: A lot of broken rice, required two to three skilled men and women to work harmoniously and was actually a form of socializing among young folks in the villages. In old Latin, Italian, and Portuguese maps, the island is often called "Luçonia" or "Luconia." Luções, [luˈsõjʃ] (also Luzones in Spanish ) was a demonym used by Portuguese sailors in Malaysia during the early 1500s, referring to

425-428: A lusong, explaining: Traditional milling was accomplished in the 1900s by pounding the palay with a wooden pestle in a stone or wooden mortar called lusong. The first pounding takes off the hull and further pounding removes the bran but also breaks most grains. Further winnowing with a bamboo tray (bilao) separates the hull from the rice grains. This traditional hand-pounding chore, although very laborious and resulted in

510-633: A million souls. People from the Philippines, primarily from Luzon, were recruited by France (then in alliance with Spain ), first to defend Indo-Chinese converts to Christianity being persecuted by their native governments. Eventually, Filipino mercenaries helped the French conquer Vietnam and Laos and to re-establish Cambodia as a French Protectorate. This process culminated in the establishment of French Cochinchina , centered in Saigon . After many years of Spanish occupation and resistance to reform,

595-601: A prince from Mecca who became the Sultan of Brunei , a nation that then expanded its realms from Borneo to the Philippines and set up the Kingdom of Maynila as its puppet-state. The invasion of Brunei spread Chinese royal descent like Ong Sum Ping 's kin and Arab dynasties too into the Philippines like the clan of Sultan Sharif Ali . However, other Luzon kingdoms resisted Islam, like the Wangdom of Pangasinan . It had remained

680-420: A tributary state of China and was a largely Sinified kingdom, which maintained trade with Japan. The Polity of Cainta also existed as a fortified city-state, armed with walls and cannons. The Portuguese were the first European explorers who recorded it in their charts as Luçonia or Luçon , calling the inhabitants Luções . Edmund Roberts , who visited Luzon in the early 19th century, wrote that Luzon

765-501: Is considering options to either improve or replace ATFLIR because of current hardware readiness state and sustainment costs. This aviation -related article is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . VFA-115 Strike Fighter Squadron 115 (VFA-115) is known as the "Eagles", callsign "Talon", a United States Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet strike fighter squadron stationed at Naval Air Station Lemoore . Their tail code while they were assigned to CVW-5 before July 2024

850-485: Is covered by 8 administrative regions , 30 provinces and, as of 2014 , 68 cities (8 regions, 38 provinces and 71 cities if associated islands are included). Table note(s): Luzon is part of the Philippine Mobile Belt , a fast deforming plate boundary zone (Gervasio, 1967) hemmed in between two opposing subduction zones, the west-dipping Philippine Trench - East Luzon Trench subduction zone, and

935-811: Is dominated by the Bicol Peninsula , a mountainous and narrow region extending approximately 150 kilometres (93 mi) southeast from the Tayabas Isthmus in Quezon province to the San Bernardino Strait along the coasts of Sorsogon . The area is home to several volcanoes , the most famous of which is the 2,460-metre (8,070 ft) high symmetrically shaped Mayon Volcano in Albay province. The Sierra Madre range has its southern limits at Quezon province. Ultra-prominent mountains dot

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1020-699: Is operating the F-35C will take its place in CVW-5. The squadron was assigned to these home ports, effective on the dates shown: * Temporary shore assignment while the squadron conducted training in preparation for combat deployment. The squadron first received the following aircraft on the dates shown: This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons . Luzon Luzon ( / l uː ˈ z ɒ n / loo- ZON , Tagalog: [luˈson] )

1105-556: Is still in use. The squadron was known as the "Arabs" from the 1950s to 1979, at which time they were renamed the "Eagles". During the squadron’s deployment to the Indian Ocean in 1989, they temporarily changed their nickname back to Arabs to enhance the morale while operating in the Arabian Sea . Torpedo Squadron Eleven (VT-11) was established at Naval Air Station San Diego on 10 October 1942, flying TBF Avengers . Over

1190-517: Is the largest and most populous island in the Philippines . Located in the northern portion of the Philippine archipelago , it is the economic and political center of the nation, being home to the country's capital city, Manila , as well as Quezon City , the country's most populous city. With a population of 64 million as of 2021 , it contains 52.5% of the country's total population and is

1275-601: Is used by the US Navy on the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the earlier F/A-18C/D and with Marine Corps F/A-18Cs when deployed onboard aircraft carriers. It is normally carried on one of the fuselage hardpoints otherwise used for AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles. 410 pods were delivered to the U.S. Navy. Pods have also been delivered to Switzerland and Australia (for its EA-18G Growler fleet), and six pods will be delivered to Malaysia. The US Navy

1360-537: The 4th most populous island in the world. It is the 15th largest island in the world by land area . Luzon may also refer to one of the three primary island groups in the country . In this usage, it includes the Luzon Mainland , the Batanes and Babuyan groups of islands to the north, Polillo Islands to the east, and the outlying islands of Catanduanes , Marinduque and Mindoro , among others, to

1445-614: The Andres Novales uprising occurred and it was inspired by the Latin American Wars of Independence . Novales' uprising was primarily supported by Mexicans living in the Philippines as well as immigrant Latinos from the now independent nations of Colombia , Venezuela , Peru , Chile , Argentina and Costa Rica . Although the uprising failed it inspired the Cavite Mutiny , the suppression of which, lead to

1530-643: The Armistice Agreement in July 1953 aboard USS  Kearsarge . This was followed by another deployment on USS Kearsarge in 1954/55. In February 1955, the squadron flew air cover missions during the evacuation of over 26,000 personnel from Tachen Islands which had come under bombardment by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in January. In August and September 1958, the squadron was part of

1615-607: The Axe murder incident . In early 1977, VA-115 transitioned to the A-6E. The squadron then became the "Eagles," officially changing the nickname in March 1978. From April to May 1979 USS Midway , with VA-115 embarked, deployed to the Gulf of Aden to relieve USS  Constellation and maintain a U.S. carrier presence following the outbreak of fighting between North Yemen and South Yemen and

1700-582: The Cagayan to the north, and the Pampanga to the south. In the middle of the plain rises the solitary Mount Arayat . The western coasts of Central Luzon are typically flat extending east from the coastline to the Zambales Mountains , the site of Mount Pinatubo , made famous because of its enormous 1991 eruption . These mountains extend to the sea in the north, forming Lingayen Gulf , and to

1785-885: The Coral Sea . On 19 May 2021, VFA-115 deployed on the Ronald Reagan with CVW-5 to the North Arabian Sea. During the deployment, it took part in the US withdrawal from Afghanistan . They then returned on 16 October. In July 2024 as part of CVW-5 returning to the USS George Washington , VFA-115 will leave the Air Wing return to the United States to transition to the F-35C while VFA-147 which

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1870-537: The Indian Ocean , the Strait of Malacca , the South China Sea , and the medieval maritime principalities of the Philippines . His father and wife carried on his maritime trading business after his death. Another important Malacca trader was Curia de Raja who also hailed from Luzon. The "surname" of "de Raja" or "diraja" could indicate that Regimo and Curia, and their families, were of noble or royal descent as

1955-774: The Iranian Revolution . As a response to anti-American demonstrations in Iran, Midway and her air wing, including VA-115, were ordered to deploy to the Indian Ocean for the second time from October to December 1979, when an Iranian mob also seized the American Embassy and its staff . In May and June 1980 following the Gwangju Uprising in South Korea, the squadron operated from Midway off

2040-680: The Kapampangan and Tagalog people who lived in Manila Bay , which was then called Lusong ( Kapampangan : Lusung , Portuguese : Luçon ), from which Luzon was also derived. The term was also used for Tagalog settlers in Southern Tagalog region, where they created intensive contact with the Kapampangans. Eventually, the term "Luzones" would refer to the settlers of Luzon island, and later on, would be exclusive to

2125-459: The Pacific War , the Philippines were considered to be of great strategic importance because their capture by Japan would pose a significant threat to the U.S. As a result, 135,000 troops and 227 aircraft were stationed in the Philippines by October 1941. Luzon was captured by Imperial Japanese forces in 1942 during their campaign to capture the Philippines . General Douglas MacArthur —who

2210-680: The Pescadores Island , and Hong Kong . An exhibit honoring VT-11 during World War II is on board the USS Hornet Museum in Alameda, California. After the war, Naval Air Station San Diego became VT-11's new homeport, and the squadron was redesignated as Attack Squadron 12A (VA-12A) in November 1946. VA-12A, along with Carrier Air Group (CVAG-11), underwent extensive training and embarked on USS  Valley Forge ,

2295-877: The United States in the Philippine–American War which the Republic's forces lost due to its diplomatic isolation (no foreign nation recognized the First Republic) as well as due to the numerical superiority of the American military . The Americans then set up the cool mountain city of Baguio as a summer retreat for its officials. The Americans also rebuilt the capital, Manila, and established American military bases in Olongapo and Angeles cities mainly Clark Airbase and Subic Naval Base . During

2380-532: The "Three Carrier Hull Swap" as Ronald Reagan took over the duty from USS George Washington as the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier in Japan. The squadron moved to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni on 28 November 2017 when it returned from its patrol aboard USS Ronald Reagan . Between 11 July 2019 and 24 July 2019, VFA-115 and CVW-5 took part in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2019 in

2465-541: The 12th century, and local Tagalog , Kapampangan and Pangasinan potters had marked each jar with Baybayin letters denoting the particular urn used and the kiln the jars were manufactured in. Certain kilns were renowned over others; prices depended on the reputation of the kiln. Of this flourishing trade, the Burnay jars of Ilocos are the only large clay jar manufactured in Luzon today with origins from this time. In

2550-662: The 16th century saw the incorporation of the Luções people and the breaking up of their kingdoms and the establishment of the Las Islas Filipinas with its capital Cebu , which was moved to Manila following the defeat of the local Rajah Sulayman in 1570. Under Spain, Luzon also came to be known as the Nueva Castilla or the New Castile . In Spanish times, Luzon became the focal point for trade between

2635-630: The Americas and Asia. The Manila Galleons constructed in the Bicol region brought silver mined from Peru and Mexico to Manila. The silver was used to purchase Asian commercial goods like Chinese silk , Indian gems and Indonesian spices , which were then exported back to the Americas. The Chinese valued Luzon so much, in that when talking about Spain and the Spanish-Americas, they preferred to call it as "Dao Lusong" (Greater Luzon) while

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2720-552: The Cordillera Central mountain ranges is the large Cagayan Valley . This region, which is known for being the second largest producer of rice and the country's top corn-producer, serves as the basin for the Cagayan River , the longest in the Philippines. Along the southern limits of the Cordillera Central lies the lesser-known Caraballo Mountains . These mountains form a link between the Cordillera Central and

2805-667: The Majapahit province of Poni ( Brunei ) before a fleet from the capital drove them out. In 1405, the Yongle Emperor appointed a Chinese governor of Luzon, Ko Ch'a-lao, during Zheng He 's voyages . China also had vassals among the leaders in the archipelago. China attained ascendancy in trade with the area in Yongle's reign. Afterwards, some parts of Luzon were Islamized when the former Majapahit province of Poni broke free, converted to Islam , and imported Sharif Ali ,

2890-646: The Pacific" , "Joint Air and Sea Exercise" and a MiG-29 passage exercise. Additionally, VFA-115 authored a comprehensive joint doctrine for maritime interdiction. This document was adopted by Commander Pacific Fleet and Chief of Naval Operations as the model for joint employment, and is today the primary training focus for deploying U.S. West Coast strike groups. The squadron was awarded the Commander Naval Air Pacific Battle Efficiency Award for 2004. In January 2006,

2975-702: The Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch, and in 1994 they received four aircraft with night vision device capability. In 1996, VA-115 supported contingency operations in the vicinity of Taiwan . In October 1996, the squadron conducted a homeport change to NAS Lemoore , California and began transition to their fifth aircraft, the F/A-18C Hornet . They were redesignated as Strike Fighter Squadron 115 (VFA-115) on 30 September 1996. The squadron accepted 12 F/A-18Cs in six months and joined CVW-14 on board USS  Abraham Lincoln . In June 1998

3060-634: The Portuguese conquest in 1511. Antonio Pigafetta notes that one of them was in command of the Brunei fleet in 1521. However, the Luções did not only fight on the side of the Muslims. Pinto says they were also apparently among the natives of the Philippines who fought the Muslims in 1538. On Mainland Southeast Asia , Lusung/Luções warriors aided the Burmese king in his invasion of Siam in 1547 AD. At

3145-508: The Sierra Madre Oriental, Angat, Zambales , Central Cordillera of Luzon , Bicol, and Catanduanes Island blocks. Using seismic and geodetic data, Luzon was modeled by Galgana et al. (2007) as a series of six micro blocks or micro plates (separated by subduction zones and intra-arc faults), all translating and rotating in different directions, with maximum velocities ~100 mm/yr NW with respect to Sundaland/Eurasia. As of

3230-663: The Sierra Madre mountain ranges, separating the Cagayan Valley from the Central Luzon plains. The central section of Luzon is characterized by a flat terrain, known as the Central Luzon plain , the largest in the island in terms of land area. The plain, approximately 11,000 square kilometres (4,200 sq mi) in size, is the country's largest producer of rice, and is irrigated by two major rivers;

3315-442: The Spanish, then settled in Cainta, Rizal . Newcomers who were impoverished Mexicans and peninsulares were accused of undermining the submission of the natives. In 1774, authorities from Bulacan, Tondo, Laguna Bay, and other areas surrounding Manila reported with consternation that discharged soldiers and deserters (from Mexico, Spain and Peru) were providing Indios military training for the weapons that had been disseminated all over

3400-434: The U.S. Navy's newest aircraft carrier. In June 1948, VA-12A deployed on a world cruise, a first for a U.S. Navy air group and milestone for the squadron. A symbolic globe later became part of the squadron's official insignia to commemorate the cruise. On 15 July 1948, VA-12A was re-designated Attack Squadron 115 (VA-115) , and in December, the squadron transitioned to the AD Skyraider , operating several improved models over

3485-439: The United States, Hong Kong, Singapore and Saudi Arabia . Eventually, the People Power Revolution led by Corazon Aquino and Cardinal Jaime Sin , removed Marcos and his cronies from power and they fled to Hawaii where the US granted them asylum. The following administrations are subsequently managing the political and economic recovery of the Philippines with the particular aim of spreading development outside of Luzon and into

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3570-498: The Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean. On 28 May 2009, VFA-115 deployed with Carrier Air Wing 14 aboard USS Ronald Reagan to the 7th and 5th Fleet Areas of Responsibility. On 13 December 2009, VFA-115 returned to Naval Air Facility Atsugi for the first time since 1996 to replace VFA-192 as a forward deployed squadron under CVW-5. During July 2015, VFA-115 took part in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2015 with Australia. The following month on 9 August 2015, VFA-115 participated in

3655-414: The coast of South Korea until the crisis subsided. USS Midway operated again off South Korea in December 1981 following political unrest. During the 1988 Summer Olympics , in Seoul , South Korea, the squadron was embarked on Midway operating in the Sea of Japan to demonstrate U.S. support for a peaceful Olympics. The squadron deployed again to the Middle East in support of Operation Earnest Will ,

3740-440: The early 1300s the Chinese annals, Nanhai zhi , reported that Hindu Brunei invaded or administered Sarawak and Sabah as well as the Philippine kingdoms of Butuan , Sulu , and in Luzon: Ma-i (Mindoro) and Malilu 麻裏蘆 (present-day Manila ); Shahuchong 沙胡重 (present-day Siocon or Zamboanga ), Yachen 啞陳 Oton (Part of the Madja-as Kedatuan), and 文杜陵 Wenduling (present-day Mindanao ), which would regain their independence at

3825-467: The east-dipping north–south trending Manila Trench - Negros Trench- Cotabato Trench . The Philippine Sea Plate subducts under eastern Luzon along the East Luzon Trench and the Philippine Trench, while the South China Sea basin, part of the Eurasian Plate , subducts under western Luzon along the Manila Trench. The North-Southeastern trending braided left-lateral strike-slip Philippine Fault System traverses Luzon, from Quezon province and Bicol to

3910-464: The escort of re-flagged Kuwaiti tankers in the Persian Gulf . In October 1990, the squadron deployed to the North Persian Gulf in support of Operation Desert Shield . At 2:00AM on 17 January 1991, VA-115's Intruders launched from the deck of USS Midway to attack two airfields to mark the beginning of Operation Desert Storm . At around 4:00AM, they struck Ahmad Al-Jaber Air Base in occupied Kuwait and Shaibah Air Base in Southern Iraq. In total,

3995-444: The first A-6 squadron to fire the AGM-65 Maverick at an Open Ocean target, with the Maverick being one of the new weapons the SWIP Intruder could carry. That same year, deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch enforcing United Nations resolutions against Iraq. The squadron was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation for their performance flying 115 combat missions over Iraq. In 1993, VA-115 deployed to

4080-417: The fleet. The TBMs struck the retiring Japanese ships, scoring hits on a battleship and two cruisers . All the squadron's aircraft returned, completing a 1,000 km (621 mi) round trip. Seven Navy Crosses were awarded to VT-11 aircrews during this campaign. In November and December 1944, the squadron continued to provide support for the occupation of Leyte, striking targets on Luzon in support of

4165-418: The following number of tributes, with each tribute representing a family of 6-7, and he reported 90,243 native Filipino tributes; 10,512 Chinese (Sangley) and mixed Chinese Filipino mestizo tributes; and 10,517 mixed Spanish Filipino mestizo tributes. Pure Spaniards are not counted as they are exempt from tribute. Out of these, Fr. Joaqin Martinez de Zuñiga estimated a total population count exceeding half

4250-441: The island, which encompasses most of the Ilocos Region , is characterized by a flat terrain extending east from the coastline toward the Cordillera Central mountains . The Cordillera mountain range, which feature the island's north-central section, is covered in a mixture of tropical pine forests and montane rainforests , and is the site of the island's highest mountain, Mount Pulag , rising at 2,922 metres. The range provides

4335-417: The landings on Mindoro . In January 1945, the squadron struck ships and targets on Formosa and Luzon in support of the Invasion of Lingayen Gulf , Luzon. The squadron participated in operations in the South China Sea (the first time an American Task Force had entered these waters since the beginning of the war), striking targets at Cam Ranh Bay and a convoy off Qui Nhơn , French Indo-China , shipping at

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4420-514: The landscape, which include Mount Isarog and Mount Iriga in Camarines Sur , and Mount Bulusan in Sorsogon . The peninsula 's coastline features several smaller peninsulas, gulfs and bays , which include Lamon Bay , San Miguel Bay , Lagonoy Gulf , Ragay Gulf , and Sorsogon Bay . Several outlying islands near mainland Luzon are considered part of the Luzon island group . The largest include Palawan , Mindoro , Masbate , Catanduanes , Marinduque , Romblon and Polillo . The island

4505-405: The largest lake in the country. The 949-square-kilometre (366 sq mi) lake is drained into Manila Bay by the Pasig River , one of the most important rivers in the country due to its historical significance and because it runs through the center of Metro Manila . Located 20 kilometres (12 mi) southwest of Laguna de Bay is Taal Lake , a crater lake containing the Taal Volcano ,

4590-402: The main port for Luzon and many Mexican soldiers and sailors were stationed in the naval garrisons there. When the Spanish evacuated from Ternate , Indonesia; they settled the Papuan refugees in Ternate, Cavite which was named after their evacuated homeland. After the short British Occupation of Manila , the Indian Sepoy soldiers that mutinied against their British commanders and joined

4675-437: The martyrdoms of Priests, Gomburza and the subsequent execution of the reformist and hero, Jose Rizal . Reeling against this, the Philippine Revolution against Spain erupted in Cavite and spread all throughout Luzon and the Philippines. Consequently, the First Philippine Republic was established in Malolos, Bulacan . In the meantime, Spain sold the Philippines to the United States and the First Philippine Republic resisted

4760-407: The more isolated provinces of the Visayas and Mindanao . During the administration of Ferdinand Marcos' son, Bongbong Marcos , Luzon became a destination of American and Japanese investments, it being the location of the Luzon Economic Corridor. Luzon island alone has an area of 109,964.9 square kilometres (42,457.7 sq mi), making it the world's 15th largest island . It is bordered on

4845-533: The next five years, the squadron upgraded through several models of TBF and TBM Avengers. On 25 April 1943, VT-11 arrived at Guadalcanal. The squadron's first combat was flown from Henderson Field as part of Carrier Air Group Eleven (CVG-11) . The squadron was land-based at Guadalcanal, and in June 1943, VT-11 pilots conducted the first daylight raids on Bougainville and the Solomon Islands . They flew patrol, search, spotting, strike, and night mine -laying missions. From 29 September 1944 to 1 February 1945, VT-11

4930-616: The next ten years. In July 1950, VA-115 deployed aboard USS  Philippine Sea for nine months conducting strikes at Inchon , South Korea in preparation for landings in September 1950. During and after the invasion the squadron flew deep support missions and also encountered MiG-15s . On 31 December 1951, VA-115 provided close air support for American troops in the Chosen Reservoir area and flew combat missions against North Korean rail, transportation, communication, industrial and supply targets. VA-115 flew 2,268 combat missions over both Korea deployments. For this outstanding performance,

5015-519: The northwestern part of the island. This fault system takes up part of the motion due to the subducting plates and produces large earthquakes. Southwest of Luzon is a collision zone where the Palawan micro-block collides with SW Luzon, producing a highly seismic zone near Mindoro island. Southwest Luzon is characterized by a highly volcanic zone, called the Macolod Corridor, a region of crustal thinning and spreading. Using geologic and structural data, seven principal blocks were identified in Luzon in 1989:

5100-476: The original Luzon was referred to as "Xiao (Small) Lusong" to refer to not only Luzon but the whole Philippines. Luzon also became a focal point for global migration. The walled city of Intramuros was initially founded by 1200 Spanish families. The nearby district of Binondo became the center of business and transformed into the world's oldest Chinatown . There was also a smaller district reserved for Japanese migrants in Dilao . Cavite City also served as

5185-691: The peoples of Central Luzon . Before 1000 CE, the Tagalog , Kapampangan , and Pangasinan peoples of south and central Luzon had established several major coastal polities , notably Maynila , Tondo and Namayan . The oldest known Philippine document, written in 900, is the Laguna Copperplate Inscription , which names places in and around Manila Bay and also mentions Medan , a place in Indonesia. These coastal Philippine kingdoms were thalassocracies , based on trade with neighboring Asian political entities, and structured by leases between village rulers ( Datu ) and landlords ( Lakan ) or Rajahs , by whom tributes were extracted and taxes were levied. There

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5270-433: The same time, Lusong warriors fought alongside the Siamese king and faced the same elephant army of the Burmese king in the defence of the Siamese capital at Ayutthaya. Luções military and trade activity reached as far as Sri Lanka in South Asia where Lungshanoid pottery made in Luzon were discovered in burials. Scholars have thus suggested that they could be mercenaries valued by all sides. The Spanish arrival in

5355-448: The smallest in the country. The environs of the lake form the upland Tagaytay Ridge , which was once part of a massive prehistoric volcano that covered the southern portion of the province of Cavite and the whole of Batangas province. South of Laguna Lake are two solitary mountains, Mount Makiling in Laguna and Batangas provinces, and Mount Banahaw , the highest in the region of Calabarzon . The southeastern portion of Luzon

5440-451: The south, forming the Bataan Peninsula . The peninsula encloses Manila Bay , a natural harbor considered to be one of the best natural ports in East Asia, due to its size and strategic geographical location. The Sierra Madre mountain range continues to stretch across the western section of Central Luzon, snaking southwards into the Bicol Peninsula . Southern Luzon is dominated by Laguna de Bay ( Old Spanish , " Lake of Bay town "),

5525-417: The south. The islands of Masbate , Palawan and Romblon are also included, although these three are sometimes grouped with another of the island groups, the Visayas . The name Luzon is thought to derive from ᜎᜓᜐᜓᜅ᜔ lusong , a Tagalog word referring to a particular kind of large wooden mortar used in dehusking rice. A 2008 research paper by Eulito Bautista and Evelyn Javier provides an image of

5610-539: The squadron deployed aboard USS  Ronald Reagan to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. VFA-115 flew hundreds of combat sorties providing close air support for the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps, tanking for the carrier-based aircraft, and maritime interdiction for the strike group. In January 2007, VFA-115 again deployed aboard USS Ronald Reagan , returning in April 2007 to resume shore based flight training at NAS Lemoore. On 19 May 2008 VFA-115 started another deployment aboard USS Ronald Reagan to

5695-690: The squadron deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. After two deployments in the "C" model Hornet, the squadron was chosen to be the first Navy squadron to transition to the F/A-18E Super Hornet . VFA-115 was also the first fleet squadron to receive the Advanced Tactical Forward Looking InfraRed targeting pod. In July 2002, the squadron embarked on the first fleet Super Hornet combat deployment, flying 214 combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Southern Watch (OSW). The squadron dropped 22 JDAM on 14 targets in Iraq, before taking part in Operation Iraqi Freedom . Before hostilities ceased on 9 April 2003,

5780-484: The squadron dropped 170 t (370,000 lb) of ordnance and passed 1.2 mio l (3.5 million lb) of fuel in the tanker support role. This wartime performance earned the squadron and the Abraham Lincoln Battle Group the Navy Unit Commendation (the sixth awarded to VFA-115). In May 2004, the squadron deployed aboard USS  John C. Stennis . In support of the "Fleet Response Plan", the squadron participated in various joint exercises including "Northern Edge", "Rim of

5865-530: The squadron flew 456 combat sorties and delivered 724,000 pounds of ordnance against enemy targets in Iraq and occupied Kuwait during the war. The squadron also was credited with the confirmed destruction of 12 Iraqi naval vessels. In August 1991, the squadron switched to the USS  Independence , as USS Midway retired as the Navy's forward deployed aircraft carrier homeported in Japan . During that change, they received VA-196 's A-6E SWIP aircraft. In 1992, NF-515 , an A-6E SWIP Intruder led to VA-115 becoming

5950-418: The squadron was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation . In June 1952, the squadron participated in coordinated strikes against North Korean hydroelectric power plants – the first heavy attacks conducted against these installations. Nine different hydroelectric power plants were struck. VA-115 made two deployments to Korea in 1950/51 and 1951/52 aboard USS Philippine Sea . It returned to Korea shortly after

6035-424: The squadron was put in an inactive, stand-down status. This was a transitional period as the squadron awaited the arrival of the A-6 Intruder , and there were no aircraft and only a few administrative personnel assigned. This is the only known instance in which a squadron was not disestablished but remained on the active squadron inventory in an inactive status. In January 1970, the squadron resumed active status and

6120-649: The task force that provided support to the Republic of China during the shelling of the Quemoy Island group by the PRC . CVG-11 then moved to USS  Essex in 1956, followed by two cruises aboard USS  Shangri-La in 1958 and 1959. In 1960 the squadron adopted the nickname "Arabs" after passage through the Suez Canal , while being deployed aboard USS  Hancock in 1960/61. Later in 1961 CVW-11

6205-577: The term is an abbreviation of Sanskrit adiraja . Fernão Mendes Pinto noted that a number of Luções in the Islamic fleets went to battle with the Portuguese in the Philippines during the 16th century. The Sultan of Aceh gave one of them (Sapetu Diraja) the task of holding Aru (northeast Sumatra) in 1540. Pinto also says one was named leader of the Malays remaining in the Moluccas Islands after

6290-577: The territory during the British war. There was also continuous immigration of Tamils and Bengalis into the rural areas of Luzon: Spanish administrators, native nobles, and Chinese businessmen imported them as slave labor during this period. In the 1600s, Fr. Joaqin Martinez de Zuñiga, conducted a census of the Archdiocese of Manila which held most of Luzon under its spiritual care, and it had

6375-524: The upland headwaters of the Agno River , which stretches from the slopes of Mount Data , and meanders along the southern Cordillera mountains before reaching the plains of Pangasinan . The northeastern section of Luzon is generally mountainous, with the Sierra Madre , the longest mountain range in the country, abruptly rising a few miles from the coastline. Located in between the Sierra Madre and

6460-720: The west by the South China Sea ( Luzon Sea in Philippine territorial waters), on the east by the Philippine Sea , and on the north by the Luzon Strait containing the Babuyan Channel and Balintang Channel . The mainland is roughly rectangular in shape and has the long Bicol Peninsula protruding to the southeast. Luzon is roughly divided into four sections; Northern Luzon, Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, and Southeastern Luzon. The northwestern portion of

6545-443: The world's many colonies. Subsequently, the Philippines gained independence from the United States. Luzon then arose to become the most developed island in the Philippines. However, the lingering poverty and inequality caused by the long dictatorship of US-supported dictator, Ferdinand Marcos , gave rise to the Philippine diaspora and many people from Luzon have migrated elsewhere and had established large overseas communities; mainly in

6630-433: Was NF . It was established as Torpedo Squadron VT-11 on 10 October 1942, redesignated VA-12A on 15 November 1946, VA-115 on 15 July 1948, then finally VFA-115. The squadron’s first insignia was designed by Walt Disney and consisted of a black torpedo with the skull & crossbones on it and a winged cherub wearing a green helmet nicknamed "Little Butch." A new squadron insignia was approved on 17 September 1956 and

6715-543: Was "discovered" in 1521. Many people from Luzon were employed within Portuguese Malacca. For example, the spice magnate Regimo de Raja , based in Malacca, was highly influential and was appointed as Temenggong (Sea Lord)—a governor and chief general responsible for overseeing of maritime trade—by the Portuguese. As Temenggong , de Raja was also the head of an armada which traded and protected commerce in

6800-516: Was also a Buddhist polity known as Ma-i or Maidh, described in Chinese and Bruneian records in the 10th century CE, although its location is still unknown and scholars are divided on whether it is in modern-day Bay, Laguna or Bulalacao , Mindoro . According to sources at the time, the trade in large native Ruson-tsukuri (literally Luzon-made , Japanese: 呂 宋 製 ) clay jars used for storing green tea and rice wine with Japan flourished in

6885-467: Was certain. MacArthur had to wait two years for his wish; it was 1944 before a campaign to recapture the Philippines was launched. The island of Leyte was the first objective of the campaign, which was captured by the end of December 1944. This was followed by the attack on Mindoro and later, Luzon. The end of the World War necessitated decolonization due to rising nationalist movements across

6970-520: Was deployed aboard USS  Hornet . The squadron participated in the first strikes against Okinawa and two weeks later converged on Leyte Gulf to protect the landing and supply ships engaged in the Battle of Leyte . On 25 October, the Japanese Fleet converged on Leyte to oppose the landings. Squadron TBMs were launched from 550 km (342 mi) away (well beyond normal range) to strike

7055-509: Was in charge of the defense of the Philippines at the time—was ordered to Australia, and the remaining U.S. forces retreated to the Bataan Peninsula . A few months after this, MacArthur expressed his belief that an attempt to recapture the Philippines was necessary. The U.S. Pacific Commander Admiral Chester Nimitz and Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Ernest King both opposed this idea, arguing that it must wait until victory

7140-910: Was reassigned to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island , Washington for transition to the A-6 Intruder. The squadron received their first KA-6D tanker aircraft in February 1971. In 1970 VA-115 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 16 (CVW-16) (tail code "AH") for deployment on the modernized USS  Midway . However, the modernization of Midway took longer than expected, CVW-16 was disestablished in 1971 and all its squadrons were assigned to Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) (tail code "NF"). From 1971 to 1990 VA-115 and CVW-5 were assigned to USS Midway . In 1971 and 1972/73 USS Midway made two deployments to Vietnam. From May to October 1972 VA-115 participated in Operation Linebacker , where VA-115 earned

7225-869: Was reassigned to USS  Kitty Hawk . VA-115 made three deployments aboard Kitty Hawk to the Western Pacific between 1962 and 1966. In May and June 1964, during the Laotian crisis, the squadron flew Combat Air Patrol and Search and Rescue. In October 1965, the squadron returned to Southeast Asia . During six months on Yankee Station in the Gulf of Tonkin , VA-115 flew 2,051 sorties, over 8,000 hours and delivered 3,200 t (7,100,000 lb) of ordnance against enemy targets in Vietnam . In September 1966, VA-115 joined Carrier Air Wing Five aboard USS Hancock and made its second deployment to Vietnam from January to July 1967. From August 1967 to January 1970,

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