CdM graduate participates in U.S. strikes on Islamic State

A Corona del Mar High School graduate participated in recent U.S. strikes on Islamic State forces in Iraq and Syria, according to a news release from the Navy.

Seaman Matthew Belling, who graduated from CdM in 2010, served aboard the USS George H.W. Bush, an aircraft carrier that sent bombers and fighters into territory occupied by the terror group.

The ship recently completed its second combat deployment in the Arabian Sea.

“I joined the Navy to better myself and serve my country,” Belling said, according to the news release. “I also joined to get a chance to travel. I love the camaraderie I’ve developed through teamwork with so many new and diverse people.”

Belling’s role in the mission was not detailed in the news release. The serviceman’s father, Dan, works as a sales vice president and his mother, Sheri, is a book buyer.

The USS George H.W. Bush Strike Group was the only provider of U.S. air power during the first three weeks of the Islamic State crisis, according to the release. The U.S. became involved in the conflict in early August.

Islamic State rebels are occupying sections of Iraq and Syria, and the U.S. and a coalition of Arab state forces are participating in strikes.

The USS George H.W. Bush also launched Operation Enduring Freedom combat sorties in support of Afghan elections, which took place in April and June, according to the release.

“Once on station in the North Arabian Gulf, GHWB swiftly transitioned to 24/7 air operations, supporting thousands of U.S. citizens and military consolidating in Baghdad under the advance of ISIL forces,” the release stated, using an acronym for the Islamic State. “Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 aircraft conducted the first strike in Iraq against ISIL forces West of Erbil (on) Aug. 8.”

Aircraft assigned to the carrier began bombing targets inside Syria’s borders Sept. 23.

Coaltion strikes destroyed “multiple ISIL targets, including ISIL fighters, training compounds, headquarters and command and control facilities, storage facilities, a finance center, supply trucks and armed vehicles,” according to the Navy.

Offensive operations concluded Oct. 18. The ship returned home to Norfolk, Va., on Nov. 15. The nine-month deployment began Feb. 15.