Following a successful workup cycle, the Rooks deployed aboard the in April 2018. After leaving Norfolk, Virginia, the squadron participated in Operation LIGHTNING HANDSHAKE off the coast of Morocco in order to prepare for combat operations. The carrier then traveled toward the Eastern Mediterranean in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. Heavy tasking led to the Rooks flying over 370 combat hours in just 22 fly days, with an impressive 100% combat sortie completion rate, earning the squadron the CVW-1 Golden Wrench for the line period.