USNavy statement on “Ike” trip in the Mediterranean Sea

Interesting US Navy statement about USS Eisenhower entered in the Mediterranean Sea the last week:

“The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is conducting operations in U.S. 6^th Fleet to support maritime security operations in international waters alongside our allies and partners.

Deploying ships and aircraft of the strike group, commanded by Rear Adm. Paul J. Schlise and the Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 staff, include flagship USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), commanded by Capt. Kyle Higgins; the eight squadrons and staff of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, commanded by Capt. Trevor Estes,, and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26, commanded by Capt. William Shafley.  

“Ike offers tremendous capability to the region,” said Vice Adm. Lisa Franchetti, deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, and commander, U.S. 6th Fleet. “During her operations in the Atlantic, Ike strike group will exercise the fundamental warfare practice of ensuring the security of vital sea lanes of communication. The deployment will also serve to demonstrate commitment to our allies and partners in Europe and Africa.”

While in U.S. 6th Fleet, the IKECSG will work with U.S. 2^nd Fleet, Military Sea Lift Command, P-8’s from Patrol Squadron (VP) 4, a U.S. submarine, and NATO allies and partners to ensure seamless maritime security and interoperability across the Atlantic and the waters surrounding Europe and Africa.  

“What better platform than IKE to return once again to the European theater to reaffirm our steadfast commitment to our allies and partners in U.S. 6th Fleet,” said Schlise. “These vital sea lanes must remain open for global commerce and prosperity, and a U.S. carrier strike group is second to none in its ability to foster regional security.”  

The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is a multiplatform team of ships, aircraft and more than 6,000 Sailors, capable of carrying out a wide variety of missions around the globe.

Deploying ships and aircraft of the strike group include the guided-missile cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), the guided-missile destroyers of DESRON 26 USS Stout (DDG 55), USS James E. Williams (DDG 95), and USS Truxton (DDG 103) homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia.

Squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, embarked on board Eisenhower include the “Fighting Swordsmen” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32, the “Gunslingers” of Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-105, the “Rampagers” of VFA-83, “Wildcats” of VFA-131, the “Screwtops” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123, the “Zappers” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, the “Dusty Dogs” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7, and the “Swamp Foxes” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74.