Yesterday, the Carrier Strike Group of the USS Eisenhower (CVN-69) left the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal and entered the Red Sea. The American aircraft carrier is heading to the Persian Gulf, where it will operate in the coming months.
At first, the IKE, as the unit is nicknamed, was supposed to relieve the USS Ford in the Mediterranean, but given the worsening of the crisis in the Middle East (and the danger posed by Iran), the US Navy extended the Ford’s stay in the Mediterranean and moved the Eisenhower to the Persian Gulf.
The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKECSG) arrived in the Middle East and the CENTCOM area of responsibility as part of the increase in regional posture.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) November 4, 2023
The strike group is commanded by Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2 and comprised of flagship aircraft carrier USS… pic.twitter.com/CYLX5mTTki
The two units did not operate together in the Mediterranean, except for a few hours to provide a photo opportunity, but then their paths diverged. The USS Ford continues to operate south of Cyprus, where it has been for several weeks.
It is worth remembering that the Esienhower CSG is composed of:
- Aircraft carrier
- USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN69)
- Carrier Air Wing 3
- VFA-32 Strike Fighter Squadron 32, Swordsmen, F/A-18F Super Hornet
- VFA-83 Strike Fighter Squadron 83, Rampagers, F/A-18E Super Hornet
- VFA-105 Strike Fighter Squadron 105, Gunslingers, F/A-18E Super Hornet
- VFA-131 Strike Fighter Squadron 131, Wildcats, F/A-18E Super Hornet
- VAW-123 Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 123, Screwtops, E-2C Hawkeye
- VAQ-130 Electronic Attack Squadron 130, Zappers, EA-18G Growler
- VRC-40 Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40, Det. 4 Rawhides, C-2A Greyhound
- HSC-7 Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 7, Dusty Dogs, MH-60S Seahawk
- HSM-74 Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 74, Swamp Foxes, MH-60R Seahawk
- Cruiser
- USS Philippine Sea (CG 58)
- Destroyer Squadron 2
- USS Mason (DDG 87)
- USS Gravely (DDG 107)