The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG), with nearly 6,000 Sailors, is scheduled to deploy from Naval Station Norfolk, Va., and Naval Station Mayport, Fla., June 20, to support operations in the U.S. Navy’s 5th and 6th Fleets.
The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), commanded by Capt. Marcus A. Hitchcock , guided-missile destroyers USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) and USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) will deploy from Naval Station Norfolk.
Guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66) and guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) will deploy from Naval Station Mayport.
Working with allied and partner maritime forces, the IKE CSG deployment will focus heavily on maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.
IKE CSG has successfully completed a series of complex training events and certifications over the last several months to ensure they operate effectively and safely together.
Commanded by Rear Adm. Michael Manazir, IKE CSG is comprised of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 8, embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, embarked Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28, Winston S. Churchill, Jason Dunham, Hue City and Farragut. The aircraft squadrons of CVW 7 embarked aboard IKE are: The squadrons of CVW-7 include strike fighter squadrons VFA-143 “Pukin Dogs”, VFA-131 “Wildcats”, VFA-83 “Rampagers” and VFA-103 “Jolly Rogers”; tactical electronics warfare squadron VAQ-140 “Patriots”; carrier airborne early warning squadron VAW-121 “Bluetails”; Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40 “Rawhides and helicopter anti-submarine squadron HS-5 “Nightdippers.”
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, June 19, 2012; Image: US Navy