USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG) arrived in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) March 15.
The mission of the IKE CSG is to promote maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the AOR.
Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 8 is comprised of flagship USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) with embarked squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 and guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66).
The ships returned to their homeports in December for maintenance, and were redeployed with German frigate FGS Hamburg (F220) Feb. 21 to support requirements in the U.S. Navy’s 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations.
“This strike group returns to the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR trained, experienced, and ready,” said Rear Adm. Michael C. Manazir, IKE CSG commander. “We are poised to work with our coalition and regional partners to keep maritime lanes open. The Sailors of Carrier Strike Group Eight are committed to ensuring the conditions for economic prosperity in this region.”
The IKE CSG will relieve the John C. Stennis Strike Group in support of U.S. Central Command operational requirements.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, March 20, 2013; Image: US Navy