Ships and embarked squadrons from Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HST CSG) entered U.S. 6th Fleet’s area of responsibility (AOR), July 26 and 29th.
Guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and guided-missile destroyers USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), entered July 26, followed by strike group flagship and aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64) July 29.
This is the first time HST CSG has entered the 6th Fleet AOR since its last deployment in 2010.
In addition to the five ships, Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group also includes embarked Carrier Air Wing 3 and its squadrons; Strike Fighter Squadrons (VFA) 32 “Swordsmen,” VFA-37 “Ragin’ Bulls,” and VFA-105 “Gunslingers;” Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312 “Checkerboards;” Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126 “Seahawks;” Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130 “Zappers;” Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7 “Dusty Dogs;” Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 “Swamp Foxes;” embarked 1st Combined Destroyer Squadron staff and Military Sealift Command, fast combat ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8).
While in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, HST CSG will be supporting maritime security operations (MSO) and theater security cooperation efforts. MSO are set conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment and complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations.
[mappress] Press Release, July 30, 2013