Ships and embarked squadrons from Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HST CSG) entered U.S. 5th Fleet’s Area of Responsibility (AOR) Aug. 18, after completing a routine transit through the Suez Canal.
“Our Sailors and Marines executed a safe and professional transit through the Suez Canal and we are now operating in the 5th Fleet AOR,” said Rear Adm. Kevin Sweeney, commander, HST CSG. “We’ve trained hard and we’re ready to operate alongside our coalition partners to conduct maritime security operations to ensure stability and build trust and confidence throughout the region.”
HST CSG is on a scheduled deployment conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom.
HST CSG includes Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10; aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75); guided-missile cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and USS Gettysburg (CG 64); guided-missile destroyers USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) and USS Mason (DDG 87); embarked 1st Combined Destroyer Squadron staff; and 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 312 “Checkerboards,” Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126 “Seahawks,” Electronic Attack Squadron 130 “Zappers,” Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 7 “Dusty Dogs,” and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 74 “Swamp Foxes”.
HST CSG deployed July 22 from Norfolk, Va.
[mappress] Press Release, August 20, 2013; Image: Navy