Carl Vinson CSG Joins US 5th Fleet

The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group wrapped up operations in the Western Pacific and reported for duty in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility Oct. 15.

The strike group consists of USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) with embarked Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 and Destroyer Squadron 1, along with guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), guided-missile destroyers USS Gridley (DDG 101), USS Sterett (DDG 104), USS Dewey (DDG 105), and elements of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit 3.

“All of our hard work and effort through the workup cycle was done with operations in this part of the world in mind,” said Rear Adm. Christopher Grady, commander of the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group. “We are ready on arrival to execute the tasking of our leadership.”

On the way to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility the strike group took part in Valiant Shield 2014, which was a rare opportunity to conduct integrated joint training exercises with two carrier strike groups. Valiant Shield involved 19 ships and more than 200 aircraft from Carl Vinson and George Washington Carrier Strike Groups, the U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Air Force.

The exercise took place less than a month after the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group participated in an Undersea Warfare Exercise (USWEX) off of the coast of Hawaii. The USWEX tested the strike group’s ability to detect, evade, and fight undersea threats.

The strike group deployed from San Diego Aug. 22 and recently completed a port visit to Singapore, Oct. 7. During the port visit, the Carl Vinson hosted a reception in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy Singapore for local and regional dignitaries, and Bunker Hill held a change of command ceremony during which Capt. Sterling Dawley relieved Capt. Yvette Davids.

Image: US Navy