Strike aircraft from the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group have dropped 1,134 pieces of ordnance in support of Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR), more than any aircraft carrier involved in the operation to defeat ISIL.
Truman and embarked Carrier Air Wing 7 began strike operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve upon their arrival to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in late December.
“Warfighting is the priority, and I am very proud of the effort and team work it took to reach this milestone. That said it is more about keeping the pressure on ISIL. The weapons delivered are obviously critical in that endeavor,” said Rear Adm. Bret Batchelder, commander, Carrier Strike Group 8 .
To date, Carrier Strike Group 8 has employed over 580 Tons of explosives on ISIL targets and have disrupted and destroyed weapons storage facilities, training facilities, and financial infrastructure.
“While we have seen major accomplishments during our time here, to include this one, the goal has not changed. We have driven ISIL out of over 40 percent of their controlled territory and will continue to pursue them. We will deny them safe haven to operate, and ultimately, the coalition will defeat them,” Batchelder said.
The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations supporting OIR strike operations in Iraq and Syria, maritime security operations, and theater security cooperation efforts in the region.
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Image: US Navy