U.S. Navy’s USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (Ike CSG) entered the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations June 8 thereby joining the USS Harry S. Truman which already operates in the eastern Mediterranean.
While Ike CSG is involved in Great Green Fleet activities and operations, Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is also conducting combat sorties against ISIL from the Mediterranean in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
The U.S. Navy now has two aircraft carriers in Europe and another two, USS John C. Stennis and USS Ronald Reagan, operating in Asia.
The Navy did not have this number of carriers deployed since 2012. Additionally, USS Carl Vinson and USS George Washington are sailing off the U.S. coast preparing for their deployments.
As for the Ike CSG ships, they are part of the Great Green Fleet initiative, which emphasizes use of energy conservation measures as a key combat enabler to allow ships to go farther, stay longer and deliver more firepower.
Great Green Fleet operations in Europe will involve a multi-day passing exercise (PASSEX) with units of the Italian Navy’s Flotta Verde. The PASSEX will highlight energy conservation operations and will involve a refueling at sea (RAS) event during which an Italian oiler will refuel Ike CSG ships with advanced alternative fuel (F76 equivalent).
“The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group looks forward to working with our counterparts in the Italian Navy to demonstrate our mutual commitment to increase energy efficiency,” said Rear Adm. Jesse Wilson , commander, Carrier Strike Group 10.
Ike CSG consists of aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), Carrier Air Wing 3, guided-missile cruisers USS San Jacinto and USS Monterey, and Destroyer Squadron 26 with its associated guided-missile destroyers USS Roosevelt, USS Mason, USS Nitze and USS Stout.