US Navy ships from the carrier strike group centered around aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman returned to the Eastern Mediterranean Sea on June 10 for flight operations in support of operation Inherent Resolve (OIR).
USS Harry S. Truman’s carrier air wing returned to flying OIR sorties after supporting the Baltic Sea drill BALTOPS 2018.
“Bringing the Harry S. Truman strike group back into the fight against ISIS sends a powerful message to our partners that we are committed to peace and security in the region, and anywhere threatened by international terrorism,” said Rear Adm. Gene Black, commander of the Harry S. Truman CSG. “Once again we demonstrate the incredible flexibility and capabilities of a carrier strike group; we are combat-proven and ready to answer the call anytime and anywhere to carry out any mission we are directed.”
While in the region, aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1’s strike fighter squadrons will conduct precision strikes on ISIS targets.
“The crew is locked in, focused and ready to continue the fight against ISIS,” said commanding officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), Capt. Nicholas Dienna. “We will operate and maintain a presence wherever, whenever required to support our regional allies and partners in furthering stability and prosperity around the globe.”
The Harry S. Truman CSG, which entered the US 6th Fleet area of operations April 18, includes multi-mission capable platforms with strike; ballistic missile defense; and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.