The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is conducting flight operations in U.S. Sixth Fleet to support maritime security operations in international waters alongside our allies and partners.
These flight operations demonstrate the United States’ continued military support to its allies, friends and partners and a commitment to free and open seas for all nations.
“The Sailors of the IKE Carrier Strike Group are excited to represent our enduring commitment to the security, stability and prosperity of the region,” said Rear Adm. Scott Robertson, commander, Carrier Strike Group Two. “Conducting flight operations is an important part of maintaining readiness and also sends a clear signal of our capability, capacity, and if required lethality.”
Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is a multiplatform team of
ships, aircraft and more than 5,000 Sailors, capable of carrying out a wide variety of missions around the globe.
Deploying ships and aircraft of the strike group, commanded by Rear Adm. Scott Robertson, include flagship USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69); Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers USS Monterey (CG 61); Destroyer Squadron 22 ships include Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Mitscher (DDG 57), USS Laboon (DDG 58), USS Mahan (DDG 72), USS Porter (DDG 78), and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116).
Squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, embarked on Eisenhower include the "Fighting Swordsmen" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32, "Gunslingers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105, "Wildcats" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131, "Rampagers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83; "Dusty Dogs" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7; "Swamp Foxes" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74; "Screwtops" of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 123; "Zappers" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, and a detachment from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 "Rawhides."
While ships and aircraft from the IKE Strike Group conducted flight operation near the Canary Islands, Laboon and Mahan concluded a port visit for resupply at Naval Station Rota, Spain.
U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.