The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) departed Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, and Mayport, Florida for a regularly scheduled deployment, Dec. 1.
Elements of the strike group, commanded by Rear Adm. Curt Renshaw, include flagship USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), commanded by Capt. Gavin Duff; the nine squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, staffs of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 8 and the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56).
In addition, the strike group will include the guided-missile destroyers of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28 commanded by Captain Todd Zenner which include, USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), USS Cole (DDG 67), USS Gravely (DDG 107), and USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109). The Royal Norwegian Navy’s Fridtjof-Nansen class frigate HNoMS Fridtjof Nansen (F310) will join the strike group, and operate as part of the strike group throughout the entire deployment.
The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group will be conducting operations to support maritime security and stability in international waters across the globe.
Carrier strike groups have a wide-range of capabilities to respond wherever and whenever required through a variety of mission sets. Additionally, strike groups possess the flexibility and sustainability to fight major wars and ensure freedom of the seas.
The deployment follows months of intense training and preparation to include the Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) as well as various international maritime exercises such as Group Sail and Composite Training Unit Exercise, an intense multilateral combined exercise that assessed the strike group’s abilities to conduct military operations at sea and project power ashore in late October.
“The team within the strike group has come together in an impressive manner these last few months,” said Rear Adm. Curt Renshaw, commander, CSG 8. “They have become an integrated, multi-mission team capable of conducting the full spectrum of combat operations to ensure security in the maritime. I have no doubt that we are prepared for any challenge while on this deployment.”
The strike group units will work alongside allied and partner maritime forces, focusing on theater security cooperation efforts, which help to further regional stability.
“During this training cycle, we have learned how to train and fight side by side whether it is onboard the same ship, in the skies, or across the seas,” said Capt. Gavin Duff, Truman’s commanding officer. “While we serve as the flag ship, we are never nearly as capable or as strong as we are when we deploy as a strike group.”
Along with the U.S. ships; the Royal Norwegian Navy Frigate, HNoMS Fridtjof Nansen (F310), joined the strike group under the Cooperative Deployment Program, which emphasizes the strengthening of defense partnerships and capabilities between the United States and bilateral or multilateral partners.
“HNoMS Fridtjof Nansen is ready and excited to embark upon this important deployment. The hospitality and professionalism (the) US Navy has provided during our harbor stay and sea periods have been excellent ensuring that we are an integrated asset of Carrier Strike Group 8. It is truly an honor for us to be the first Norwegian cooperative deployer in history. And this marks yet another milestone in the overall defense cooperation between Norway and our most important ally, USA,” said Commanding Officer Ruben Grepne-Takle.
Squadrons of CVW 1 include Strike Fighter Squadrons (VFA) 11 “Red Rippers”; VFA-211 “Fighting Checkmates”; VFA-34 “Blue Blasters”; VFA-81 “Sunliners”; Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137 “Rooks”; Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126 “Seahawks”; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 11 “Dragon Slayers”; Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM)72 “Proud Warriors”; and a detachment from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 “Rawhides.”
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For more news from Truman and CSG-8 visit: https://www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvn75, www.facebook.com/ccsg8, https://www.c2f.usff.navy.mil/csg8/, www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy