SEA STRIKE

USS John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group Arrives in 5th Fleet

By Lt. Nathan Christensen, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet USS JOHN C. STENNIS, At Sea (NNS) -- The USS John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSSG) entered the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO) Feb.19 to conduct Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in regional waters, as well as to provide support for ground forces operating in Afghanistan and Iraq. Led by Rear Adm. Kevin Quinn, Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3, the strike group includes the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON)21, the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54), guided-missile destroyers USS O’Kane (DDG 77) and USS Preble (DDG 88), and the fast combat-support ship USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10). More than 6,500 Sailors and Marines are assigned to JCSSG. “The USS John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group is here to help foster stability and security in the region,” said Quinn. “We look forward to working with our coalition partners to provide support for ground forces operating in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as conducting maritime security operations that help provide a safe environment for shipping within the region. We are ready, we are sustainable, we are flexible and we provide significant capabilities that contribute to regional peace and security.”

Bataan ESG Enters U.S. 6th Fleet

Sailors and Marines man the rails as the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) departs Naval Station Norfolk. Bataan is the command ship for the Bataan Expeditionary Strike group (ESG), which is deploying to conduct maritime security operations in support of the ongoing rotation of forward-deployed forces. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Lolita Lewis The Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) entered U.S. 6th Fleet’s area of operations Jan

USS John C. Stennis Deploys with Carrier Strike Group 3

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Sailors said goodbye to their family members and friends Jan. 16, as the ship departed Naval Base Kitsap Bremerton for San Diego to onload Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9. The carrier, with its embarked air wing, USS Antietam (CG 54), and USS Preble (DDG 88), will deploy from San Diego Saturday, Jan. 20. USS O'Kane (DDG 77) and USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) will deploy from their homeport of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Bataan Continues Maritime Security Operations

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Joanne De Vera, USS Bataan Public Affairs Ships of the Bataan Strike Group performed maritime security operations (MSO) Feb. 25 to March 1 in the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command's area of responsibility. MSO helps set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complements the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations.

Enterprise Strike Group Exemplifies CNO's Maritime Strategy

The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Adm. Gary Roughead, along with the Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC), Gen. James Conway and Commandant of the Coast Guard, Adm. Thad Allen released the "Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower" on Oct 17. As the maritime strategy was released, Enterprise Strike Group (ENTSG) was executing it while forward deployed in the 5th Fleet area of operations. The new strategy stresses the importance of the Navy's core capabilities of forward presence

Cruise Ships with Sick Passengers Dock in Florida

For the third time in two months Sunday, luxury cruise ships sailed into South Florida ports bearing sick passengers. More than 100 passengers and crew arrived in Port Everglades on Princess Cruise's Sun Princess showing symptoms of norovirus, a gastrointestinal illness that resembles stomach flu. And 99 passengers and 11 crew members came down with the virus on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas -- for the second time in a week

Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group Enters 7th Fleet

Amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) departs Naval Base San Diego, for a six-month deployment. Bonhomme Richard is part of Expeditionary Strike Group Five (ESG-5). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Shannon K. Cassidy The Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group (BHRESG) entered the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) April 23, while enroute to the Persian Gulf in support of the global war on terrorism.

Gulf, Atlantic Strike Teams Assist EPA at Contaminated Facility

One member from the Gulf Strike Team and one member from the Atlantic Strike Team deployed today to assist the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at a contaminated facility in Weogufka, Ala. The strike team members will assist as Federal On-Scene Coordinator Representatives, conduct site safety, monitor contractors, provide photo documentation and cost documentation for lead contaminated soil removal work at Performance Advantage Facility, Inc.

Finnlines Shares Plunge On Profit Warning

Shares in Finnish shipping company Finnlines plunged on Wednesday after it said 2000 profit would be worse than expected due to tough competition, higher oil prices and strikes hindering business. On Wednesday shares were trading down 12.5 percent at 23.99 euros, under-performing already soft Helsinki shares. In February Finnlines posted a 1999 profit before extraordinary items of 67.3 million euros ($64.46 million) and said the outlook for 2000 was uncertain due to factors such as tighter

Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group Arrives in 5th Fleet

Amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) steams in formation during a photo exercise near Guam. Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group consists of Amphibious Squadron 7, USS Bonhomme Richard, amphibious transport dock USS Denver (LPD 9), dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47), guided missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69), guided missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93), guided missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65), and 2