Enterprise Strike Group Arrives in 5th Fleet

The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) as seen from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) as Eisenhower pulls alongside Enterprise for turnover. Eisenhower is deployed in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO) and the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew D. Leistikow

The Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (CSG) entered the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations Aug. 1 to conduct Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in regional waters and provide air support to ground forces operating in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Enterprise CSG is part of the ongoing rotation of U.S. warships to the region. Their arrival demonstrates the United States’ resolve to enhance security and support long-term stability in the region.

Commanded by Rear Adm. Daniel P. Holloway, Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CCSG) 12, Enterprise CSG is comprised of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) with its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, and embarked Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2; guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64) based in Mayport, Fla.; guided-missile destroyers USS James E. Williams (DDG 95), USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) and USS Stout (DDG 55) - all based in Norfolk; fast-attack submarine USS Philadelphia (SSN 690) based in Groton, Conn.; and the fast-combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 6) based in Earle, N.J.

“The Sailors and Marines of the Enterprise Strike Group have worked hard and are prepared and ready to support our Coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Holloway. “We are committed to demonstrate our nation’s resolve to maintain security and stability to the region.” The squadrons of CVW-1 include the “Checkmates” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211; Knighthawks” of VFA-136; “Sidewinders” of VFA-86; “Thunderbolts” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251; “Dragonslayers” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 11; “Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137; “Screwtops” of VAW-123; “Maulers” of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 32; and the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40.

MSO helps set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations deny international terrorists the use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other materials. U.S. 5th Fleet, headquartered in Manama, Bahrain, is responsible for an area encompassing approximately 2.5 million square miles of water including the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman and parts of the Indian Ocean.