The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWBCSG) resumed strike missions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, June 6.
The GHWBCSG entered the Mediterranean Sea June 5, after conducting operations in support of OIR and maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.
The GHWBCSG previously operated in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations and last conducted strikes in from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea in support of OIR from March 6 – 8.
The GHWBCSG operations in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea in support of OIR demonstrate the capability of the U.S. Navy to conduct precision strikes on ISIS targets from multiple theaters, highlighting the flexibility of the Navy’s globally deployed force.
“We are resuming a relentless pursuit of ISIS targets, while reinforcing our commitment to partners and allies in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations,” Rear Adm. Kenneth Whitesell, commander, Carrier Strike Group 2.
Quick Facts:
Carrier strike groups demonstrate the mobility, flexibility and power projection capability of the Navy’s globally deployed force – anytime, anywhere.
Operation Inherent Resolve is the unwavering resolve and deep commitment of the U.S. and partner nations in the region and around the globe to eliminate the terrorist group ISIS and the threat they pose to the region and the wider international community.
(The Carl Vinson strike group, including USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) and guided-missile destroyers USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112), operates with the Ronald Reagan strike group including, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67), guided-missile destroyers USS Barry (DDG 52), USS McCampbell (DDG 85), USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), and USS Mustin (DDG 89) and the Japanese Ships (JS) Hyuga (DDH 181) and JS Ashigara (DDG 178). Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) and U.S. Navy forces routinely train together to improve interoperability and readiness to provide stability and security for the Indo-Asia Pacific region. (Courtesy of the U.S. Navy and YouTube)
The GHWBCSG consists of the flagship USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) with embarked staffs of CSG-2, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22, and the squadrons of CVW-8; guided-missile cruisers USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and USS Hue City (CG 66); and DESRON 22 guided-missile destroyers USS Laboon (DDG 58) and USS Truxtun (DDG 103).
The GHWBCSG departed for its third deployment Jan. 21, 2017.
U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint and interagency partners in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.
