Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Christopher Denker, of Portland, Ore., uses a Mode-4 control box to check the Identification, Friend or Foe system on an F/A-18F Super Hornet on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class N.C. Kaylor)USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Enterprise (CVN 65) entered the 6th Fleet area of operations (AOR) July 16.
Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, provides overall command, operational control and coordination of U.S. naval forces in the European command.
While in 6th Fleet, Enterprise will focus on continuing to maintain combat readiness by conducting routine operations in the Mediterranean. The crew of more than 5,500 will host a reception and several French dignitaries during its stay in the region.
“Our mission as American ambassadors is just as important as sustaining combat operations from the sea,” said Enterprise Commanding Officer, Capt. Ron Horton.
“While we are in France, we will serve as diplomats and continue to strengthen the bond with our allies.”
Enterprise is the flagship for Carrier Strike Group 12, which includes the guided-missile destroyers USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98), USS James E. Williams (DDG 95), USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) and USS Stout (DDG 55); guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64); fast-attack submarine USS Philadelphia (SSN 690), all based in Norfolk; and the fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 6) based in Earle, N.J. There are nearly 7,500 Sailors and Marines in the strike group.
The Enterprise Carrier Strike Group departed its homeport in Norfolk, July 7, and is underway as part of a routinely scheduled six-month deployment in support of the global war on terrorism.
