George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group enters 6th Fleet

By by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sandi Grimnes, USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Public Affairs

USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH, At Sea (NNS) -- Ships and embarked squadrons from George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (CSG) entered U.S. 6th Fleet's Area of Responsibility (AOR), May 16.

Entering 6th Fleet is a significant milestone for the thousands of Sailors serving in the CSG that includes the nation's newest and last Nimitz-class aircraft carrier during her first combat deployment, as it is the first operational employment after almost a year of rigorous training.

Carrier Strike Group Two; USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77); Destroyer Squadron 22; guided-missile destroyers USS Truxtun (DDG 103) and USS Mitscher (DDG 57); guided-missile cruisers USS Gettysburg (CG 64) and USS Anzio (CG 68), and the eight squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 entered the AOR, Monday morning, officially transferring operational tasking authority for the CSG from U.S. 2nd Fleet.

"The men and women of GHWB CSG are contributing to America's legacy of promoting peace, prosperity, security and freedom of the seas as we conduct Maritime Security Operations with our partner nations in the 6th Fleet AOR," said Commander, Carrier Strike Group Two, Rear Adm. Nora Tyson.

While in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, GHWB CSG will conduct a full range of maritime operations and theater security cooperation efforts in concert with coalition, joint, interagency and other partners to improve operational proficiency, and maintain maritime safety and security.

"It is a true honor to lead such a talented and dedicated group of professionals at sea. We are prepared to execute any tasking in support of our maritime strategy," Tyson said. "This first combat deployment for George H.W. Bush will go down in history as one of the milestones of naval aviation's centennial, which we celebrate this year."

Upon completion of its mission in 6th Fleet, GHWB CSG is scheduled to operate in 5th Fleet AOR in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.