Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Arrives in U.S. 5th Fleet

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Harry Andrew D. Gordon, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- The world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12 arrived in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), April 3.

This marks Enterprise's 22nd deployment to the AOR and is slated to be the last for the aircraft carrier.

Prior to arrival in theater, the Enterprise CSG successfully completed a robust training cycle, where the crew was presented with various scenarios and situations they might face while deployed. These exercises involved simulated maritime security operations, counter-piracy operations, and theater security cooperation engagements.

"We've trained hard since our last deployment to the region making sure that the capabilities we bring remain flexible, adaptable and persistent," said Rear Adm. Walter E. Carter, commander, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group. "Enterprise has been deploying to this region for 50-years, and we are looking forward to serving along side our coalition and regional partners in support of operations in the region."

Enterprise CSG joins the Abraham Lincoln CSG to support the combatant commander's operational requirements, while ensuring security and stability in the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR.

Enterprise CSG consists of: USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and embarks Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1; guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69); and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2, comprised of guided-missile destroyers USS Nitze (DDG 94), USS Porter (DDG 78) and USS James E. Williams (DDG 95).

Enterprise departed its homeport of Norfolk for its final deployment, March 11. The ship conducted a port visit to Piraeus, Greece, for three days before transiting the Suez Canal. Following the deployment, Enterprise will be inactivated, and eventually decommissioned.