The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) is escorted out to sea after leaving Naval Station Norfolk. Roosevelt deploying as part of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Lolita M. Lewis/Released)USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At sea (NNS) -- More than 5,000 Sailors departed their homeport Sept. 8 as USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), flagship of the Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG), left for a regularly-scheduled deployment to support maritime security operations.
The strike group's ships are prepared to conduct a variety of missions, including forward naval presence, maritime security operations, crisis response and theater support cooperation.
Roosevelt deploys with embarked Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22.
"Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group units have completed all requirements for deployment and are prepared to achieve any missions we will be tasked to execute on deployment in support of theater commanders," said Rear Adm. Frank Pandolfe, commander, TRCSG.
The strike group recently completed a Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX), made up of more than 15,000 service members from six countries working together to advance the art of coalition operations, as well as learning to maximize the unique capabilities and strengths of each member of the combined force.
Roosevelt Commanding Officer, Capt. Ladd Wheeler, praised his crew for the work they did in preparation for the deployment. He said the ship is ready; the crew is well-trained, and everyone is excited to get a chance to implement their training during the deployment.
"We can all take great pride in the men and women we are sending forward to represent our country," said Wheeler. "They have each worked diligently to ensure that they are properly trained, and Theodore Roosevelt is prepared for a variety of missions we may encounter while on deployment."
Other TRCSG assets include the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61); the guided missile destroyers USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Nitze (DDG 94); the attack submarine USS Springfield (SSN 761); and the fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 3).