USS NIMITZ, At Sea (NNS) -- The nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and the ships of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) conducted flight operations, surface operations and an undersea warfare exercise (USWEX 09) off Hawaiian islands Aug. 11.
The training is designed to test the strike group's ability to combat multiple threats in a dynamic environment. The Hawaiian Operating Area offers unique ranges and operating spaces for the California-based ships, which left their homeport of San Diego last week.
During the USWEX 09 portion of the training, Nimitz and her escorts operated for several days in a simulated submarine threat environment. Conducting air and surface search techniques to prosecute and destroy an array of sub-surface threats. This exercise supports operations in the 7th and 5th Fleet Areas of Responsibility as well as the Navy's maritime strategy.
The Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Chosin (CG 55) homeported in Hawaii joins the strike group for this exercise, adding more capability to the mission-tailored force. Chosin will continue on the Nimitiz CSG's Western Pacific deployment.
"Whether it is a power projection mission in support of our troops in contact, whether it is forward presence ensuring security and stability or security cooperation with our coalition partners … this strike group is capable of doing it," said Rear Adm. John W. Miller, commander of the Nimitz strike group.
The multimission capabilities of aircraft carriers enables them to execute the six core capabilities of the maritime strategy: forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection, maritime security and humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
Nimitz CSG consists of USS Nimitz (CVN 68), USS Pinckney (DDG 91) and USS Sampson (DDG 102) of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23, USS Chosin (CG 55) from Commander, Naval Surface Group, Mid Pacific, and USS Rentz (FFG 46) from DESRON 1.
Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 is embarked aboard Nimitz and includes the Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, VFA 14, VFA 97, VFA 86, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 6, Electronic Attack Squadron 135, Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 and Carrier Airborne Command and Control Squadron 117. Detachments from Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 37, HSL 43, HSL 45 and HSL 49.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11 and the USNS Bridge (T-AOE-10), with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 aboard, also accompany the Nimitz CSG.
