Rescue swimmers test the currents before an early morning swim call for Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is conducting operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Philip Wagner Jr./Released)From USS Nimitz Public Affairs
HONG KONG (NNS) -- The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) arrived in Hong Kong for a four-day port visit Feb. 17.
The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), the strike group's flagship, along with USS Chosin (CG 65), USS Pinckney (DDG 91), USS Sampson (DDG 102) and USS Rentz (FFG 46) will send more than 5,000 Sailors ashore to enjoy liberty in Hong Kong.
"Hong Kong is a vibrant city and a favorite port of call for our Sailors," said Commander Carrier Strike Group 11 Rear Adm. John W. Miller. "We look forward to an enjoyable stay here."
While in Hong Kong, Sailors will enjoy the sights and sounds of the island, as well as pre-arranged day trips and cultural tours to Lantau, Macau, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Sailors will also visit Hong Kong Disneyland.
Sailors from several ships have volunteered to conduct five community service projects to help those in need around the local community, the projects include improving the grounds around temporary shelters, visiting a nursing home and helping at an animal shelter.
Nimitz CSG recently completed 5 months on station in the North Arabian Sea, where Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 air crews flew more than 2,600 combat sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
The other ships of the CSG contributed to counter-piracy operations off the Horn of Africa, the protection of critical Iraqi infrastructure in the North Arabian Gulf and a wide range of missions to ensure maritime security.
Nimitz continues her routine deployment in the Western Pacific in support of the Maritime Strategy.
Nimitz CSG is comprised of Nimitz, embarked CVW 11, embarked Destroyer Squadron 23, and the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Chosin. Ships assigned to DESRON 23 include the destroyers USS Pinckney, USS Sampson and the frigate USS Rentz.
Squadrons from CVW 11 include the "Black Aces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, the "Tophatters" of VFA-14, the "Warhawks" of VFA-97, the "Sidewinders" of VFA-86, the "Indians" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 6, the "Black Ravens" of Electronic Attack Squadron 135, the "Providers" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 and the "Wallbangers" of Carrier Airborne Command and Control Squadron 117.
Helicopter detachments include the "Easy Riders" of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light 37, the "Battle Cats" of HSL 43, the "Wolfpack" of HSL 45, the "Scorpions" of HSL 49 and the "Wildcards" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23. Also accompanying the Nimitz CSG are Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11 and the USNS Bridge.