Pentagon sending aircraft carrier to Mideast early - Update

USS John C. Stennis underway (US Navy Photo)

According to several press reports this morning the Pentagon is sending an aircraft carrier to the Middle East four months early to make sure at least two carriers will constantly be present in the troubled region. In addition to sending the CSG early the deployment will last twice as long as originally planned - eight months.

There are three carriers in the area now, but one was scheduled to leave before its replacement arrived to fill that gap, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has approved sending by late summer the USS John C. Stennis strike group, which also includes the Aegis guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay and some 5,500 sailors.

The shift and extension of the Stennis deployment will allow the U.S. Central Command to keep two aircraft carriers in the Persian Gulf region, Gulf of Oman and North Arabian Sea, not only as a hedge against Iran, but also to support combat air operations over Afghanistan.

The USS John C. Stennis just left the area in December. After that last deployment, Iran's army chief Gen. Ataollah Salehi in January warned the U.S. warship not to return to the Gulf, but its replacement, the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, entered the Gulf without incident later in January.

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) on April 3.

The Eisenhower CSG and Enterprise CSG joined the Abraham Lincoln CSG in the 5th Fleet AOR to support the combatant commander’s operational requirements, while ensuring security and stability in the AOR.

The Abraham Lincoln CSG 9 consists of of Abraham Lincoln, CVW 2, USS Cape St. George (CG 71), and embarked Destroyer Squadron 9, comprised of USS Momsen (DDG 92) and USS Sterett (DDG 104). The CVW 2 squadrons are VFA-2 the Bounty Hunters; VFA-151 the Vigilantes; VFA-137 the Kestrels; VFA-34 the Blue Blasters; VAW-116 the Sun Kings; VAQ-131 the Lancers; HSC-12 the Golden Falcons; HSM-77 the Saberhawks; and VRC-30 the Providers. They have now left the 5th Fleet AOR and are steaming in the 6th Fleet AOR.

The Enterprise CSG consists of USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and embarks Carrier Air Wing One (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).

The Eisenhower CSG includes aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), CSG 8, guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66), guided-missile destroyers USS Farragut (DDG 99), USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) and USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109), as well as the seven squadrons of Carrier Air Wing 7 and Destroyer Squadron 28.

The carriers Enterprise and Eisenhower will remain in the region until the Stennis relieves the Enterprise about five months from now.

Abraham Lincoln Arrives in U.S. 5th Fleet

The Nimitz-class aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) join for a turnover of responsibility in the Arabian Sea. Both ships are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Colby K. Neal/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Zachary Welch, Carrier Strike Group 9 Public Affairs

USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, At Sea (NNS) -- The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG) arrived for a routine deployment in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), Jan. 19.

Abraham Lincoln conducted work-ups for months to train, man and equip the CSG prior to it deploying to the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR, to support maritime security operations, counter-piracy operations, theater security cooperation efforts, and conduct air missions over Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom.

"Our strike group has trained countless hours to ensure our Sailors are ready to conduct vital operations," said Rear Adm. Mike Shoemaker, commander, CSG 9. "We're looking forward to working closely with our coalition and regional partners to keep the sea lanes safe and secure for the free flow of maritime commerce that is so important for the continued prosperity of nations in this region and around the world."

Abraham Lincoln CSG is comprised of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) and embarked Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9, which includes the guided-missile destroyers USS Momsen (DDG 92) and USS Sterett (DDG 104).

"From our air wing to the destroyer squadron and other surface combatant ships, we have a fantastic team," said Capt. John D. Alexander, Lincoln's commanding officer. "We provide a flexible, adaptable and persistent force that will support the regional commander by providing the greatest assets the Navy has to offer."

The arrival of Lincoln brings the number of aircraft carriers to two within the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR. Carl Vinson arrived in theater, Jan. 9. A second aircraft carrier in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility (AOR) ensures the U.S. military has the naval and air capabilities to support operational requirements while adequately meeting other security commitments in the region. The aircraft carriers will simultaneously conduct operations in different areas of the AOR, to adequately provide support operations requirements and other security commitments in the region.

Abraham Lincoln departed its homeport of Everett, Wash., Dec. 7, for a deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet AORs. The ship departed Laem Chabang, Thailand, Jan. 10, following a four-day port visit prior to transiting to U.S. 5th Fleet. Following deployment, Lincoln will change homeports from Everett, Wash., to Norfolk, Va., for a periodic refueling complex overhaul.

Stennis Strike Group Enters 7th Fleet Area of Operations

USS JOHN C. STENNIS, At Sea (NNS) -- John C. Stennis Strike Group (JCSSG) entered the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations(AOO) Jan. 19 after nearly three months supporting Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF) and New Dawn (OND), as well as maritime security operations and anti-piracy efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet AOO.

While operating in the seas surrounding the Arabian Peninsula, JCSSG played a pivotal role in the drawdown of U.S. forces in Iraq and provided aviation support to coalition ground troops in Afghanistan.

After conducting weeks of command and control support operations to coalition forces in OND, an E-2C Hawkeye from the "Golden Hawks" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 112 embarked aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) flew the last Navy aviation mission over Iraq Dec. 18.

"Flying the last Navy air mission in Iraq was a historic achievement for all of us," said Capt. Dale Horan, commander of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 embarked aboard Stennis, the flag ship of the strike group.

"Everyone in this strike group played a part in making that happen and it's a part of history we will always share," Horan said.

In January, after transitioning from OND to supporting operations in Afghanistan, JCSSG forces thwarted an attempted pirate attack on a Bahamian-flagged cargo vessel, then freed a group of Iranian mariners held captive by the same crew of suspected pirates.

"This was a well-executed display of the mutli-mission capability of the carrier strike group and a testament to the professionalism of our Sailors," said Stennis' Command Master Chief Stanley Jewett.

In the 7th Fleet AOO, the strike group plans to conduct several readiness exercises with partner countries in the region as well as visits to Singapore and the Philippines before preparing to head back to the United States.

"The manner in which we've conducted ourselves and executed our mission is indicative of the character of our Sailors and the spirit of our country," said JCSSG commander, Rear Adm. Craig Faller. "While we have much to accomplish before returning home, and I'm confident that we will finish our deployment with the same level of professionalism and personal conduct we've displayed throughout."

The JCSSG consists of Stennis, the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), aircraft from CVW 9, and guided missile destroyers USS Pinckney (DDG 91), USS Kidd (DDG 100), USS Dewey (DDG 105), and USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) from Destroyer Squadron 21.

Stennis Carrier Strike Group Conducts Simulated Strait Transit

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Benjamin Crossley, USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs

USS JOHN C. STENNIS, At Sea (NNS) -- The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group conducted a simulated strait transit off the coast of Southern California, May 18.

The simulation was the second planned by Commander, Strike Force Training Pacific (CSFTP) as a part of a composite unit training exercise (COMPTUEX) for the strike group.

"The reason we practice strait transit is because we are potentially vulnerable while conducting the operation," said Stennis Tactical Action Officer Lt. j.g. Patrick Emery.

CFSTP was on site in many areas of the ship to observe and evaluate the strike group performance.

"What we saw today was the application of lessons learned from the previous strait transit simulation conducted earlier this month," said Lt. Cmdr. William Wood, CFSTP cryptologic resources coordinator. "This was the most complex evolution of the COMPTUEX and one of the most exciting."

The CSFTP team designed scenarios to test the strike group in tense situations based on real strait transits.

"We observe a foreign country's response to a strait transit and use that intelligence in our simulation so the carrier strike group goes through something as realistic as possible," said Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 2nd Class Nicholas Fugate, CFSTP intelligence analyst mentor trainer. "It is essential for a strike group to perform this training so they know what to expect while on deployment."

The CFSTP teams' realistic simulation allowed the strike group to respond with real-time interaction.

"With this evolution, we were stressing the command and control of the strike group and exercising the communication flow from the strike group to the fleet commander," said Capt. Richard Thomas, CSFTP surface operations officer.

CSFTP acted as a fleet commander as part of the exercise in order for the strike group to make requests and perform as if it was a real situation.

"The strike group must request permission from the fleet commander to conduct certain operations while in the various fleets of the world," said Fugate.

The goal of the strait transit simulation was not to teach the carrier strike group to engage and attack potential enemies.

"The goal of the evolution was to teach the strike group to avoid escalating the situation, and to monitor and assess the potential threats," said Thomas. "Restraint is a major component of this exercise."

During the exercise, potential threats were spotted on radar and helicopters were tasked to investigate and report back to the strike group.

"Communication is the key," said Lt. Kyle Johnson, CFSTP helicopter operations officer. "The helicopter squadrons applied the skills learned from the first simulation and are dealing with potential threats to the strike group."

During the exercise, helicopters performed blocking maneuvers to protect the strike group from potential threats while the strike group continued to analyze the threats.

"The strait transit can be a very stressful situation, but I feel we did very well," said Emery.

The strike group is tasked to learn both skill sets required to enter into 5th and 7th fleet.

"Today's exercise was the pinnacle of a 5th Fleet scenario dealing with multiple warfare areas to include maritime security operations," added Thomas. "We constantly update training to incorporate and emphasize important elements learned from 5th and 7th Fleet headquarters. By constantly evolving, we can stay current and give the strike group the best, most-up-to-date tools to be successful on deployment."

As COMPTUEX continues, CSFTP will continue to train Sailors of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group for their upcoming deployment.

USS John C. Stennis Completes 2009 Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Owsley

BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) completed its 2009 deployment July 10 when it pulled into homeport in Bremerton, Wash., after six months at sea.

Stennis made a scheduled deployment to the western Pacific Ocean as part of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSCSG) which included Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, USS Antietam (CG 54), USS Preble (DDG 88), USS Kidd (DDG 100) and the staffs of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21 and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3.

"We deployed to the western Pacific Ocean in support of our nation's maritime strategy to ensure freedom of the seas and security in the Pacific Rim," said Commander Carrier Strike Group (CCSG) 3 Rear Adm. Mark Vance.

During deployment Stennis participated in an undersea warfare exercise with the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force, annual Exercise Foal Eagle with the Republic of Korea Navy and joint exercise Northern Edge.

According to Stennis Commanding Officer Capt. Joseph Kuzmick, the deployment allowed Stennis to improve regional maritime security, while strengthening relationships with partner nations.

"We increased our tactics, techniques and procedures and ability to work with [Pacific Rim] enduring partners, so we're much better as a combined and joint force working with other navies and air forces," said Kuzmick. "We also got great work done with our own joint services up in Northern Edge in the Gulf of Alaska."

While deployed, Stennis and other assets of JCSCSG increased maritime security in the western Pacific Ocean through their forward presence, working with partner nations' militaries during exercises and local community leaders during port visits.

USS John C. Stennis Returns

USS John C. Stennis is back in San Diego.

Navy Ships Visiting Busan

Ships from the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group and U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) are moored pier side at the Republic of Korea Navy Base Oryuk-Do in Busan. The strike group arrived March 11, while Blue Ridge pulled in March 5. Pictured from left are the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), the amphibious command ship USS Blue Ridge, the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) and the guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew Schwarz/Released)

John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group Visits Hong Kong

HONG KONG (NNS) -- The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSCSG) arrived in Hong Kong Feb. 17, for a scheduled port visit during its western Pacific Ocean deployment.

The strike group supports maritime security in the region, regional partnerships through joint operations and by conducting community service projects during port visits with host nations.

"We've got enduring partnerships around the world," said Carrier Strike Group Commander Rear Adm. Mark Vance. "We want to continue these relationships in the Pacific region and provide safety and security for our nation."

The United States Maritime Strategy focuses on joint and international partnerships across a range of operations through forward presence, deterrence, freedom of the world's sea lanes, maritime security and humanitarian assistance/disaster response.

JCSCSG includes Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), Carrier Air Wing 9: Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 71, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 8, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, VFA 154, VFA 146, Marine Strike Fighter Squadron 323, Electronic Warfare Squadron 138, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 112 and Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30. JCSCSG also includes Destroyer Squadron 21: Arleigh-Burke class destroyers USS Kidd (DDG 100) and USS Preble (DDG 88) and the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54).

Stennis Ready for Deployment After Successful Training with Coalition, Joint Partners

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Elliott J. Fabrizio, USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs

Three F/A-18 strike fighters from various squadrons are secured on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) before morning flight operations. Stennis and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 are part of John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group conducting a joint task force exercise off the coast of Southern California. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Walter M. Wayman/Released)

The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSCSG) successfully completed Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) off the coast of Southern California Nov. 16.

The exercise tested JCSCSG's three main assets -- USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21 -- on their abilities to perform strike warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-air warfare in a joint-forces environment.

Commander, 3rd Fleet, assisted by Strike Force Training Pacific, evaluated the strike group's performance.

"We're testing their joint interoperability and execution inside of a joint operational area," said Commander, 3rd Fleet Air Training Officer Cmdr. Vic Weber. "Ultimately, we give them a scenario, and they react as best they can. They start out in normal operations, with the peacetime rules of engagement in effect, and it gradually ramps up into a full-blown battle."

Several Air Force squadrons and ships from Canada and Chile were injected into the exercise to create a joint environment, said Weber.

"Completing JTFEX prepares us to operate with other forces," said Commander, Carrier Strike Group 3 Rear Adm. Mark Vance. "Anytime we go into combat, we would go in as a coalition force vice just a U.S. Navy force."

Through the JTFEX evolutions, participating forces train to close the seams between services and between nations.

"When we work with either coalition forces or sister services, they have their own nuances," said Stennis Operations Officer Cmdr. Don Glatt. "We do things a little differently in each service, and these exercises allow us to come together and learn those differences and figure out how we're going to work through those differences in an actual conflict."

Communications are a main focus during the exercise.

"We're able to resolve [communcations] issues during JTFEX prior to deployment," said HMCS Winnipeg Commanding Officer Canadian Navy Cmdr. Craig Baines. "We want to be integrated, interoperable and indistinguishable."

The ability of the strike group to work together as a cohesive unit was put to the test when evaluators use unscripted simulations to present the strike group with realistic threats from each warfare area.

"Each of my warfare commanders got a chance to work through their tactics, techniques and procedures, and they got better each time we got a chance to exercise those," said Vance.

In a coalition environment, it's important to understand how each unit's actions effect the whole effort.

"Each of us has a little piece of the big picture, and it's very important that we all feed that into a central module so everyone can see the big picture," said Glatt. "That way, we can fight the fight and win."

"We all learned a great deal, and most of all we learned to operate as a team," said Stennis Commanding Officer Capt. Joseph Kuzmick. "As much as anything else, you get confidence from doing this and seeing that you really can make it all come together. We learned to push our equipment to the limits, and we learned how to deal with almost anything."

JTFEX is the last pre-deployment exercise the JCSCSG had to complete before deployment. With JTFEX complete, the strike group is certified as ready for major combat operations, fully prepared to deploy in support of America's Maritime Strategy.

Families, Friends Welcome Home Antietam, CVW 9

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Bill Larned, Fleet Public Affairs Center Pacific

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSSG) returned to San Diego Aug. 27, marking the end of deployment for Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 and the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54).

As Antietam arrived at Naval Base San Diego, Pier 3 was bustling with scores of people waving signs and banners. Sailors walked down the brow, absorbing the greetings shouted by families and friends. The ones that watched their Sailors from the shore lived their own stories while Antietam crew members helped defend their way of life.

"Being pregnant made it difficult to deal with the deployment," said the wife of Antietam's Cryptologic Technician (Technical) Seaman Apprentice (SW) Scott Deaton. "I'm just glad he's back with me."

"Deployments are something we have gotten used to as a military family," said retired Marine Staff Sgt. Larry Bratcher. "All we can do is stay positive and celebrate our Sailor's return home."

At Naval Air Station North Island, several SH-60F Seahawk helicopters belonging to the Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 8 “Eightballers” performed a flyover to the delight of families, friends and supporters. Outside the “Eightballers” hangar, loved ones waited anxiously for the aircrews to emerge.

The mother of one HS-8 member drove down from Los Angeles to see her son, Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 3rd Class Kyle Williams. Right before he stepped out of his helicopter, she remarked that seeing him deploy for the first time made her chalk up yet another experience as a mother.

“It was definitely a new experience for him, because it was his first deployment. But it was also a new experience for me, not quite knowing what to expect,” she said. “I would say the hardest part of his deployment for me was whether or not I could communicate with him. Sometimes we could communicate through e-mail, and sometimes we could not. The days I couldn’t talk to him were tough,” she admitted.

JCSSG includes the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, Destroyer Squadron 21, the guided-missile cruiser Antietam, the guided-missile destroyers USS O’Kane (DDG 77), USS Preble (DDG 88) and USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) and the fast combat support ship USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10).

The squadrons of CVW-9 include: the “Black Knights” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, “Blue Diamonds” of VFA-146, “Argonauts” of VFA-147, Death Rattlers of VMFA-323, “Yellow Jackets” of Electronic Attack Squadron 138, “Golden Hawks” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 112, “Top Cats” of Sea Control Squadron 31, HS-8 and “Providers” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30, as well as, squadron detachments including the “Battle Cats” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 43, the “Wolfpack” of HSL-45 and the “Wild Cards” from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23. More than 6,500 Sailors and Marines are assigned to JCSSG.