The strike group is commanded by Provider Strike Group (CSG) 2 and comprised of flagship plane provider USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), guided-missile destroyers USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Gravely (DDG 107) of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22, Provider Air Wing (CVW) 3 with its 9 squadrons, and the Info Warfare Commander.
Dwight D. Eisenhower, Philippine Sea, and Mason entered the Purple Sea after transiting from the Mediterranean Sea by way of the Suez Canal, Nov. 4. CSGs convey to the area further aviation and naval property, offering higher flexibility and maritime functionality to U.S. fifth Fleet.
“The arrival of IKECSG to Center East area shows our velocity and agility to flex as our nation’s leaders decided a steadiness of maritime functionality in help of nationwide safety priorities,” stated Rear Adm. Marc Miguez, commander, CSG-2, IKECSG. “The strike group brings an unparalleled fight superiority to CENTCOM and we will probably be leveraging our presence within the theater to boost regional safety and function alongside our allies and companions.”
Squadrons of CVW-3 embody the “Gunslingers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105, the “Preventing Swordsmen” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32, the “Rampagers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83, the “Wildcats” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131, the “Screwtops” of Provider Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123, the “Zappers” of Digital Assault Squadron (VAQ) 130, the “Dusty Canines” of Helicopter Sea Fight Squadron (HSC) 7, the “Swamp Foxes” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 and the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Help Squadron (VRC) 40.
IKECSG items departed their homeports of Norfolk, Virginia, and Mayport, Florida, on Oct. 13 & 14 for a scheduled deployment.
The U.S. fifth Fleet space of operations encompasses roughly 2.5 million sq. miles of water house and contains the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Purple Sea, components of the Indian Ocean and three essential choke factors on the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal and Strait of Bab al-Mandeb.
