U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs
Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy – The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (CSG) has commenced operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to continue support to NATO allies, European and African partner nations, coalition partners, and U.S. national security interest in Europe and Africa.
Harry S. Truman CSG initially deployed to the European theater April 11, 2018, and returned to its homeport Naval Station Norfolk July 21, 2018, for an extended working port visit.
“We are thrilled to have the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group back in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations and look forward to continuing to work with Rear Adm. Gene Black and his team as we conduct the full spectrum of maritime operations,” said Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander of U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy. “The strike group’s return also gives us the opportunity to operate and train with our NATO allies and regional partners, which will enhance our interoperability and readiness as we work together to secure a safe and prosperous region for all.”
The strike group got underway Aug. 28, completing training exercises and carrier qualifications in the Atlantic, to include participating in dual-carrier operations with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and bi-lateral operations with the Royal Canadian Navy.
The strike group which departed Norfolk, includes the flagship Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75); the nine squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1; Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60); and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28, USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) and USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98). Other Harry S. Truman CSG assets operating in the region include Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) and USS Farragut (DDG 99).
CVW-1 squadrons, embarked on Harry S. Truman include the “Red Rippers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11; the “Checkmates” of VFA-21; the “Sunliners” of VFA-81; the “Knighthawks” of VFA-136; the “Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137; the “Seahawks” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126; the “Proud Warriors” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 72; the Dragon Slayers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 11; and a detachment from the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40.
U.S. 6th Fleet conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.
For more information on Naval Forces in Europe and Africa: http://www.c6f.navy.mil .
