Abraham Lincoln Battle Group
Encyclopedia
Carrier Strike Group Nine, abbreviated CSG-9 or CARSTRKGRU 9, is one of six U.S. Navy carrier strike group
s currently assigned to the U.S. Pacific Fleet. U.S. Navy carrier strike groups are employed in a variety of roles, all of which involve gaining and maintaining sea control.
Carrier Strike Group Nine is currently based at Naval Base San Diego, California, and it typically deploys to the U.S. Seventh Fleet operating in the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) and the U.S. Fifth Fleet in the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf
. The current flagship
for Carrier Strike Group Nine is the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier
.
when his helicopter crashed in the Gulf of Tonkin. The Flotilla appears to have been extensively involved in Operation Sea Dragon
. On 5 March 1973, a reorganization within the Cruiser-Destroyer Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, resulted in USS Hanson being administratively reassigned to Destroyer Squadron 23, a subsidiary of Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla 11, home ported in San Diego. Effective 30 June 1973, Commander Cruiser Destroyer Flotilla Eleven was re-designated as Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group Three (CCDG-3). USS Oklahoma City (CG-5)
was briefly part of Cruiser-Destroyer Group Three in October–December 1979 before decommissioning. On 10 December 1981, the CCDG-3 Staff embarked on board the Forrestal-class aircraft carrier
{pictured) to prepare for its first Carrier Battle Group
deployment.
In the Summer of 1992, the U.S. Navy instituted a concept which mandated greater task group integration of naval air and surface warfare assets into a more permanent carrier battle group structure. Instead of routinely changing the cruisers, destroyers, and frigates assigned to each carrier battle group, there was an attempt made to affiliate certain escorts more permanently with the carriers they escorted. Each of the Navy's 12 existing carrier battle groups was planned to consist of an aircraft carrier; an embarked carrier air wing; cruiser, destroyer, and frigate units; and two nuclear-powered attack submarines. In 1992, CCDG-3 was assigned as permanent Immediate Superior In Command (ISIC) for the Carl Vinson Carrier Battle Group, which deployed to the Persian Gulf
in August 1994.
On 1 October 2004, Cruiser-Destroyer Group Three (CruDesGru 3) was re-designated as Carrier Strike Group Nine (CARSTRKGRU 9).
. In 1993, the battle group provided support to the multinational military forces assigned to Operation Restore Hope in Somalia
, and the group subsequently made three WESTPAC deployments to the Persian Gulf
in support of Operation Southern Watch
(OSW) as well as served as an asset for Operation Vigilant Sentinel
. Beginning in June 1998, CCDG-3 commanded the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Battle Group.
On 20 August 1998, the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Battle Group was involved in Operation Infinite Reach
. This operation involved the launching of Tomahawk cruise missiles against the Sudanese Pharmecutical company
suspected of assisting Osama Bin Laden
in making chemical weapons. The Battle Group also launched a second wave of Tomahawk cruise missiles against Bin Laden's terrorist training camps in Afghanistan. These cruise missile strikes were ordered by U.S. President Clinton 13 days after terrorists bombed the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania
.
In 2002, the battle group deployed to the Persian Gulf to help provide aircraft for the War in Afghanistan
, and in 2003, the group carried out air combat operations against Iraqi military forces during the U.S. invasion of Iraq (pictured).
The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Battle Group received a Navy Unit Commendation
for its support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Southern Watch, and Operation Iraqi Freedom during the period of 1 September 2001 to 30 April 2003, completing of an overseas deployment of 290 days, longer than any other nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in history. The Battle Group received its second NUC as part of the U.S. Fifth Fleet's battle/strike force, Task Force 50, during August 1998, and it received its third NUC for operations between 4 March to 1 May 2003.
The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Battle Group also received a Meritorious Unit Commendation
(MUC) for its support of Operation Southern Watch (OSW) during the period of 11 June to 11 December 1998, in which was also included its support of Operation Infinite Reach
. The Battle Group received a second MUC for its operations during the period of 1 January 1999 to 10 September 2001, including OSW air combat operations.
Carrier Strike Group Nine reports to Commander, U.S. Third Fleet as one of the five carrier strike groups currently part of the United States Pacific Fleet
. CARSTRKGRU 9's pre-deployment training and certification – achieved through a Composite Unit Training Exercise
– comes under the operational control (OPCON) of the U.S. Third Fleet. When deployed overseas, Carrier Strike Group Nine comes under the authority of the numbered fleet commander in whose area it is operating. When deployed in this fashion, the group utilizes a task force or task group designator, for example, Task Group 50.1 in the Fifth Fleet area.
Carrier Strike Group Nine is an operational formation. Administratively the ships and aircraft of the strike group are assigned to U.S. Navy type commands
. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, the guided-missile cruiser , and Destroyer Squadron Nine (DESRON-9) are under the administrative authority of Commander, Naval Surface Forces Pacific. Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2)
is under the administrative authority of Commander, Naval Air Force Pacific
.
(flagship
), an embarked carrier air wing
, at least one Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser
, and a destroyer squadron
. As of 2011, Carrier Strike Group Nine is composed of the following units:
, flagship (pictured)
Since its establishment in 2004 through 2009, Carrier Strike Group Nine (CARSTRKGRU 9) undertook three western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployments to date in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan (OEF-A)
, and Operation New Dawn (OND) as well as providing support for regional maritime security operations
. Additionally, CARSTRKGRU 9 also participated in such major military exercises as RSOI/Foal Eagle 06
, Valiant Shield 2006
, and RIMPAC 2006
, as well as Operation Unified Assistance
, the U.S. military response to the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami {pictured). In recognition of this disaster-relief mission to Indonesia
, Carrier Strike Group Nine received the Humanitarian Service Medal
.
During this period, Carrier Strike Group Nine was the second U.S. Navy carrier strike group to be commanded by a former nuclear submarine commanding officer. CARSTRKGRU 9 was also the first carrier strike group to deploy with an entire LAMPS
helicopter squadron embarked, with individual air detachments operating from its escort ships and supported by its aircraft carrier/flagship's aviation facilities. The carrier strike group's 2007 composite unit training (COMPTUEX)
pre-deployment training exercises included Mobile Security Squadron 2 (MSRON-2), Helicopter Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (HVBSS) Team 1, a highly specialized boarding party, which was a first for West Coast-based U.S. Navy ships.
in Bremerton, Washington
. On 7 February, Abraham Lincoln left Naval Base San Diego to begin flight deck certification with Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2) off the coast of Southern California. On 28 February, Abraham Lincoln also underwent a multi-day post-overhaul evaluation by the Navy Board of Inspection and Survey
in San Diego.
Beginning 4 May 2010, Destroyer Squadron Nine (DESRON-9) warships , , , , , and underwent an emergency sortie exercise off the coast of Washington (pictured). This marked the start of a multi-ship training regimen involving six of seven DESRON-9 ships in preparation for upcoming deployment with the carrier strike group.
On 10 May 2010, the carrier Abraham Lincoln completed its Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) and Final Evaluation Problem (FEP) training exercises. TSTA exercises are two-phased training exercises involving shipboard drills, with the first phase done in-port and the second while underway at sea. FEP exercises are consider the third phase of TSTA involving command assessment of the strike group's response to a variety of combat scenarios.
On 13 August 2010, Carrier Strike Group Nine completed for its 18-day Comprehensive Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX)
, a critical milestone in its pre-deployment training, and the strike group was certified as being ready for deployment. After COMPTUEX, over 25 Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) midshipmen joined COMCARSTRKGRU 9 for a month-long training cruise.
While enroute, the strike group executed a series of additional training exercises, including carrier qualifications (CQ), anti-piracy training, and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercises
off Guam
with the Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine
.
Following its rotation with the Fifth Fleet and the Seventh Fleet, the carrier Abraham Lincoln, with the destroyers Momsen and Shoup, arrived at Naval Air Station San Diego, California, on 19 March, and subsequently to their homeport of Everett, Washington, on 24 March 2011. The destroyer Halsey arrived at San Diego on 14 March 2011. Squadrons from Carrier Air Wing 2 also returned to their bases on 18 March.
During Carrier Strike Group Nine's 2010–2011 western Pacific deployment, Carrier Air Wing Two
flew more than 8,300 sorties and completed more than 23,500 flying hours, of which more than 3,600 sorties and almost 11,000 hours were flown in support of U.S. and coalition ground forces in Afghanistan
.
Strike group warships , , , , and assisted mariners in distress and provided humanitarian assistance to more than 10 vessels. The strike group also conducted military exercises with France, Bahrain, Malaysia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. Finally, Helicopter Strike Maritime Squadron (HSM-77)
was named as a top U.S. Navy helicopter squadron based on the U.S. west coast, earning a Battle "E" award
.
, which was followed by a multi-unit ASW exercises held on 23 October.
On 17 October 2010, Carrier Strike Group Nine, with Carrier Air Wing 2 embarked, arrived in the U.S. Fifth Fleet's area of responsibility (AOR), joining Carrier Strike Group Ten
, led by the carrier , as part of Task Force 50 (pictured), the Fifth Fleet's carrier strike force. The task force's mission is to provide support for the surge of coalition forces in Afghanistan
, to support existing maritime security operations in the Persian Gulf, and to support the drawdown of forces in Iraq. For long-range air combat missions over Afghanistan, U.S. Air Force KC-135 and KC-10s provided aerial tanker support to CVW-2 aircraft. The French carrier task group led by the Charles de Gaulle joined Carrier Strike Group Nine operating in the Persian Gulf (pictured).
On 18 November 2010, the carrier Abraham Lincoln hosted seven ambassadors during a port visit to Manama
, Bahrain, and on 6 December 2010, U.S. Secretary of Defense
Robert M. Gates visited the Abraham Lincoln while operating in the Arabian Sea
.
A total of 999 War in Afghanistan
-related sorties and 76 Operation New Dawn-related sorties were flown during the 2010–2011 Western Pacific deployment. On 28 December, with the carrier strike group operating in the Arabian Sea, Carrier Air Wing Two flew its 1000th sortie, amassing thus far a total of more than 5,884 hours flown supporting Afghanistan operations during this Western Pacific deployment.
Carrier Strike Group Nine completed its final air operations over Afghanistan on 3 February 2011. Since 20 October 2010, Carrier Air Wing Two has launched more than 1,800 combat sorties in excess of 10,000 flight hours with a 100 percent completion rate for Afghanistan related missions. On 10 February 2011, CARSTRKGRU 9 completed its 45th day of at-sea operations, with Carrier Air Wing Two having launched over 7,000 sorties including nearly 2,000 directly supporting ground combat troops.
Aircraft from Carrier Strike Group Nine participated in joint aerial combat training exercises with the Royal Malaysian Air Force on 14 February 2011. On 22 February 2011, the strike group flagship Abraham Lincoln hosted a Brunei military delegation
led by Deputy Minister of Defense Dato Paduka Mustappa Sirat.
The guided-missile destroyer Halsey was assigned to counter-piracy operations in and around the Gulf of Aden
, Arabian Sea
, Indian Ocean, and Red Sea
; and Momsen operated with Combined Task Force 152 in the Persian Gulf
. On 5 December 2010, the Halsey and the French frigate Tourville participated in a bi-lateral naval gunnery exercise (GUNEX) in the Arabian Sea
to enhance coalition maritime forces training and coordination.
On 18 January 2011, a sailor from the guided-missile destroyer Halsey was reported overboard in the Gulf of Oman
, initiating a search and rescue (SAR) involving helicopter from the Halsey, the fast combat support shup Ranier, and the British guided-missile frigate , as well as land-based P-3 maritime patrol aircraft and FA-18 strike fighters from Carrier Air Wing Two
based on the carrier Abraham Lincoln. On 19 January, the body of the missing sailor was recovered 75 miles (120.7 km) east of Fujairah
, United Arab Emirates, and was identified as Petty Officer Dominique Cruz, 26, of Panama City, Florida
.
On 31 January 2011, the cruiser Cape St. George responded to a distress call from a sinking Iranian dhow
by dispatching a rescue team via a rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB). The U.S. naval team attempted to repair the repair the dhow's dewatering pumps, but they were unable to stop the flooding. The Iranian fishermen were brought aboard the Cape St. George where they were examined by the medical staff before being transferred to an Iranian customs vessel.
On 2 February 2011, the DESRON-9 destroyer Momsen, with the cruiser , responded to a distress call from the Panamanian-flag merchant vessel Duqm in the Gulf of Oman
. Both ships disrupted a pirate attack on the Duqm, tracked the two pirate skiffs back to their mothership, and destroyed the two skiffs to prevent their use in future pirate attacks (pictured).
.
During Guadagnini's tenure as COMCARSTRKGRU 9, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 77 (HSM-77)
, the guided-missile destroyer and the guided-missile frigate earned Battle "E" awards
while serving as units of Carrier Strike Group Nine. Admiral Guadagnini's next assignment was as the deputy commander and chief of staff at U.S. Fleet Forces Command headquartered at Naval Station Norfolk
.
Admiral Troy M. Shoemaker graduated with honors from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1982. A naval aviator since 1984, he has more than 4,000 flight hours and has made more than 1,000 carrier arrested landings. Shoemaker had previously commanded Strike Fighter Squadron 105 (VFA-105)
, Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106)
, and Carrier Air Wing Seventeen
(CVW-17). His immediate previous assignment was as the assistant commander for career management at the U.S. Navy Personnel Command located in Millington, Tennessee
.
(CVW-2) squadrons had completed field carrier landing practice (FCLP) using the Improved Fresnel Lens Optical Landing System (IFLOLS)
at their home naval air station flight lines prior to flying on board Lincoln at sea. Conducting FCLP training by using a stationary IFLOLS system prepares naval aviators for their upcoming carrier qualifications at sea.
The carrier also participated in the first-of-its-kind afloat command cyber readiness inspection (CCRI) conducted by the U.S. Fleet Cyber Command
. CCRI is an in-depth inspection and analysis of a ship or shore command's network security posture to ensure that vital information is protected from cyber attacks. Lincolns CCRI began on 8 July, and the carrier paased its CCRI on 14 July with the inspection results set the Navy standard for afloat units by achieving a score 11 percent higher than had previously been achieved in shore-based inspections. Lincolns next CCRI is not scheduled until after the carrier's upcoming Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH) during which the ship is temporarily taken off the carrier training cycle.
On 15 July 2011, Carrier Strike Group Nine flagship Abraham Lincoln, with Carrier Air Wing Two embarked, joined the guided-missile cruiser , the guided-missile destroyer , the mine countermeasures ship , in Fleet Week
activities in Los Angeles, California (pictured). Carrier Strike Group Nine is in Los Angeles between at-sea training and certification periods and prior to its upcoming western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment scheduled for the end of 2011.
Starting on 3 August 2011, the carrier Lincoln was underway off the coast of southern California conducting Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications (FRS-CQ) flight training exercises {pictured) before returning to Everett, Washington
, on 12 August 2011. Joining Carrier Strike Group Nine was the Canadian
replenishment oiler which departed from its home base
for a two-month deployment off southern California on 19 September 2011. Protecteur supported the destroyer and the frigate while the two Canadian warships participated in bi-lateral task group exercises with the U.S. Navy's Carrier Strike Group One
.
, the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, departed Naval Station Everett
. On 20 September 2011, Carrier Strike Group Nine (CARSTRKGRU 9) departed Naval Base San Diego for a three-week composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) off the coast of California to evaluate the strike group's operational readiness.
COMPTUEX was the final phase of training prior to the carrier Lincolns scheduled change of homeport deployment later in 2011. To certify that Carrier Strike Group Nine was ready for operations at sea, training personnel
assessed the integration of all CARSTRKGRU 9 units, including air, strike, information, surface, and anti-submarine warfare assets. These COMPTUEX exercises were designed to ensure the various strike group elements are fully operational and ready to work as a coordinated unit for the upcoming deployment as well as the subsequent transition of Lincoln to its new homeport in Virginia.
During the three-week exercise, Commander Strike Force Training Pacific (CSFTP) evaluated the strike group's operational readiness by assessing the integration of all units of the strike group, including air, strike, information, surface and anti-submarine warfare. Following the evaluation, CSFTP certified the strike group ready for operations at sea. Commander Rear Adm. Thomas A. Cropper noted:
During COMPTUEX, Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2) from the carrier Abraham Lincoln and Carrier Air Wing Seventeen
(CVW-17) from the conducted numerous large-force strike drills for a joint task force exercise (JTFEX), an integrated battle force exercise designed to test the capabilities of strike groups operating with multinational forces in a join environment. Large-force air strikes involved simulated targeting and destruction of critical targets while suppressing enemy radars and anti-aircraft fire.
Also Destroyer Squadron Nine (DESRON-9) guided-missile destroyers and completed war-at-sea and surface-action group exercises which included tracking simulated enemy subs; maritime interdiction operations
; visit, board, search, and seizure
(VBSS) drills (pictured); and transiting through narrow straits within close proximity to hostile forces.
Finally, the guided-missile cruiser coordinated the air defense for the strike group. While leading a combined effort for air defense of Lincoln and Vinson, the Cape St. George incorporated all strike group units into a tactical data and communications link, both Carrier Strike Group Nine and Carrier Strike Group One
.
Two final battle problems were conducted to verify the strike group's competency for open-ocean operations. On 12 October 2011, Commander Strike Force Training Pacific certified that Carrier Strike Group Nine was ready for operations at sea. On 18 October 2011, Abraham Lincoln returned to Naval Station Everett
for the last time prior to its upcoming overseas deployment and homeport reassignment.
, Washington, was the new homeport for the , replacing Abraham Lincoln, which would be undergoing its scheduled four-year Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) at the Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding-Newport News shipyard in Virginia during Summer 2012, with the RCOH slated to begin in 2013. Nimitz will replace the Abraham Lincoln in Everett upon completion of its docking planned incremental availability (DPIA) maintenance at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, located near Bremerton, Washington
, in December 2011.
On 1 August 2011, the U.S. Navy announced that Carrier Strike Group Nine will change its permanent duty station from Naval Station Everett to Naval Base San Diego effective 14 December 2012. The aircraft carrier will be re-assigned as the flagship for Carrier Strike Group Nine following the de-activation of Carrier Strike Group Seven
. Abraham Lincoln will shift its homeport from Everett, Washington, to Newport News, Virginia
, for its Refueling and Complex Overhaul in August 2012. The deactivation of Carrier Strike Group Seven effective 30 December 2011 reflects the U.S. Navy's future budgetary reductions as well as the realignment of its resources based on the reduced availability of its operational carrier fleet and carrier air wings.
Carrier Strike Group
A carrier strike group is an operational formation of the United States Navy. It is composed of roughly 7,500 personnel, an aircraft carrier, at least one cruiser, a destroyer squadron of at least two destroyers and/or frigates, and a carrier air wing of 65 to 70 aircraft...
s currently assigned to the U.S. Pacific Fleet. U.S. Navy carrier strike groups are employed in a variety of roles, all of which involve gaining and maintaining sea control.
Carrier Strike Group Nine is currently based at Naval Base San Diego, California, and it typically deploys to the U.S. Seventh Fleet operating in the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) and the U.S. Fifth Fleet in the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf
Persian Gulf
The Persian Gulf, in Southwest Asia, is an extension of the Indian Ocean located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.The Persian Gulf was the focus of the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War, in which each side attacked the other's oil tankers...
. The current flagship
Flagship
A flagship is a vessel used by the commanding officer of a group of naval ships, reflecting the custom of its commander, characteristically a flag officer, flying a distinguishing flag...
for Carrier Strike Group Nine is the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier
Nimitz class aircraft carrier
The Nimitz-class supercarriers are a class of ten nuclear-powered aircraft carriers in service with the United States Navy. With an overall length of and full-load displacements of over 100,000 long tons, they are the largest capital ships in the world...
.
Cruiser-Destroyer Group Three
USS Coontz flew the flag of Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla Eleven from 1 August to 11 November 1962. In May 1972, Rear Admiral Rembrandt C. Robinson, Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla Eleven, became the first flag officer killed in the Vietnam WarVietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
when his helicopter crashed in the Gulf of Tonkin. The Flotilla appears to have been extensively involved in Operation Sea Dragon
Operation Sea Dragon (Vietnam War)
Operation Sea Dragon occurred during the Vietnam War and was a series of American led naval operations beginning in 1966 to interdict sea lines of communications and supply going south from North Vietnam to South Vietnam, and to destroy land targets with naval gunfire, as well give CIA agents in...
. On 5 March 1973, a reorganization within the Cruiser-Destroyer Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, resulted in USS Hanson being administratively reassigned to Destroyer Squadron 23, a subsidiary of Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla 11, home ported in San Diego. Effective 30 June 1973, Commander Cruiser Destroyer Flotilla Eleven was re-designated as Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group Three (CCDG-3). USS Oklahoma City (CG-5)
USS Oklahoma City
Two vessels of the United States Navy have been named USS Oklahoma City, after Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.* The first , originally CL-91, was a light cruiser in service from 1945 to 1947, then converted to a guided missile cruiser between 1957 and 1960, continuing in that service until 1979.* The...
was briefly part of Cruiser-Destroyer Group Three in October–December 1979 before decommissioning. On 10 December 1981, the CCDG-3 Staff embarked on board the Forrestal-class aircraft carrier
Forrestal class aircraft carrier
The Forrestal-class aircraft carriers were a four-ship class designed and built for the United States Navy in the 1950s. It was the first class of so-called supercarriers, combining high tonnage, deck-edge elevators and an angled deck...
{pictured) to prepare for its first Carrier Battle Group
Carrier battle group
A carrier battle group consists of an aircraft carrier and its escorts, together composing the group. The first naval task forces built around carriers appeared just prior to and during World War II. The Imperial Japanese Navy was the first to assemble a large number of carriers into a single...
deployment.
In the Summer of 1992, the U.S. Navy instituted a concept which mandated greater task group integration of naval air and surface warfare assets into a more permanent carrier battle group structure. Instead of routinely changing the cruisers, destroyers, and frigates assigned to each carrier battle group, there was an attempt made to affiliate certain escorts more permanently with the carriers they escorted. Each of the Navy's 12 existing carrier battle groups was planned to consist of an aircraft carrier; an embarked carrier air wing; cruiser, destroyer, and frigate units; and two nuclear-powered attack submarines. In 1992, CCDG-3 was assigned as permanent Immediate Superior In Command (ISIC) for the Carl Vinson Carrier Battle Group, which deployed to the Persian Gulf
Persian Gulf
The Persian Gulf, in Southwest Asia, is an extension of the Indian Ocean located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.The Persian Gulf was the focus of the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War, in which each side attacked the other's oil tankers...
in August 1994.
On 1 October 2004, Cruiser-Destroyer Group Three (CruDesGru 3) was re-designated as Carrier Strike Group Nine (CARSTRKGRU 9).
Abraham Lincoln Carrier Battle Group
In 1991, the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Battle Group made its maiden overseas deployment in support of coalition forces following Operation Desert Storm, as well as providing disaster relief in support of Operation Fiery VigilOperation Fiery Vigil
Operation Fiery Vigil was the emergency evacuation of all non-essential military and United States Department of Defense civilian personnel and their dependents from Clark Air Base and U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay during the June 1991 volcanic eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines...
. In 1993, the battle group provided support to the multinational military forces assigned to Operation Restore Hope in Somalia
Somali Civil War
The Somali Civil War is an ongoing civil war taking place in Somalia. The conflict, which began in 1991, has caused destabilisation throughout the country, with the current phase of the conflict seeing the Somali government losing substantial control of the state to rebel forces...
, and the group subsequently made three WESTPAC deployments to the Persian Gulf
Persian Gulf
The Persian Gulf, in Southwest Asia, is an extension of the Indian Ocean located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.The Persian Gulf was the focus of the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War, in which each side attacked the other's oil tankers...
in support of Operation Southern Watch
Operation Southern Watch
Operation Southern Watch was an operation conducted by Joint Task Force Southwest Asia with the mission of monitoring and controlling airspace south of the 32nd Parallel in Iraq, following the 1991 Gulf War until the 2003 invasion of Iraq.-Summary:Operation Southern Watch began on 27 August 1992...
(OSW) as well as served as an asset for Operation Vigilant Sentinel
Operation Vigilant Sentinel
Operation Vigilant Sentinel was a response to Saddam Hussein advance of its military forces on the border with Kuwait. The United States deployed the 74th Air Control Squadron to Kuwait on August 24, 1995. The specific battle management functions the 74th Air Control Squadron and its counterparts...
. Beginning in June 1998, CCDG-3 commanded the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Battle Group.
On 20 August 1998, the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Battle Group was involved in Operation Infinite Reach
Operation Infinite Reach
The August 1998 bombings of Afghanistan and Sudan were American cruise missile strikes on terrorist bases in Afghanistan and a pharmaceutical factory in Sudan on August 20, 1998...
. This operation involved the launching of Tomahawk cruise missiles against the Sudanese Pharmecutical company
Al-Shifa pharmaceutical factory
The Al-Shifa pharmaceutical factory in Khartoum North, Sudan, was constructed between 1992 and 1996 with components imported from the United States, Sweden, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, India, and Thailand....
suspected of assisting Osama Bin Laden
Osama bin Laden
Osama bin Mohammed bin Awad bin Laden was the founder of the militant Islamist organization Al-Qaeda, the jihadist organization responsible for the September 11 attacks on the United States and numerous other mass-casualty attacks against civilian and military targets...
in making chemical weapons. The Battle Group also launched a second wave of Tomahawk cruise missiles against Bin Laden's terrorist training camps in Afghanistan. These cruise missile strikes were ordered by U.S. President Clinton 13 days after terrorists bombed the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania
1998 United States embassy bombings
The 1998 United States embassy bombings were a series of attacks that occurred on August 7, 1998, in which hundreds of people were killed in simultaneous truck bomb explosions at the United States embassies in the East African capitals of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and Nairobi, Kenya. The date of the...
.
In 2002, the battle group deployed to the Persian Gulf to help provide aircraft for the War in Afghanistan
War in Afghanistan (2001–present)
The War in Afghanistan began on October 7, 2001, as the armed forces of the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Afghan United Front launched Operation Enduring Freedom...
, and in 2003, the group carried out air combat operations against Iraqi military forces during the U.S. invasion of Iraq (pictured).
The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Battle Group received a Navy Unit Commendation
Navy Unit Commendation
The Navy Unit Commendation of the United States Navy is an award that was established by order of the Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal on 18 December 1944...
for its support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Southern Watch, and Operation Iraqi Freedom during the period of 1 September 2001 to 30 April 2003, completing of an overseas deployment of 290 days, longer than any other nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in history. The Battle Group received its second NUC as part of the U.S. Fifth Fleet's battle/strike force, Task Force 50, during August 1998, and it received its third NUC for operations between 4 March to 1 May 2003.
The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Battle Group also received a Meritorious Unit Commendation
Meritorious Unit Commendation
The Meritorious Unit Commendation is a mid-level unit award of the United States military which is awarded to any military command which displays exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service, heroic deeds, or valorous actions....
(MUC) for its support of Operation Southern Watch (OSW) during the period of 11 June to 11 December 1998, in which was also included its support of Operation Infinite Reach
Operation Infinite Reach
The August 1998 bombings of Afghanistan and Sudan were American cruise missile strikes on terrorist bases in Afghanistan and a pharmaceutical factory in Sudan on August 20, 1998...
. The Battle Group received a second MUC for its operations during the period of 1 January 1999 to 10 September 2001, including OSW air combat operations.
Command structure
Commander Carrier Strike Group Nine (COMCARSTRKGRU 9) serves as Immediate Superior-in-Command (ISIC) for the ships and units assigned to the group. Acting as an Operational Commander, COMCARSTRKGRU 9 exercises oversight of unit-level training, integrated training, and readiness for assigned ships and units, as well as maintains administrative functions and material readiness tracking for ships and squadrons assigned to the group.Carrier Strike Group Nine reports to Commander, U.S. Third Fleet as one of the five carrier strike groups currently part of the United States Pacific Fleet
United States Pacific Fleet
The United States Pacific Fleet is a Pacific Ocean theater-level component command of the United States Navy that provides naval resources under the operational control of the United States Pacific Command. Its home port is at Pearl Harbor Naval Base, Hawaii. It is commanded by Admiral Patrick M...
. CARSTRKGRU 9's pre-deployment training and certification – achieved through a Composite Unit Training Exercise
Composite Unit Training Exercise
COMPTUEX, or Composite Training Unit Exercise, is a rehearsal each US Navy Carrier Strike Group performs before departing for deployment. Each ship and aircraft in the battle group trains in its speciality, COMPTUEX brings ships together to project force as a battle group...
– comes under the operational control (OPCON) of the U.S. Third Fleet. When deployed overseas, Carrier Strike Group Nine comes under the authority of the numbered fleet commander in whose area it is operating. When deployed in this fashion, the group utilizes a task force or task group designator, for example, Task Group 50.1 in the Fifth Fleet area.
Carrier Strike Group Nine is an operational formation. Administratively the ships and aircraft of the strike group are assigned to U.S. Navy type commands
U.S. Navy type commands
U.S. Navy type commands perform vital administrative, personnel, and operational training functions for a "type" of weapon system within a fleet organization.-Overview:...
. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, the guided-missile cruiser , and Destroyer Squadron Nine (DESRON-9) are under the administrative authority of Commander, Naval Surface Forces Pacific. Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2)
Carrier Air Wing Two
Carrier Air Wing Two is a United States Navy aircraft carrier air wing based at Naval Air Station Lemoore. The air wing is attached to the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln .-Mission:...
is under the administrative authority of Commander, Naval Air Force Pacific
Commander, Naval Air Forces
Commander, Naval Air Forces is the aviation Type Commander for all United States Navy naval aviation units...
.
CARSTRKGRU 9 Commanders
| • Rear Admiral Rear admiral (United States) Rear admiral is a naval commissioned officer rank above that of a commodore and captain, and below that of a vice admiral. The uniformed services of the United States are unique in having two grades of rear admirals.- Rear admiral :... William Douglas Crowder William Douglas Crowder Vice Admiral William Douglas Crowder retired from the United States Navy in November 2009 after serving as the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy... |
(20 July 2004 – 7 September 2005) | ||
| • Rear Admiral John W. (Bill) Goodwin | (7 September 2005 – 26 March 2007) | ||
| • Rear Admiral Scott R. Van Buskirk | (26 March 2007 – 9 October 2008) | ||
| • Rear Admiral Scott H. Swift | (9 October 2008 – 29 January 2009) | ||
| • Rear Admiral Mark D. Guadagnini | (29 January 2009 – 13 May 2011) | ||
| • Rear Admiral Troy M. (Mike) Shoemaker | (13 May 2011 – ) |
Force composition in 2011
U.S. Navy carrier strike groups typically consist of an aircraft carrierSupercarrier
Supercarrier is an unofficial descriptive term for the largest type of aircraft carrier, usually displacing over 70,000 long tons.Supercarrier is an unofficial descriptive term for the largest type of aircraft carrier, usually displacing over 70,000 long tons.Supercarrier is an unofficial...
(flagship
Flagship
A flagship is a vessel used by the commanding officer of a group of naval ships, reflecting the custom of its commander, characteristically a flag officer, flying a distinguishing flag...
), an embarked carrier air wing
Carrier air wing
A Carrier Air Wing is an operational naval aviation organization composed of several aircraft squadrons and detachments of various types of fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft...
, at least one Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser
Ticonderoga class cruiser
The Ticonderoga class of missile cruisers is a class of warships in the United States Navy, first ordered and authorized in FY 1978. The class uses phased-array radar and was originally planned as a class of destroyers...
, and a destroyer squadron
DESRON
A destroyer squadron is a naval squadron or flotilla usually consisting of destroyers rather than other types of vessel. In some navies other vessels, such as frigates, may be included. In English the word "squadron" tends to be used for larger and "flotilla" for smaller vessels, both may be used...
. As of 2011, Carrier Strike Group Nine is composed of the following units:
, flagship (pictured)
- Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2)Carrier Air Wing TwoCarrier Air Wing Two is a United States Navy aircraft carrier air wing based at Naval Air Station Lemoore. The air wing is attached to the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln .-Mission:...
- Destroyer Squadron Nine (DESRON-9)
2004–2009 operations
Since its establishment in 2004 through 2009, Carrier Strike Group Nine (CARSTRKGRU 9) undertook three western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployments to date in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan (OEF-A)
War in Afghanistan (2001–present)
The War in Afghanistan began on October 7, 2001, as the armed forces of the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Afghan United Front launched Operation Enduring Freedom...
, and Operation New Dawn (OND) as well as providing support for regional maritime security operations
Maritime Security Operations
Maritime Security Operations is a term for the actions of modern naval forces to "combat sea–based terrorism and other illegal activities, such as hijacking, piracy, and slavery, also known as human trafficking." Ships assigned to such operations may also assist seafaring vessels in distress...
. Additionally, CARSTRKGRU 9 also participated in such major military exercises as RSOI/Foal Eagle 06
Foal Eagle
Foal Eagle is an annual combined Field Training Exercise conducted between the Republic of Korea and United States armed forces under the auspices of Combined Forces Command within the Korean Theater of Operations . It is one of the largest military exercises conducted annually in the world...
, Valiant Shield 2006
Valiant Shield
Valiant Shield was a large United States military war game held 19-24 June 2006 in the Pacific Ocean. According to the Navy, Valiant Shield focused on cooperation between military branches and on the detection, tracking, and engagement of units at sea, in the air, and on land in response to a wide...
, and RIMPAC 2006
RIMPAC
RIMPAC, the Rim of the Pacific Exercise, is the world's largest international maritime exercise. Conducted biennially , it is hosted and administered by the United States Navy, with the United States Marine Corps, United States Coast Guard, and Hawaii National Guard forces under the leadership of...
, as well as Operation Unified Assistance
Operation Unified Assistance
Operation Unified Assistance is the name of the United States military's response to the tsunami of 2004.-Overview:On 28 December, the first elements of the Combined Support Force were deployed to Utapao, Thailand following that country's approval of the use of that base.More than 12,600...
, the U.S. military response to the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami {pictured). In recognition of this disaster-relief mission to Indonesia
Indonesia
Indonesia , officially the Republic of Indonesia , is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Indonesia is an archipelago comprising approximately 13,000 islands. It has 33 provinces with over 238 million people, and is the world's fourth most populous country. Indonesia is a republic, with an...
, Carrier Strike Group Nine received the Humanitarian Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal
The Humanitarian Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States armed forces which was created on January 19, 1977 by President Gerald Ford under...
.
During this period, Carrier Strike Group Nine was the second U.S. Navy carrier strike group to be commanded by a former nuclear submarine commanding officer. CARSTRKGRU 9 was also the first carrier strike group to deploy with an entire LAMPS
Light airborne multi-purpose system
Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System is the United States Navy's program that developed manned helicopters that assist the surface fleet in anti-submarine warfare.*SH-2 Seasprite *SH-60 Seahawk...
helicopter squadron embarked, with individual air detachments operating from its escort ships and supported by its aircraft carrier/flagship's aviation facilities. The carrier strike group's 2007 composite unit training (COMPTUEX)
Composite Unit Training Exercise
COMPTUEX, or Composite Training Unit Exercise, is a rehearsal each US Navy Carrier Strike Group performs before departing for deployment. Each ship and aircraft in the battle group trains in its speciality, COMPTUEX brings ships together to project force as a battle group...
pre-deployment training exercises included Mobile Security Squadron 2 (MSRON-2), Helicopter Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (HVBSS) Team 1, a highly specialized boarding party, which was a first for West Coast-based U.S. Navy ships.
2010 Pre-deployment training and certification exercises
On 13 January 2010, the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln underwent sea trials following the completion of its nine-month, $350-million USD planned incremental availability (PIA) overhaul at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS)Puget Sound Naval Shipyard
Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility is a United States Navy shipyard covering 179 acres on Puget Sound at Bremerton, Washington...
in Bremerton, Washington
Bremerton, Washington
Bremerton is a city in Kitsap County, Washington, United States. The population was 38,790 at the 2011 State Estimate, making it the largest city on the Olympic Peninsula. Bremerton is home to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and the Bremerton Annex of Naval Base Kitsap...
. On 7 February, Abraham Lincoln left Naval Base San Diego to begin flight deck certification with Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2) off the coast of Southern California. On 28 February, Abraham Lincoln also underwent a multi-day post-overhaul evaluation by the Navy Board of Inspection and Survey
Board of Inspection and Survey
The Board of Inspection and Survey is a U.S. Navy organization whose purpose is to inspect and assess material condition of Naval vessels.The Board is currently headquartered at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Virginia.- INSURV teams :...
in San Diego.
Beginning 4 May 2010, Destroyer Squadron Nine (DESRON-9) warships , , , , , and underwent an emergency sortie exercise off the coast of Washington (pictured). This marked the start of a multi-ship training regimen involving six of seven DESRON-9 ships in preparation for upcoming deployment with the carrier strike group.
On 10 May 2010, the carrier Abraham Lincoln completed its Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) and Final Evaluation Problem (FEP) training exercises. TSTA exercises are two-phased training exercises involving shipboard drills, with the first phase done in-port and the second while underway at sea. FEP exercises are consider the third phase of TSTA involving command assessment of the strike group's response to a variety of combat scenarios.
On 13 August 2010, Carrier Strike Group Nine completed for its 18-day Comprehensive Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX)
Composite Unit Training Exercise
COMPTUEX, or Composite Training Unit Exercise, is a rehearsal each US Navy Carrier Strike Group performs before departing for deployment. Each ship and aircraft in the battle group trains in its speciality, COMPTUEX brings ships together to project force as a battle group...
, a critical milestone in its pre-deployment training, and the strike group was certified as being ready for deployment. After COMPTUEX, over 25 Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) midshipmen joined COMCARSTRKGRU 9 for a month-long training cruise.
2010–2011 WESTPAC Deployment
On 11 September 2010, Carrier Strike Group Nine (CARSTRKGRU 9), under the command of Rear Admiral Mark D. Guadagnini, depart Navy Base San Diego, California, for its 2010 western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment. Admiral Guadagnini set forth the objectives of his strike group for its 2010 WESTPAC deployment as follows:- Security and stability lead to peace and prosperity. Lincoln Strike Group is ready to deploy world-wide as a force for peace in support of our nation’s global interests.
While enroute, the strike group executed a series of additional training exercises, including carrier qualifications (CQ), anti-piracy training, and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercises
Anti-submarine warfare
Anti-submarine warfare is a branch of naval warfare that uses surface warships, aircraft, or other submarines to find, track and deter, damage or destroy enemy submarines....
off Guam
Guam
Guam is an organized, unincorporated territory of the United States located in the western Pacific Ocean. It is one of five U.S. territories with an established civilian government. Guam is listed as one of 16 Non-Self-Governing Territories by the Special Committee on Decolonization of the United...
with the Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine
Virginia class submarine
The Virginia class is a class of nuclear-powered fast attack submarines in service with the United States Navy. The submarines are designed for a broad spectrum of open-ocean and littoral missions...
.
Following its rotation with the Fifth Fleet and the Seventh Fleet, the carrier Abraham Lincoln, with the destroyers Momsen and Shoup, arrived at Naval Air Station San Diego, California, on 19 March, and subsequently to their homeport of Everett, Washington, on 24 March 2011. The destroyer Halsey arrived at San Diego on 14 March 2011. Squadrons from Carrier Air Wing 2 also returned to their bases on 18 March.
During Carrier Strike Group Nine's 2010–2011 western Pacific deployment, Carrier Air Wing Two
Carrier Air Wing Two
Carrier Air Wing Two is a United States Navy aircraft carrier air wing based at Naval Air Station Lemoore. The air wing is attached to the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln .-Mission:...
flew more than 8,300 sorties and completed more than 23,500 flying hours, of which more than 3,600 sorties and almost 11,000 hours were flown in support of U.S. and coalition ground forces in Afghanistan
War in Afghanistan (2001–present)
The War in Afghanistan began on October 7, 2001, as the armed forces of the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Afghan United Front launched Operation Enduring Freedom...
.
Strike group warships , , , , and assisted mariners in distress and provided humanitarian assistance to more than 10 vessels. The strike group also conducted military exercises with France, Bahrain, Malaysia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. Finally, Helicopter Strike Maritime Squadron (HSM-77)
HSM-77 Saberhawks
Helicopter Strike Maritime Squadron Seven Seven "Saberhawks" is a United States Navy helicopter squadron based at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, California. HSM-77 is attached to and deploys aboard and Air Capable Ships attached to Carrier Strike Group Nine...
was named as a top U.S. Navy helicopter squadron based on the U.S. west coast, earning a Battle "E" award
Battle Effectiveness Award
The Battle Effectiveness Award , commonly known as the Battle "E", is awarded annually to the small number of U.S...
.
Force composition
| Units | CARSTRKGRU 9 Warships | Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2) squadrons embarked aboard flagship | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. 1 | Strike Fighter Squadron 151 (VFA-151): VFA-151 The Strike Fighter Squadron One Five One Vigilantes are a United States Navy F/A-18C Hornet fighter squadron stationed at Naval Air Station Lemoore. They are a part of Carrier Air Wing 2 and are attached to the USS Abraham Lincoln... 10 F/A-18C |
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW-116): VAW-116 VAW-116 is a US Navy Command and Control Squadron that deploys aboard USS Abraham Lincoln as part of Carrier Air Wing Two. VAW-116 flies the E-2C Hawkeye 2000 aircraft. The VAW-116 Commanding Officer is Commander Mike S. Fitzpatrick. The "Sun Kings" of VAW-116 are stationed at Naval Base Ventura... 4 E-2C E-2 Hawkeye The Grumman E-2 Hawkeye is an American all-weather, aircraft carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning aircraft. This twin-turboprop aircraft was designed and developed during the late 1950s and early 1960s by the Grumman Aircraft Company for the United States Navy as a replacement for the... |
|
| No. 2 | Strike Fighter Squadron 137 (VFA-137): VFA-137 Strike Fighter Squadron 137 , also known as the "Kestrels", are a United States Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet strike fighter squadron stationed at Naval Air Station Lemoore... 12 F/A-18E |
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12 (HSC-12): 8 MH-60S H-60 H-60 is often used as a general name for a wide family of U.S. military helicopters. However, they all use a modified mission symbol in addition to the 'H' vehicle type designator under the 1962 United States Tri-Service aircraft designation system . The mission prefix H-60 is often used as a... |
|
| No. 3 | Strike Fighter Squadron 34 (VFA-34): VFA-34 Strike Fighter Squadron 34 , also known as the "Blue Blasters", is a United States Navy F/A-18C Hornet strike fighter squadron stationed at Naval Air Station Oceana. They are a part of Carrier Air Wing 2 and are attached to the... 12 F/A-18C(N) |
Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 (VRC-30), Det. 2: VRC-30 Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 , also known as the "Providers", is a United States Navy Fleet Logistics Support squadron based at Naval Air Station North Island consisting of 5 detachments.-History:... 2 C-2A |
|
| No. 4 | Strike Fighter Squadron 2 (VFA-2): VFA-2 Strike Fighter Squadron 2 also known as the "Bounty Hunters" is a United States Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet strike fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. Their tail code is NE and their callsign is "Bullet"... : 12 F/A-18F |
Helicopter Strike Maritime Squadron 77 (HSM-77), Det. 7: 8 SH-60B | |
| No. 5 | Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron 131 (VAQ-131): VAQ-131 Electronic Attack Squadron 131 , also known as the "Lancers", is an United States Navy EA-6B Prowler squadron based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Part of Carrier Air Wing 2, the Lancers deploy aboard the . Their radio callsign is "Skybolt".... 5 EA-6B |
– | |
| Notes |
Seventh Fleet operations
On 25 September 2010, the strike group enter the U.S. Seventh Fleet area of responsibilitity (AOR). On 8 October 2010, Carrier Strike Group Nine paid its first foreign port call at Port Klang, MalaysiaPort Klang
Port Klang is a town and the main gateway by sea into Malaysia. Colonially known as Port Swettenham, it is also the location of the largest and busiest port in the country. As such, its economic progress has been greatly influenced by the port activities in its area...
, which was followed by a multi-unit ASW exercises held on 23 October.
Carrier strike operations
On 17 October 2010, Carrier Strike Group Nine, with Carrier Air Wing 2 embarked, arrived in the U.S. Fifth Fleet's area of responsibility (AOR), joining Carrier Strike Group Ten
Carrier Strike Group Ten
Carrier Strike Group Ten, abbreviated as CSG-10 or CARSTRKGRU 10, is one of five U.S. Navy carrier strike groups currently assigned to the United States Fleet Forces Command. U.S...
, led by the carrier , as part of Task Force 50 (pictured), the Fifth Fleet's carrier strike force. The task force's mission is to provide support for the surge of coalition forces in Afghanistan
War in Afghanistan (2001–present)
The War in Afghanistan began on October 7, 2001, as the armed forces of the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Afghan United Front launched Operation Enduring Freedom...
, to support existing maritime security operations in the Persian Gulf, and to support the drawdown of forces in Iraq. For long-range air combat missions over Afghanistan, U.S. Air Force KC-135 and KC-10s provided aerial tanker support to CVW-2 aircraft. The French carrier task group led by the Charles de Gaulle joined Carrier Strike Group Nine operating in the Persian Gulf (pictured).
On 18 November 2010, the carrier Abraham Lincoln hosted seven ambassadors during a port visit to Manama
Manama
Manama is the capital and largest city of Bahrain, with an approximate population of 155,000 people.Long an important trading center in the Persian Gulf, Manama is home to a very diverse population...
, Bahrain, and on 6 December 2010, U.S. Secretary of Defense
United States Secretary of Defense
The Secretary of Defense is the head and chief executive officer of the Department of Defense of the United States of America. This position corresponds to what is generally known as a Defense Minister in other countries...
Robert M. Gates visited the Abraham Lincoln while operating in the Arabian Sea
Arabian Sea
The Arabian Sea is a region of the Indian Ocean bounded on the east by India, on the north by Pakistan and Iran, on the west by the Arabian Peninsula, on the south, approximately, by a line between Cape Guardafui in northeastern Somalia and Kanyakumari in India...
.
A total of 999 War in Afghanistan
War in Afghanistan (2001–present)
The War in Afghanistan began on October 7, 2001, as the armed forces of the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Afghan United Front launched Operation Enduring Freedom...
-related sorties and 76 Operation New Dawn-related sorties were flown during the 2010–2011 Western Pacific deployment. On 28 December, with the carrier strike group operating in the Arabian Sea, Carrier Air Wing Two flew its 1000th sortie, amassing thus far a total of more than 5,884 hours flown supporting Afghanistan operations during this Western Pacific deployment.
Carrier Strike Group Nine completed its final air operations over Afghanistan on 3 February 2011. Since 20 October 2010, Carrier Air Wing Two has launched more than 1,800 combat sorties in excess of 10,000 flight hours with a 100 percent completion rate for Afghanistan related missions. On 10 February 2011, CARSTRKGRU 9 completed its 45th day of at-sea operations, with Carrier Air Wing Two having launched over 7,000 sorties including nearly 2,000 directly supporting ground combat troops.
Aircraft from Carrier Strike Group Nine participated in joint aerial combat training exercises with the Royal Malaysian Air Force on 14 February 2011. On 22 February 2011, the strike group flagship Abraham Lincoln hosted a Brunei military delegation
Royal Brunei Armed Forces
The Royal Brunei Armed Forces was formed on 31 May 1961. Known as the Askar Melayu Brunei, it was honoured with the royal title on 31 May 1965, when the word 'Diraja' was added to the title. It was then known as Askar Melayu Diraja Brunei,...
led by Deputy Minister of Defense Dato Paduka Mustappa Sirat.
Maritime security & anti-piracy operations
The guided-missile destroyer Halsey was assigned to counter-piracy operations in and around the Gulf of Aden
Gulf of Aden
The Gulf of Aden is located in the Arabian Sea between Yemen, on the south coast of the Arabian Peninsula, and Somalia in the Horn of Africa. In the northwest, it connects with the Red Sea through the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, which is about 20 miles wide....
, Arabian Sea
Arabian Sea
The Arabian Sea is a region of the Indian Ocean bounded on the east by India, on the north by Pakistan and Iran, on the west by the Arabian Peninsula, on the south, approximately, by a line between Cape Guardafui in northeastern Somalia and Kanyakumari in India...
, Indian Ocean, and Red Sea
Red Sea
The Red Sea is a seawater inlet of the Indian Ocean, lying between Africa and Asia. The connection to the ocean is in the south through the Bab el Mandeb strait and the Gulf of Aden. In the north, there is the Sinai Peninsula, the Gulf of Aqaba, and the Gulf of Suez...
; and Momsen operated with Combined Task Force 152 in the Persian Gulf
Persian Gulf
The Persian Gulf, in Southwest Asia, is an extension of the Indian Ocean located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.The Persian Gulf was the focus of the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War, in which each side attacked the other's oil tankers...
. On 5 December 2010, the Halsey and the French frigate Tourville participated in a bi-lateral naval gunnery exercise (GUNEX) in the Arabian Sea
Arabian Sea
The Arabian Sea is a region of the Indian Ocean bounded on the east by India, on the north by Pakistan and Iran, on the west by the Arabian Peninsula, on the south, approximately, by a line between Cape Guardafui in northeastern Somalia and Kanyakumari in India...
to enhance coalition maritime forces training and coordination.
On 18 January 2011, a sailor from the guided-missile destroyer Halsey was reported overboard in the Gulf of Oman
Gulf of Oman
The Gulf of Oman or Sea of Oman is a strait that connects the Arabian Sea with the Strait of Hormuz, which then runs to the Persian Gulf. It is generally included as a branch of the Persian Gulf, not as an arm of the Arabian Sea. On the north coast is Pakistan and Iran...
, initiating a search and rescue (SAR) involving helicopter from the Halsey, the fast combat support shup Ranier, and the British guided-missile frigate , as well as land-based P-3 maritime patrol aircraft and FA-18 strike fighters from Carrier Air Wing Two
Carrier Air Wing Two
Carrier Air Wing Two is a United States Navy aircraft carrier air wing based at Naval Air Station Lemoore. The air wing is attached to the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln .-Mission:...
based on the carrier Abraham Lincoln. On 19 January, the body of the missing sailor was recovered 75 miles (120.7 km) east of Fujairah
Fujairah
Fujairah is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, and the only one on the Gulf of Oman in the country's east instead of Persian Gulf .-History:...
, United Arab Emirates, and was identified as Petty Officer Dominique Cruz, 26, of Panama City, Florida
Panama City, Florida
-Personal income:The median income for a household in the city was $31,572, and the median income for a family was $40,890. Males had a median income of $30,401 versus $21,431 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,830...
.
On 31 January 2011, the cruiser Cape St. George responded to a distress call from a sinking Iranian dhow
Dhow
Dhow is the generic name of a number of traditional sailing vessels with one or more masts with lateen sails used in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean region. Some historians believe the dhow was invented by Arabs but this is disputed by some others. Dhows typically weigh 300 to 500 tons, and have a...
by dispatching a rescue team via a rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB). The U.S. naval team attempted to repair the repair the dhow's dewatering pumps, but they were unable to stop the flooding. The Iranian fishermen were brought aboard the Cape St. George where they were examined by the medical staff before being transferred to an Iranian customs vessel.
On 2 February 2011, the DESRON-9 destroyer Momsen, with the cruiser , responded to a distress call from the Panamanian-flag merchant vessel Duqm in the Gulf of Oman
Gulf of Oman
The Gulf of Oman or Sea of Oman is a strait that connects the Arabian Sea with the Strait of Hormuz, which then runs to the Persian Gulf. It is generally included as a branch of the Persian Gulf, not as an arm of the Arabian Sea. On the north coast is Pakistan and Iran...
. Both ships disrupted a pirate attack on the Duqm, tracked the two pirate skiffs back to their mothership, and destroyed the two skiffs to prevent their use in future pirate attacks (pictured).
Exercises & port visits
| Number | Regional Exercises | Port Visits | Notes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | U.S. Force | Bilateral/Multilateral Partner(s) | Operating Area | Location | Dates | ||
| 1st: | —- | Carrier Strike Group Nine | — | — | Port Klang, Malaysia Port Klang Port Klang is a town and the main gateway by sea into Malaysia. Colonially known as Port Swettenham, it is also the location of the largest and busiest port in the country. As such, its economic progress has been greatly influenced by the port activities in its area... |
8 Oct. 2010 | |
| 2nd: | — | Carrier Strike Group Nine | — | — | Hidd, Bahrain | 18 Nov. 2011 | |
| 3rd: | 5 Dec. 2010 | Gunnery exercise (GUNEX): FS Tourville (D 610) | Arabian Sea Arabian Sea The Arabian Sea is a region of the Indian Ocean bounded on the east by India, on the north by Pakistan and Iran, on the west by the Arabian Peninsula, on the south, approximately, by a line between Cape Guardafui in northeastern Somalia and Kanyakumari in India... |
— | — | ||
| 4th: | — | Carrier Strike Group Nine | — | — | Dubai Dubai Dubai is a city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates . The emirate is located south of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula and has the largest population with the second-largest land territory by area of all the emirates, after Abu Dhabi... , UAE |
23–27 Dec. 2010 | |
| 5th: | — | — | — | Phuket, Thailand | 13 Feb. 2011 | ||
| 6th: | 14 Feb. 2011 | Carrier Air Wing Two Carrier Air Wing Two Carrier Air Wing Two is a United States Navy aircraft carrier air wing based at Naval Air Station Lemoore. The air wing is attached to the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln .-Mission:... |
Royal Malaysian Air Force | South China Sea South China Sea The South China Sea is a marginal sea that is part of the Pacific Ocean, encompassing an area from the Singapore and Malacca Straits to the Strait of Taiwan of around... |
— | — | |
| 7th: | — | — | — | Perth, Western Australia Perth, Western Australia Perth is the capital and largest city of the Australian state of Western Australia and the fourth most populous city in Australia. The Perth metropolitan area has an estimated population of almost 1,700,000.... |
16 Feb. 2011 | ||
| 8th: | — | — | — | Singapore Singapore Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the... |
16 Feb. 2011 | ||
| 9th: | — | — | — | Hobart Hobart Hobart is the state capital and most populous city of the Australian island state of Tasmania. Founded in 1804 as a penal colony,Hobart is Australia's second oldest capital city after Sydney. In 2009, the city had a greater area population of approximately 212,019. A resident of Hobart is known as... , Tasmania |
23 Feb. 2011 | ||
| 10th: | — | — | — | Pearl Harbor, Hawaii | 10 Mar. 2011 |
Change of Command
On 13 May 2011, Rear Admiral Troy M. {"Mike") Shoemaker relieved Rear Admiral Mark D. Guadagnini as commander, Carrier Strike Group Nine (COMCARSTRKGRU 9) in ceremonies held aboard based at Naval Station EverettNaval Station Everett
Naval Station Everett is the United States Navy's most modern facility. It is located next to the marina area of the city of Everett, WA, 25 miles north of Seattle. The Navy Support Complex is located between Marysville and Arlington, 11 miles north of the naval station. Naval Station , Everett is...
.
During Guadagnini's tenure as COMCARSTRKGRU 9, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 77 (HSM-77)
HSM-77 Saberhawks
Helicopter Strike Maritime Squadron Seven Seven "Saberhawks" is a United States Navy helicopter squadron based at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, California. HSM-77 is attached to and deploys aboard and Air Capable Ships attached to Carrier Strike Group Nine...
, the guided-missile destroyer and the guided-missile frigate earned Battle "E" awards
Battle Effectiveness Award
The Battle Effectiveness Award , commonly known as the Battle "E", is awarded annually to the small number of U.S...
while serving as units of Carrier Strike Group Nine. Admiral Guadagnini's next assignment was as the deputy commander and chief of staff at U.S. Fleet Forces Command headquartered at Naval Station Norfolk
Naval Station Norfolk
Naval Station Norfolk, in Norfolk, Virginia, is a base of the United States Navy, supporting naval forces in the United States Fleet Forces Command, those operating in the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Indian Ocean...
.
Admiral Troy M. Shoemaker graduated with honors from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1982. A naval aviator since 1984, he has more than 4,000 flight hours and has made more than 1,000 carrier arrested landings. Shoemaker had previously commanded Strike Fighter Squadron 105 (VFA-105)
VFA-105
Strike Fighter Squadron 105 also known as the "Gunslingers" is a United States Navy strike fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. The "Gunslingers" are an operational fleet squadron and fly the F/A-18E Super Hornet...
, Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106)
VFA-106
Strike Fighter Squadron 106 , also known as the "Gladiators," is a United States Navy F/A-18 Hornet and F/A-18 Super Hornet Fleet Replacement Squadron stationed at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia.-Mission:...
, and Carrier Air Wing Seventeen
Carrier Air Wing Seventeen
Carrier Air Wing Seventeen , is a United States Navy aircraft carrier air wing based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. The air wing is attached to the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson.-Mission:...
(CVW-17). His immediate previous assignment was as the assistant commander for career management at the U.S. Navy Personnel Command located in Millington, Tennessee
Millington, Tennessee
Millington is a city in Shelby County, Tennessee. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 10,176. Millington was the home of the recently closed Memphis Motorsports Park. It was granted the title "Flag City Tennessee" by the Tennessee State Legislature. The Naval Support Activity Mid-South is...
.
2011 Pre-deployment training exercises
On 27 June 2011, the carrier Abraham Lincoln was under way in the Pacific Ocean following a port maintenance period in preparation for its next underway phase, with the four-day sea trials scheduled to end on 30 June 2011.Carrier qualifications & cyber readiness
On 13 July 2011 , Abraham Lincoln got underway for carrier qualifications (CQ). Pilots from Carrier Air Wing TwoCarrier Air Wing Two
Carrier Air Wing Two is a United States Navy aircraft carrier air wing based at Naval Air Station Lemoore. The air wing is attached to the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln .-Mission:...
(CVW-2) squadrons had completed field carrier landing practice (FCLP) using the Improved Fresnel Lens Optical Landing System (IFLOLS)
Optical Landing System
An optical landing system is used to give glidepath information to pilots in the terminal phase of landing on an aircraft carrier...
at their home naval air station flight lines prior to flying on board Lincoln at sea. Conducting FCLP training by using a stationary IFLOLS system prepares naval aviators for their upcoming carrier qualifications at sea.
The carrier also participated in the first-of-its-kind afloat command cyber readiness inspection (CCRI) conducted by the U.S. Fleet Cyber Command
United States Tenth Fleet
The Tenth Fleet is a functional formation of the United States Navy responsible for the Navy's cyber warfare programs. It was first created as an anti submarine warfare coordinating organization during the Battle of the Atlantic in the Second World War...
. CCRI is an in-depth inspection and analysis of a ship or shore command's network security posture to ensure that vital information is protected from cyber attacks. Lincolns CCRI began on 8 July, and the carrier paased its CCRI on 14 July with the inspection results set the Navy standard for afloat units by achieving a score 11 percent higher than had previously been achieved in shore-based inspections. Lincolns next CCRI is not scheduled until after the carrier's upcoming Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH) during which the ship is temporarily taken off the carrier training cycle.
On 15 July 2011, Carrier Strike Group Nine flagship Abraham Lincoln, with Carrier Air Wing Two embarked, joined the guided-missile cruiser , the guided-missile destroyer , the mine countermeasures ship , in Fleet Week
Fleet Week
Fleet Week is a United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, and United States Coast Guard tradition in which active military ships recently deployed in overseas operations dock in a variety of major cities for one week. Once the ships dock, the crews can enter the city and visit its tourist...
activities in Los Angeles, California (pictured). Carrier Strike Group Nine is in Los Angeles between at-sea training and certification periods and prior to its upcoming western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment scheduled for the end of 2011.
Starting on 3 August 2011, the carrier Lincoln was underway off the coast of southern California conducting Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications (FRS-CQ) flight training exercises {pictured) before returning to Everett, Washington
Everett, Washington
Everett is the county seat of and the largest city in Snohomish County, Washington, United States. Named for Everett Colby, son of founder Charles L. Colby, it lies north of Seattle. The city had a total population of 103,019 at the 2010 census, making it the 6th largest in the state and...
, on 12 August 2011. Joining Carrier Strike Group Nine was the Canadian
Royal Canadian Navy
The history of the Royal Canadian Navy goes back to 1910, when the naval force was created as the Naval Service of Canada and renamed a year later by King George V. The Royal Canadian Navy is one of the three environmental commands of the Canadian Forces...
replenishment oiler which departed from its home base
CFB Esquimalt
Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt is Canada's Pacific Coast naval base and home port to Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific Headquarters....
for a two-month deployment off southern California on 19 September 2011. Protecteur supported the destroyer and the frigate while the two Canadian warships participated in bi-lateral task group exercises with the U.S. Navy's Carrier Strike Group One
Carrier Strike Group One
Carrier Strike Group One, abbreviated as CSG-1, CARSTRKGRU 1, is one of six U.S. Navy carrier strike groups currently assigned to the United States Pacific Fleet. U.S...
.
Composite training
On 15 September 2011, the strike group's flagshipFlagship
A flagship is a vessel used by the commanding officer of a group of naval ships, reflecting the custom of its commander, characteristically a flag officer, flying a distinguishing flag...
, the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, departed Naval Station Everett
Naval Station Everett
Naval Station Everett is the United States Navy's most modern facility. It is located next to the marina area of the city of Everett, WA, 25 miles north of Seattle. The Navy Support Complex is located between Marysville and Arlington, 11 miles north of the naval station. Naval Station , Everett is...
. On 20 September 2011, Carrier Strike Group Nine (CARSTRKGRU 9) departed Naval Base San Diego for a three-week composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) off the coast of California to evaluate the strike group's operational readiness.
COMPTUEX was the final phase of training prior to the carrier Lincolns scheduled change of homeport deployment later in 2011. To certify that Carrier Strike Group Nine was ready for operations at sea, training personnel
Commander, Strike Force Training Pacific
Commander, Strike Force Training Pacific, abbreviated as CSFTP or COMSTRKFORTRAPAC, is the U.S. Fleet Forces Command formation charged with training and certifying Pacific Fleet Carrier Strike Groups, Amphibious Ready Groups, and independently deploying surface ships.-Overview:Commander, Strike...
assessed the integration of all CARSTRKGRU 9 units, including air, strike, information, surface, and anti-submarine warfare assets. These COMPTUEX exercises were designed to ensure the various strike group elements are fully operational and ready to work as a coordinated unit for the upcoming deployment as well as the subsequent transition of Lincoln to its new homeport in Virginia.
During the three-week exercise, Commander Strike Force Training Pacific (CSFTP) evaluated the strike group's operational readiness by assessing the integration of all units of the strike group, including air, strike, information, surface and anti-submarine warfare. Following the evaluation, CSFTP certified the strike group ready for operations at sea. Commander Rear Adm. Thomas A. Cropper noted:
- We work very closely to train, mentor and assess the different warfare commanders and their staff and take a look at the strike group as a whole and evaluate how they work together as one team to accomplish the myriad of missions they are given.
During COMPTUEX, Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2) from the carrier Abraham Lincoln and Carrier Air Wing Seventeen
Carrier Air Wing Seventeen
Carrier Air Wing Seventeen , is a United States Navy aircraft carrier air wing based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. The air wing is attached to the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson.-Mission:...
(CVW-17) from the conducted numerous large-force strike drills for a joint task force exercise (JTFEX), an integrated battle force exercise designed to test the capabilities of strike groups operating with multinational forces in a join environment. Large-force air strikes involved simulated targeting and destruction of critical targets while suppressing enemy radars and anti-aircraft fire.
Also Destroyer Squadron Nine (DESRON-9) guided-missile destroyers and completed war-at-sea and surface-action group exercises which included tracking simulated enemy subs; maritime interdiction operations
Maritime Interdiction Operations
Maritime Interdiction Operations are naval conducted operations, that aim to delay, disrupt, or destroy enemy forces or supplies en route to the battle area before they do any harm against friendly forces, similar to Air Interdiction Operations....
; visit, board, search, and seizure
Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure
Visit, board, search, and seizure is the term for maritime boarding actions and tactics, designed to capture enemy vessels, to combat terrorism, piracy and smuggling, and to conduct customs, safety and other inspections, as employed by modern navies, marine and maritime services, military and...
(VBSS) drills (pictured); and transiting through narrow straits within close proximity to hostile forces.
Finally, the guided-missile cruiser coordinated the air defense for the strike group. While leading a combined effort for air defense of Lincoln and Vinson, the Cape St. George incorporated all strike group units into a tactical data and communications link, both Carrier Strike Group Nine and Carrier Strike Group One
Carrier Strike Group One
Carrier Strike Group One, abbreviated as CSG-1, CARSTRKGRU 1, is one of six U.S. Navy carrier strike groups currently assigned to the United States Pacific Fleet. U.S...
.
Two final battle problems were conducted to verify the strike group's competency for open-ocean operations. On 12 October 2011, Commander Strike Force Training Pacific certified that Carrier Strike Group Nine was ready for operations at sea. On 18 October 2011, Abraham Lincoln returned to Naval Station Everett
Naval Station Everett
Naval Station Everett is the United States Navy's most modern facility. It is located next to the marina area of the city of Everett, WA, 25 miles north of Seattle. The Navy Support Complex is located between Marysville and Arlington, 11 miles north of the naval station. Naval Station , Everett is...
for the last time prior to its upcoming overseas deployment and homeport reassignment.
Homeport & flagship change-over
On 9 December 2010, the U.S. Navy officially announced that Naval Station EverettNaval Station Everett
Naval Station Everett is the United States Navy's most modern facility. It is located next to the marina area of the city of Everett, WA, 25 miles north of Seattle. The Navy Support Complex is located between Marysville and Arlington, 11 miles north of the naval station. Naval Station , Everett is...
, Washington, was the new homeport for the , replacing Abraham Lincoln, which would be undergoing its scheduled four-year Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) at the Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding-Newport News shipyard in Virginia during Summer 2012, with the RCOH slated to begin in 2013. Nimitz will replace the Abraham Lincoln in Everett upon completion of its docking planned incremental availability (DPIA) maintenance at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, located near Bremerton, Washington
Bremerton, Washington
Bremerton is a city in Kitsap County, Washington, United States. The population was 38,790 at the 2011 State Estimate, making it the largest city on the Olympic Peninsula. Bremerton is home to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and the Bremerton Annex of Naval Base Kitsap...
, in December 2011.
On 1 August 2011, the U.S. Navy announced that Carrier Strike Group Nine will change its permanent duty station from Naval Station Everett to Naval Base San Diego effective 14 December 2012. The aircraft carrier will be re-assigned as the flagship for Carrier Strike Group Nine following the de-activation of Carrier Strike Group Seven
Carrier Strike Group Seven
Carrier Strike Group Seven also known as CSG-7, CARSTRKGRU 7, and Ronald Reagan Strike Group, is one of five U.S. Navy carrier strike groups currently assigned the United States Pacific Fleet. CSG-7 is based at Naval Air Station North Island, and typically deploys as a command element aboard an...
. Abraham Lincoln will shift its homeport from Everett, Washington, to Newport News, Virginia
Newport News, Virginia
Newport News is an independent city located in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area of Virginia. It is at the southeastern end of the Virginia Peninsula, on the north shore of the James River extending southeast from Skiffe's Creek along many miles of waterfront to the river's mouth at Newport News...
, for its Refueling and Complex Overhaul in August 2012. The deactivation of Carrier Strike Group Seven effective 30 December 2011 reflects the U.S. Navy's future budgetary reductions as well as the realignment of its resources based on the reduced availability of its operational carrier fleet and carrier air wings.
See also
- History of the United States NavyHistory of the United States NavyThe history of the United States Navy divides into two major periods: the "Old Navy", a small but respected force of sailing ships that was also notable for innovation in the use of ironclads during the American Civil War, and the "New Navy", the result of a modernization effort that began in the...
- List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons
- U.S. Carrier Group tacticsU.S. Carrier Group tacticsNaval tactics have played a crucial role in modern battles and wars. The presence of land, changing water depths, weather, detection and electronic warfare, the speed at which actual combat occurs and other factors — especially air power — render naval tactics truly formidable.The basic idea of all...
External links
- GlobalSecurity.orgGlobalSecurity.orgGlobalSecurity.org, launched in 2000, is a public policy organization focusing on the fields of defense, space exploration, intelligence, weapons of mass destruction and homeland security...