USS George H.W. Bush Launches Anti-ISIS Strikes from Mediterranean

February 13, 2017 4:40 PM - Updated: February 14, 2017 8:17 AM
An F/A-18F Super Hornet attached to the Black Lions of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213 launches from the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve on Feb. 13, 2017. US Navy Photo
An F/A-18F Super Hornet attached to the Black Lions of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213 launches from the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve on Feb. 13, 2017. US Navy Photo

After a two-month gap, the U.S. Navy is again launching carrier-based strikes against Islamic State targets in Syria from the Mediterranean, the service announced on Monday.

Strike fighters from USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) launched Monday against targets in Syria as part of the ongoing Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR).

“By defeating violent extremists in Iraq and Syria, we are simultaneously supporting two separate geographic combatant commands. We remain committed to defeating [ISIS], committed to our allies and partners, and committed to global security,” Vice Adm. Christopher W. Grady, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, said in a Navy statement.
The U.S. last launched carrier-based fighters on Dec. 12 from the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The Bush Strike Group entered the Mediterranean on Feb. 2, 2017 and spent a few days at the U.S. naval base at Souda Bay, Greece before moving to launch sorties.

The 6,000 member CSG is embarked on Bush, guided missile destroyers USS Laboon (DDG-58), USS Truxtun (DDG-103), guided missile cruisers USS Philippine Sea (CG-58) and USS Hue City (CG-66).

The strike group deployed with Carrier Air Wing 8, which includes Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213 “Fighting Black Lions”; VFA-31 “Tomcatters”; VFA-87 “Golden Warriors”; VFA-37 “Ragin Bulls”; Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 131 “Lancers”; Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 124 “Bear Aces”; Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70 “Spartans”; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9 “Tridents”; and a detachment from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 “Rawhides”.

 

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone is the editor of USNI News. He has covered legislation, acquisition and operations for the Sea Services since 2009 and spent time underway with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the Canadian Navy.
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