The USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker is sponsored by CNA. These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy’s deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of Aug. 27, 2018, based on Navy and public data. In cases where a CSG or ARG is conducting disaggregated operations, the map reflects the location of the capital ship.
Total U.S. Navy Battle Force:
284
Ships Underway
| Deployed Ships Underway | Non-deployed Ships Underway | Total Ships Underway |
| 47 | 47 | 94 |
Ships Deployed by Fleet
| Fleet Forces | 3rd Fleet | 4th Fleet | 5th Fleet | 6th Fleet | 7th Fleet | Total |
| 0 | 0 | 2 | 13 | 19 | 57 | 91 |
In the Western Pacific
The forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) is underway in the Philippine Sea on a Western Pacific patrol.
The forward-deployed Wasp Amphibious Ready Group is also underway in the Philippine Sea after departing Sasebo, Japan on Aug. 8. The deployment marks the second time the Marine F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters squadron “Green Knights” of VMFA-121 have deployed at sea aboard Wasp.
Wasp, Ashland and USS Green Bay (LPD-20) conducted a passing exercise with the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) amphibious transport dock ship JS Osumi (LST-4001) in the Philippine Sea on Aug. 26.
The amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD-2) and embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia for a port visit after participating in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Malaysia 2018 on Aug. 19.
The Essex ARG left San Diego on 10 July for an expected Western Pacific and Middle East deployment. Essex, USS Anchorage (LPD-23) and USS Rushmore (LSD-47) deployed with a squadron of Marine F-35B Lighting II Joint Strike Fighters of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211. The deployment is the first for U.S. based F-35s.
The dock landing ship Rushmore with elements from 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit in Jakarta, participated with the Indonesian Navy in the 24th Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Aug. 10 to 17.
In the Indian Ocean
USS Anchorage (LPD-23) and embarked elements of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka conducting a theater security cooperation exercise with the Sri Lankan Navy and marines.
In the Eastern Pacific
USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) – currently homeported in Bremerton, Washington, is underway in the Southern California (SOCAL) Operating Areas.
In the Western Atlantic
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) is underway conducting Tailored Ship’s Training Availability and Final Evaluation Problems (TSTA/FEP). TSTA prepares the ship and crew for full integration into a carrier strike group through a wide range of mission-critical operations.
A film crew attached to the Top Gun sequel was aboard Lincoln filming flight operations last week, according to a report to CNN.
“The Navy is supporting one shoot this week aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, per a Production Assistance Agreement signed by Paramount (Pictures) and the Department of Defense,” the Navy told CNN in a statement.
Actor Tom Cruise announced the start of filming on his social media accounts in late May. Top Gun: Maverick is set for a July 12, 2019 release.
USS George H. W. Bush (CVN-77) is underway for training in the Virginia Cape Operating Areas. On Friday, the carrier was host to the stand-up ceremony for the reestablished U.S. 2nd Fleet.
“Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson presided over a ceremony establishing U.S. 2nd Fleet and naming Vice Adm. Andrew ‘Woody’ Lewis as the commander during a ceremony aboard the nuclear aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77), Aug. 24, at Naval Station Norfolk, Va.,” read a Navy statement.
The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit is underway training for an upcoming deployment, the Navy announced.
The Kearsarge ARG is made up of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 6, the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD-3), San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD-24), Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD-43) and Marines from the 22nd MEU.
In addition to these major formations, not shown are thousands of others serving in submarines, individual surface ships, aircraft squadrons, SEALs, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Forces, Coast Guard cutters and more serving throughout the globe.
