USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: Jan. 7, 2019

January 7, 2019 10:47 AM
USNI News Graphic

These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy’s deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of Jan. 7, 2019, based on Navy and public data. In cases where a CSG or ARG is conducting disaggregated operations, the chart reflects the location of the capital ship.

Total U.S. Navy Battle Force:

287

Ships Underway

Deployed Ships Underway Non-deployed Ships Underway Total Ships Underway
36 11 47

Ships Deployed by Fleet

Fleet Forces 3rd Fleet 4th Fleet 5th Fleet 6th Fleet 7th Fleet Total
1 1 0 23 17 51 93

In the Western Pacific

Sailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD-1) participate in a virtual reality ship handling competition on Dec. 13, 2018. US Navy Photo

The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is in homeport in Yokosuka, Japan. The Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group is in homeport in Sasebo, Japan.

In the Persian Gulf

Sailors heave a line during a replenishment-at-sea in the hangar bay aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) in the Persian Gulf on Jan. 4, 2019. US Navy Photo

The aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) is underway in the Persian Gulf.

Carrier Strike Group 3

Sailors walk on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) in the Persian Gulf on Jan. 2, 2019. US Navy Photo

Aircraft carrier
USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74), homeported in Bremerton, Wash. (shifting to Norfolk, Va., upon completion of deployment)

Carrier Air Wing 9

Two C-2A Greyhounds, assigned to Fleet Logistics Combat Squadron (VRC) 30, detachment 4, conduct a fly-over above the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in the Persian Gulf on Jan. 5, 2019.US Navy Photo

CVW 9, based at Naval Air Station Lemoore in California, is embarked aboard Stennis and includes a total of nine squadrons and detachments:

  • The “Black Aces” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41 from Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.
  • The “Tophatters” of VFA-14 from Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.
  • The “Warhawks” of VFA-97 from Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.
  • The “Vigilantes” of VFA-151 from Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.
  • The “Wizards” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133 from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.
  • The “Wallbangers” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117 from Naval Air Station Pt Mugu, CA
  • The “Providers” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 from Naval Air Station North Island, Calif.
  • The “Chargers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 14 from Naval Air Station North Island, Calif.
  • The “Raptors” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71 from Naval Air Station North Island, Calif.

Destroyer Squadron 21

The leadership of DESRON 21 is embarked aboard Stennis and commands the guided-missile destroyers that are operating as part of the CSG.

  • USS Stockdale (DDG-106), homeported in San Diego, Calif.
  • USS Spruance (DDG-111), homeported in San Diego, Calif.
  • USS Chung-Hoon (DDG-93), homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

Guided-missile Cruiser

Sailors aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG-53) man M2 machine guns during a transit through the Strait of Hormuz on Dec. 23, 2018. US Navy Photo

USS Mobile Bay (CG-53), homeported in San Diego, Calif.

In the North Arabian Sea

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), launches past U.S. Navy Aviation Boatsmate Handler Airmen Tuquisha Adams, assigned with the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) on Jan. 5, 2018. US Marine Corps Photo

Amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD-2) is in the North Arabian Sea. The Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) comprises Wasp-class Essex, San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD-23) and Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD-47). The ARG and embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) deployed from San Diego on July 10.

In Piraeus, Greece

Cpl. Austin Hoke, a Military Working Dog handler with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit sits with his dog, Lila, in the well deck of the USS Kearsarge (LHD-3) on Jan. 03, 2018. Hoke is with the Law Enforcement detachment aboard the Kearsarge. US Marine Corps Photo

The Kearsarge ARG is currently in Piraeus, Greece.

More than 4,500 sailors and Marines with the Kearsarge ARG and embarked 22nd MEU departed the East Coast on Dec. 17. The ARG is currently in the Mediterranean Sea for a deployment that will include operations in the European Theater and, likely, in the Middle East.

The ARG is led by USS Kearsarge (LHD-3) and includes Norfolk-based USS Arlington (LPD-24) and Mayport, Fla.,-based USS Fort McHenry (LSD-43), according to the Navy.

On Jan. 6, Fort McHenry and elements of the 22nd MEU entered the Black Sea, according to to U.S. 6th Fleet.

“Our routine operations in the Black Sea also demonstrate the inherent flexibility and capability of U.S. 6th Fleet naval forces,” Vice Adm. Lisa Franchetti, commander of U.S. 6th Fleet, said in a statement.

The ARG is also embarked with Fleet Surgical Teams 2 and 8, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 26, Tactical Air Control Squadron 21, and Naval Beach Group 2, according to the Navy.

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, Seabees, Coast Guard cutters, EOD Mobile Units, and more serving throughout the globe.

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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