These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy’s deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of Feb. 19, 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:
289
Ships Underway
Deployed Ships Underway | Non-deployed Ships Underway | Total Ships Underway |
44 | 46 | 90 |
Ships Deployed by Fleet
Fleet Forces | 3rd Fleet | 4th Fleet | 5th Fleet | 6th Fleet | 7th Fleet | Total |
0 | 5 | 1 | 17 | 15 | 54 | 92 |
In Japan
USS Wasp (LHD-1) returned to Sasebo, Japan, after a Western Pacific patrol.
The Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) was underway in the Philippine Sea. Last week, amphibious transport dock USS Green Bay (LPD-20) and elements the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) participated in the Cobra Gold 2019 exercise in Thailand. The ESG also includes dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD-48).
Later this year, Wasp will relocate to Norfolk, Va., and USS America (LHA-6) will serve as the new flagship of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces Japan amphibious fleet, Vice Adm. Richard Brown, commander of Naval Surface Forces and Naval Surface Force Pacific, told reporters in January.
The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is in homeport in Yokosuka, Japan.
In Hawaii
USS Essex (LHD-2) and the elements of the 13th MEU are in port at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. The Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) is on the final leg of its deployment and is expected to arrive in California soon.
The Essex ARG comprises Wasp-class amphibious assault 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 MEU deployed from San Diego on July 10.
Joining the 13th MEU are the “Blackjacks” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 and detachments from Assault Craft Unit 5, Naval Beach Group 1, Beachmaster Unit 1, Fleet Surgical Team 3 and Tactical Air Control Squadron 11, according to the Navy.
In the South China Sea
The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is underway in the South China Sea after conducting a port call in Laem Chabang, Thailand, last week.
Carrier Strike Group 3
Aircraft carrier
USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74), homeported in Bremerton, Wash. (shifting to Norfolk, Va., upon completion of deployment)
Carrier Air Wing 9
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
USS Mobile Bay (CG-53), homeported in San Diego, Calif.
In the Eastern Pacific
USS Boxer (LHD-4) is underway in the Southern California Operating Areas off of San Diego with elements of the 11th MEU embarked.
In Manama, Bahrain
USS Kearsarge (LHD-3) and elements of the 22nd MEU are in port in Bahrain after entering the Persian Gulf last week after operating in the North Arabian Sea.
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. The more than 4,500 sailors and Marines left the East Coast on Dec. 17. The deployment will likely include operations in Europe and the Middle East.
Joining the 22nd MEU from Camp Lejeune, N.C., are 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 the Western Atlantic
Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12 assets USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 and Destroyer Squadron 2 are continuing to conduct a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) off the East Coast.
Ships assigned to DESRON 2 include Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Mitscher (DDG-57), USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG-81), USS Gonzalez (DDG-66), USS Mason (DDG-87) and USS Nitze (DDG-94).
The guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG-55) returned to the strike group last week following a minor collision with dry cargo ship USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE-5) during an underway replenishment.
The Álvaro de Bazán-class Spanish navy frigate ESPS Méndez Núñez (F-104) is also participating in the COMPTUEX and the deployment to improve the warfighting capabilities and partnership between the two NATO countries.
Amphibious warship USS Bataan (LHD-5) is also operating off the East Coast.
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.