USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: July 29, 2019

July 29, 2019 11:25 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 July 29, 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:

291

Ships Underway

Deployed Ships Underway Non-deployed Ships Underway Total Ships Underway
52 45 97

Ships Deployed by Fleet

Fleet Forces 3rd Fleet 4th Fleet 5th Fleet 6th Fleet 7th Fleet Total
0 0 2 23 15 55 95

In the Philippine Sea

Sailors assigned to Air Department participate in a foreign object damage (FOD) walkdown on the flight deck of the Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) on July 29, 2019. US Navy Photo

The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is steaming north through the Philippine Sea. USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) and its escorts recently completed Exercise Talisman Sabre 2019 (TS 19), a bilateral U.S./Australian training exercise. TS 19 included forces from New Zealand, Canada, United Kingdom and Japan.

Carrier Air Wing 5

Sailor assigned to Air Department simulates an aircraft fire during a mass casualty drill on the flight deck of the Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) on July 28, 2019. US Navy Photo

CVW 5, based at Naval Air Facility Atsugi and Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Japan, is embarked aboard Ronald Reagan and includes a total of nine squadrons and detachments:

  • The “Royal Maces” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan
  • The “Diamondbacks” of VFA-102 from MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
  • The “Eagles” of VFA-115 from MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
  • The “Dambusters” of VFA-195 from MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
  • The “Shadowhawks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 from MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
  • The “Tiger Tails” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125 from MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
  • The “Providers” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 from Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan
  • The “Golden Falcons” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12 Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan
  • The “Saberhawks” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77 from Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan

U.S. 7th Fleet has not named all the escorts for the Reagan CSG, but it includes guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG-62)

In Australia

Rear Adm. Fred Kacher, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7, and Royal Australian Army Major Gen. Roger Noble, deputy chief, Joint Operations, Australian Defense Force, salute as the color guard parades the colors during the closing ceremony of the eighth U.S. and Australian exercise Talisman Sabre 2019 on July 27, 2019. US Navy Photo

The Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) embarked has completed Talisman Sabre. The ESG includes amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD-1), amphibious transport dock USS Green Bay (LPD-20) and dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD-48).

Wasp is in port in Brisbane, Australia. Ashland is in port in Townsville, Australia. Green Bay is in port in Cairns, Australia.

In Manama, Bahrain

Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Shanderpaul Foster, from Kingston, Jamaica, assigned to amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD-4) on July 16, 2019. US Navy Photo

The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) with 11th MEU embarked pulled into Bahrain on July 25. During the ARG’s transit through the Strait of Hormuz into the Persian Gulf on July 19, Marines operating a new electronic warfare system on the deck of USS Boxer (LHD-4) downed a hostile unmanned aerial vehicle 1,000 yards from the amphibious warship.

Amphibious Squadron 5 (PHIBRON 5) is the ARG commander. In addition to the Wasp-class USS Boxer (LHD-4), the ARG also includes Whidbey Island-class USS Harper’s Ferry (LSD-49) and San Antonio-class USS John P. Murtha (LPD-26).

Lance Cpl. Lino Moreno, front, and Lance Cpl. Ridwan Ouronile, assigned to the India Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), provide security aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD-49) during a Strait of Hormuz transit on July 23, 2019. US Navy Photo

The ARG includes the “Blackjacks” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21, Assault Craft Unit 5, Naval Beach Group 1, Beachmaster Unit 1, Fleet Surgical Team 5, and Tactical Air Control Squadron 11.

The Camp Pendleton-based 11th MEU comprises Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines; Marine Attack Squadron 214 equipped with AV-8B Harriers; Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163 (Reinforced); and Combat Logistics Battalion 11.

In the Gulf of Oman

Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Angel Garcia, from San Antonio, Texas, torques a rocket aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) on July 19, 2019. US Navy Photo

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is underway in the Gulf of Oman. Tensions remain high in the area in and around the Strait of Hormuz. It has been a hotspot given the previously-reported attacks on tankers, the shootdown of a Navy-operated RQ-4 drone on June 20, Boxer’s takedown of an Iranian drone on July 19, and the seizure of a British tanker in the Strait of Hormuz on July 20.

Carrier Strike Group 12

An E-2D Advanced Hawkeye assigned to the ‘Bluetails’ of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121 makes an arrested landing on flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) on July 18, 2019. US Navy Photo

Aircraft carrier
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), homeported in Norfolk, Va. (shifting to San Diego, Calif., upon completion of deployment)

Carrier Air Wing 7

Sailors remove an ejection seat from an F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the Jolly Rogers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103 in the hangar bay of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) on July 17, 2019. US Navy Photo

CVW 7, based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Va., is embarked aboard Lincoln and includes a total of nine squadrons and detachments:

  • The “Fist of the Fleet” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 25 from Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.
  • The “Sidewinders” of VFA-86 from Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.
  • The “Jolly Rogers” of VFA-103 from Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.
  • The “Pukin’ Dogs” of VFA-143 from Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.
  • The “Patriots” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140 from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.
  • The “Bluetails” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121 from Naval Station Norfolk, Va.
  • The “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 from Naval Station Norfolk, Va.
  • The “Night Dippers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5 from Naval Station Norfolk, Va.
  • The “Griffins” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 79 from Naval Air Station North Island, Calif.

Destroyer Squadron 2

USNS Arctic (T-AOE-8), left, and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG-87) steam alongside the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG-96) during a replenishment-at-sea on July 24, 2019. US Navy Photo

The leadership of DESRON 2 is embarked aboard Lincoln and commands the guided-missile destroyers that are operating as part of the CSG.

  • USS Bainbridge (DDG-96), homeported in Norfolk, Va.
  • USS Mason (DDG-87), homeported in Norfolk, Va.
  • USS Nitze (DDG-94), homeported in Norfolk, Va.

Guided-missile Cruiser

  • USS Leyte Gulf (CG-55), homeported in Norfolk, Va.

In the Virginia Capes

Operations Specialist 3rd Class Ashley Cisernos, assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD-5), monitors a radar in the Combat Information Center on July 18, 2019. US Navy Photo

USS Bataan (LHD-5) is underway for training. The Bataan ARG completed a two-week PHIBRON-MEU Integrated Training (PMINT) exercise off the East Coast on July 19.

After the successful completion of PMINT, the ships of the Bataan ARG and the 26th MEU will continue the workup cycle with training including the ARG and MEU Exercise (ARG-MEUEX) and Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) to certify for their upcoming scheduled deployment.

In the Western Atlantic

A sailor, assigned to Explosive Ordinance Disposal Mobile Unit 12, is hoisted into an MH-60S Knight Hawk helicopter, attached to the ‘Dragon Slayers’ of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 11, from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) on July 24, 2019. US Navy Photo

The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group continues its COMPTUEX ahead of a deployment later this year.

During COMPTUEX, the carrier, its escorts and the carrier air wing demonstrate they are ready to deploy overseas.

Carrier Strike Group 8

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), front, and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG-60) transit the Atlantic Ocean on July 18, 2019. US Navy Photo

Aircraft carrier:
USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), homeported in Norfolk, Va.

Carrier Air Wing 1

CVW 1 from Naval Air Station Oceana, Va., is embarked aboard Harry S. Truman and includes nine squadrons and detachments:

  • The “Red Rippers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11 from Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.
  • The “Checkmates” of VFA-211 from Naval Air Station Oceania, Va.
  • The “Sunliners” of VFA-81 from Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.
  • The “Knighthawks” of VFA-136 from Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.
  • The “Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137 from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.
  • The “Seahawks” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126 from Naval Air Station Norfolk, Va.
  • The “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 from Naval Air Station Norfolk, Va.
  • The “Dragon Slayers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 11 from Naval Air Station Norfolk, Va.
  • The “Proud Warriors” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM 72) from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla.

Destroyer Squadron 28

USS Ramage (DDG-61) transits the Atlantic Ocean. Ramage is underway conducting a composite training unit exercise with the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group on July 7, 2019. US Navy Photo

The leadership of DESRON 28 is embarked aboard Harry S. Truman and commands the guided-missile destroyers that are operating as part of the CSG.

  • USS Farragut (DDG-99), homeported in Mayport, Fla.
  • USS Lassen (DDG-98), homeported in Mayport, Fla.
  • USS Ramage (DDG-84), homeported in Norfolk, Va.

Guided-missile Cruiser
USS Normandy (CG-60), homeported in Norfolk, Va.

In the Southern California Operating Areas

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) fires at an unmanned target during a live-fire exercise on July 26, 2019. US Navy Photo

The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group is underway for training.

Carrier Strike Group 9

Aircraft carrier:
USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), homeported in San Diego, Calif.

Carrier Air Wing 11

A sailor walks across the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) on July 26, 2019. US Navy Photo

CVW 11, based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif. is embarked aboard Theodore Roosevelt and includes a total of nine squadrons and detachments:

  • The “Black Knights” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154 from Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.
  • The “Blue Diamonds” of VFA-146 from Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.
  • The “Tomcatters” of VFA-31 from Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.
  • The “Golden Warriors” of VFA 87 from Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.
  • The “Gray Wolves” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142 from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.
  • The “Liberty Bells” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 115 from Naval Air Station Point Mugu, Calif.
  • The “Providers” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 from Naval Air Station North Island, Calif.
  • The “Eightballers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 from Naval Air Station North Island, Calif.
  • The “Wolfpack” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 75 from Naval Air Station North Island, Calif.

Guided Missile Destroyers

Sailors smile during a Chief Petty Officers Mess fundraiser on the mess decks of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG-59) on July 26, 2019. US Navy Photo

USS Russell (DDG-59), homeported in San Diego, Calif.
USS Kidd (DDG-100), homeported in San Diego, Calif.
USS John Finn (DDG-113), homeported in San Diego, Calif.

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.
Follow @samlagrone

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