USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: Nov. 12, 2019

November 12, 2019 10:09 AM
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These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy’s deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of Nov. 12, 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
49 31 80

Ships Deployed by Fleet

Fleet Forces 2nd Fleet 3rd Fleet 4th Fleet 5th Fleet 6th Fleet 7th Fleet Total
0 1 4 3 19 15 56 98

In Yokosuka, Japan

Capt. Pat Hannifin, commanding officer of the Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), speaks to the crew during an all hands call in the hangar bay on Nov. 1, 2019. US Navy Photo

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) is in port in Yokosuka, Japan. Squadrons from the forward-deployed Carrier Air Wing 5, which had deployed with the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, have returned to their home airfields at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni and Naval Air Station Atsugi.

In the Middle Pacific

USS Boxer (LHD-4) transits the Pacific Ocean on Nov. &, 2019. US Navy Photo

The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) is underway in the Middle Pacific, south of the Hawaiian Islands, and is now operating in U.S. 3rd Fleet. The Boxer ARG and 11th MEU are on their way home to California, after deploying on May 1 for a deployment to the Middle East and Pacific.

Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 5 is the ARG commander. In addition to amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD-4), the ARG also includes dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD-49) and amphibious transport dock USS John P. Murtha (LPD-26). 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 is comprised of Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines; Marine Attack Squadron 214 equipped with the AV-8B Harrier; Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163 (Reinforced); and Combat Logistics Battalion 11.

In the North Arabian Sea

Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Terrance Yoakum services an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter attached to the “Griffins” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 79 on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) on Nov. 8 2019, US Navy Photo

The Abraham Lincoln CSG is in the North Arabian Sea.

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) departed its previous homeport of Norfolk, Va., in April and will shift homeports to San Diego, Calif., upon completion of the deployment. That move will come later than expected, though; Lincoln will remain on station in the Middle East while its relief carrier is still undergoing unexpected repairs on the East Coast, Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Robert Burke told reporters on last month.

Lincoln’s likely relief, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), is currently pierside undergoing repairs for extensive electrical problems that are likely to extend at least until later this month.

Carrier Strike Group 12

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Marlene Lopez stands on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) on Nov. 5, 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

An F/A-18F Super Hornet attached to the “Jolly Rogers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103 approaches the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) on Nov. 6, 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 Squadrons

Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG-96) prepare to moor pierside at Naval Station Norfolk, Va. Nov. 5, 2019. US Navy Photo

Destroyer Squadron 2 — USS Bainbridge (DDG-96), USS Mason (DDG-87) and USS Nitze (DDG-94) — returned home to Norfolk last week after escorting Lincoln for the bulk of its deployment.

Destroyer Squadron 28 — USS Lassen (DDG-82), USS Farragut (DDG-99) and USS Forrest Sherman (DDG-98) — are now supporting the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group.

Guided-missile Cruiser
USS Leyte Gulf (CG-55), homeported in Norfolk, Va.

In the Eastern Pacific

Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) conduct a barricade drill on Oct. 28, 2019. US Navy Photo

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) is underway in the Southern California Operating Areas.

In the Western Atlantic

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) and one of its rigid-hulled inflatable boat steam through the Atlantic Ocean during small boat operations on Nov. 7, 2019. US Navy Photo

USS Wasp (LHD-1) is underway in the Western Atlantic en route to its new homeport of Norfolk.

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) is underway in the Virginia Capes Operating Areas.

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.

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