USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: April 20, 2020

April 20, 2020 10:57 AM - Updated: April 27, 2020 12:11 PM
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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 April 20, 2020, 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:

297

Ships Underway

Deployed Ships Underway Non-deployed Ships Underway Total Ships Underway
68 22 90

Ships Deployed by Fleet

Fleet Forces 3rd Fleet 4th Fleet 5th Fleet 6th Fleet 7th Fleet Total
0 0 6 24 13 58 101

In Japan

Sailors assigned to Naval Air Facility (NAF) Misawa and Airmen assigned to the 35th Fighter Wing offload mail from a C-12 Huron on April 16, 2020. US Navy Photo

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) is in port in Yokosuka.

In the South China Sea

An F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepares to take off from the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6) on April 18, 2020. US Navy Photo

Amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6) is underway in the South China Sea.

In Guam

Sailors carry the American flag and Union Jack to conduct morning colors on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) April 18, 2020. US Navy Photo

The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is in port in Guam. The outbreak of COVID-19 virus cases on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) has received wide attention, as has the removal of its former commander, Capt. Brett Crozier, and the resignation of Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly after he went to Guam and spoke to the carrier’s crew.

The number of positive COVID-19 cases is now at least 660. Last week, a crew member died as a result of COVID-19. In the last three weeks, about 230 sailors and Marines from the 3rd Medical Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force deployed to Guam to assist with the ongoing testing and treatment program for the crew. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is conducting a study of the COVID-19 spread in Theodore Roosevelt.

Carrier Strike Group 9

Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Jon Solis, from Subic Bay, Philippines, sorts laundry in a Chief Petty Officer’s berthing aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) April 17, 2020. US Navy Photo

The San Diego-based CSG 9 commands the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group and is embarked on the carrier.

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

Carrier Air Wing 11

A rainbow arches over the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) before morning colors April 18, 2020. US Navy Photo

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

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

Cruiser

Damage Controlman 3rd Class Marcus Threadcraft, from Atlanta, scrubs the verdigris off a vari-nozzle aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG-52) on April 9, 2020. US Navy Photo

USS Bunker Hill (CG-52), homeported in San Diego, Calif.

Destroyer Squadron 23

Fire Controlman (Aegis) 2nd Class Nelson Silva, from Chicago, handles line aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG-59) during a replenishment-at-sea with the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE-11) on April 3, 2020. US Navy Photo

Destroyer Squadron 23 is based in San Diego and is embarked on the carrier.

Destroyers

  • USS Russell (DDG-59), homeported in San Diego, Calif.
  • USS Paul Hamilton (DDG-60), homeported in San Diego, Calif.
  • USS Pinckney (DDG-91), homeported in San Diego, Calif.
  • USS Kidd (DDG-100), homeported in Everett, Wash.
  • USS Rafael Peralta (DDG-115), homeported in San Diego, Calif.

In the Persian Gulf

Aviation Support Equipment Technician Airman Robert Brown, assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD-5), participates in cleaning stations on April 12, 2020. US Navy Photo

The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are in the Persian Gulf.

The ARG is commanded by Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 8 and includes amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD-5), amphibious transport dock USS New York (LPD-21) and dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD-51).

In the North Arabian Sea

USS Eisenhower (CVN-69) operating in the North Arabian Sea. US Navy Photo

The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is underway in the North Arabian Sea.

Carrier Strike Group 10
Norfolk-based CSG 10 commands the Dwight D. Eisenhower CSG and is embarked on the carrier.

Aircraft carrier

Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Trent Hawkins cuts metal during portable exothermic cutting unit training aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) on April 14, 2020. US Navy Photo

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), homeported in Norfolk, Va.

Carrier Air Wing

Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Sean Thrasher performs maintenance on an F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to the Rampagers of Strike Fighter Squadron 83 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) on April 13, 2020. US Navy Photo

Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Va., is embarked aboard Dwight D. Eisenhower and includes a total of nine squadrons and detachments:

  • The “Gunslingers” of VFA-105 – Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) – from Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.
  • The “Wildcats” of VFA-131 from Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.
  • The “Swordsmen” of VFA-32 from Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.
  • The “Rampagers” of VFA-83 from Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.
  • The “Zappers” of VAQ-130 – Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) – from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island – Wash.
  • The “Screwtops” of VAW-123 – Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) – from Naval Station Norfolk, Va.
  • The “Rawhides” of VRC-40 – Detachment – Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) – from Naval Station Norfolk, Va.
  • The “Dusty Dogs” of HSC-7 – Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) – from Naval Station Norfolk, Va.
  • The “Swamp Foxes” of HSM-74 – Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) – from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla.

Cruiser

Seaman William Cotton stands watch as a helmsman aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG-72) on April 11, 2020. US Navy Photo

USS Vella Gulf (CG-72), homeported in Norfolk, Va.
USS San Jacinto (CG-56), homeported in Norfolk, Va.

Destroyer Squadron 26

Culinary Specialist Seaman Sage Hepfer signs for mail aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG-95) on April 2, 2020. US Navy Photo

Destroyer Squadron 26 is based at Norfolk, and its leaders are embarked on Eisenhower.

  • USS Stout (DDG-55), homeported in Mayport, Fla.
  • USS James E. Williams (DDG-95), homeported in Mayport, Fla.
  • USS Truxtun (DDG-103), homeported in Norfolk, Va.
  • Royal Danish Navy frigate Iver Huitfeldt (F361)

In the Western Atlantic

Operations Specialist 3rd Class Francisco Lazaro, from San Diego, makes an entry in the ship’s position log in the combat information center aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG-60) on April 14, 2020. US Navy Photo

The Harry S. Truman CSG remains underway. It is now within the U.S. Fleet Forces Command area of responsibility and is operating off the coast of Virginia to avoid exposing the crew to the COVID-19 virus until another carrier strike group is certified and ready to deploy if called upon. The Truman Strike Group just wrapped up its second deployment in two years.

Carrier Strike Group 8
Norfolk-based CSG 8 commands the Harry S. Truman CSG and is embarked on the carrier.

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

Carrier Air Wing 1

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) transits the Atlantic Ocean while the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Patuxent (T-AO-201) conducts a replenishment-at-sea with the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG-98) and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG-60) on April 11, 2020. US Navy Photo

Carrier Air Wing 1 is based at Naval Air Station Oceana and is embarked on Harry S. Truman:

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

Cruiser

USS Normandy (CG-60) transits the Atlantic Ocean through heavy seas on April 14, 2020. US Navy Photo

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

Destroyer Squadron 28

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG-98) transits the Atlantic Ocean beside the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG-60) on April 11, 2020. US Photo

Destroyer Squadron 28 is based at Norfolk, and its leaders are embarked on Truman.

  • USS Lassen (DDG-82), homeported in Mayport, Fla.
  • USS Farragut (DDG-99), homeported in Mayport, Fla.
  • USS Forrest Sherman (DDG-98), homeported in Norfolk, Va.

In the Eastern Pacific

USS Makin Island (LHD-8) is conducting routine operations in the Eastern Pacific on April 10, 2020. US Navy Photo

USS Makin Island (LHD-8) is underway in the Southern California Operating Areas with USS San Diego (LPD-22) and USS Somerset (LPD-25). USS Essex (LHD-2) is also underway.

In Los Angeles, Calif.

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class John Ancell, from Surprise, Ariz., a surgical technologist assigned to hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH-19), reaches for an instrument during a surgery on April 17, 2020. US Navy Photo

Hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH-19) is in Los Angeles, treating patients as part of the Pentagon’s response to the spreading COVID-19 virus on the West Coast. Forty personnel assigned to the USNS Mercy are being reassigned to a skilled nursing facility in Los Angeles at the request of FEMA.

Mercy itself has experienced a COVID-19 outbreak within the crew. Given the stabilized hospital demand in the greater LA area, Mercy’s use may be scaled down in the next two weeks.

In New York, N.Y.

Sailors prepare to transport a patient arriving for medical treatment from an ambulance onto the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH-20) on April 9, 2020. US Navy Photo

Hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH-20) is moored at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal at Pier 90 in New York City and is treating patients. Comfort is treating COVID-19 patients on board as well as patients who do not have the virus. The ship has treated more than 120 people since it arrived March 30, and about 50 of those have been discharged. The ship removed half of its 1,000 beds so it could isolate and treat coronavirus patients. U.S. Northern Command has announced the ship will now accept patients from the Philadelphia area.

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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