USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: April 27, 2020

April 27, 2020 12:46 PM - Updated: April 27, 2020 6:07 PM
USNI News Graphic

This post has been updated to include the Monday departure of USS Nimitz (CVN-68). 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 27, 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:

299

Ships Underway

Deployed Ships Underway Non-deployed Ships Underway Total Ships Underway
74 26 100

Ships Deployed by Fleet

Fleet Forces 3rd Fleet 4th Fleet 5th Fleet 6th Fleet 7th Fleet Total
5 1 5 24 13 59 107

In Japan

Sailors carry a flag staff on the foc’s’le aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG-85) during a sea and anchor evolution on April 23, 2020. US Navy Photo

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

In the Philippine Sea

Sailors assigned to amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6) conduct flight operations with MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced) on April 27, 2020. US Photo

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

After operating alongside America, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG-52) sailed through the Taiwan Strait late last week during routine underway operations, USNI News reported. Barry is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

In Guam

Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) stand-by to depart the ship for quarantine after completing essential watch standing duties on April 25, 2020. US Navy Photo

The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is in port in Guam. The outbreak of COVID-19 on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) has received wide attention, as has the removal of its former commander, Capt. Brett Crozier. After completing its investigation, Navy leadership recommended on Friday that Crozier be reinstated as commanding officer of Theodore Roosevelt. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper is reviewing the matter.

The number of positive COVID-19 cases in the USS Theodore Roosevelt crew is now at 833. One Theodore Roosevelt crew member died as a result of COVID-19. For the last four weeks, about 230 sailors and Marines from the 3rd Medical Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force have been 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

Navy Senior Chief Intelligence Specialist Chanda Clifton, from Louisville, Miss., stages supplies aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt(CVN-71) for essential watchstanders departing the ship for quarantine on April 25, 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

Sailors fold the American flag after evening colors on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) on April 24, 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

Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG-52), front, and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG-52) transit the South China Sea April 18, 2020. US Navy Photo

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

Destroyer Squadron 23

Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class Shawn Sickinger, from Ashtabura, Ohio, fires an M9 pistol during a small-arms qualification on the flight deck of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG-59). 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

Marines, with the Maritime Raid Force, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), depart the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD-5) during sustainment training, April 21, 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 an incident earlier this month in the Persian Gulf, 11 small Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) vessels repeatedly harassed a formation of U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships. The IRGCN vessels crossed in front of the U.S. ships, in a few instances coming within 50 yards of USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB-3) and within 10 yards of the bow of USCGC Maui (WPB-1304), according to the Navy. President Donald Trump issued a strong warning to Iran via Twitter.

In the North Arabian Sea

Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Emmanuel Aboagye installs an element to an M61A2 weapon system aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) on April 17, 2020. 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

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

Carrier Air Wing

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Ben Edmiston directs a tractor aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) on April 17, 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

Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical) 3rd Class Brayan Ramirez changes filters on a diesel generator aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG-72) on April 15, 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

Sailors respond to a fire during a damage control exercise aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Stout (DDG-55) on April 15, 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

Electronics Technician (Nuclear) 3rd Class Audrey House, from Spokane, Wash., left, and Electronics Technician (Nuclear) 3rd Class John Bray, from Appleton, Wisc., patch a pipe during damage control olympics on the fantail of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) in the Atlantic Ocean on April 22, 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

Sailors sort mail in the hangar bay of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) during a replenishment-at-sea in the Atlantic Ocean, on April 25, 2020. US Navy Photo

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

An E-2D Hawkeye, assigned to the ‘Seahawks’ of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 126, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) in the Atlantic Ocean on April 22, 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

Fire Controlman (Aegis) 3rd Class Nia Anderson, from Hampton, Virginia, stands the missile system supervisor watch in the combat information center of the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG-60) during an anti-air warfare exercise on April 22, 2020. US Navy Photo

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

Destroyer Squadron 28

Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Rolando Monroy, from McAllen, Texas, cleans the barrel of the 5-inch gun aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG-98) on April 17, 2020. US Navy 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

Amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD-8) underway in the eastern Pacific on April 20, 2020. US Navy Photo

USS Makin Island (LHD-8) has been ordered to rendezvous with USS Kidd (DDG-100) in the Eastern Pacific. Makin Island’s tasking comes as the service reported 33 positive cases on the destroyer on Saturday, with two sailors evacuated from Kidd to be treated onshore. The big-deck amphib has a fleet surgical team embarked, an onboard intensive care unit, ventilators and testing capability if the service needs to treat the outbreak at sea.

USS Kidd deployed with the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group. However, it has been operating as part of U.S. Southern Command’s anti-trafficking push announced on April 1.

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 2nd Class Christian Smania cleans a cover plate for a wire supporter on the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) on April 14, 2020. US Navy Photo

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) left Bremerton, Wash., on Monday for its Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX)training ahead of planned deployment later this year, USNI News reported on Monday.

“The crew of Nimitz has been isolated inside the carrier since the beginning of April in anticipation of getting underway this month. Likewise, Carrier Air Wing 17, the command staff of Carrier Strike Group 11 and crews of the planned carrier escorts have been isolated in California ahead of the strike group assembling in San Diego,” USNI News reported.

The following ships and units are scheduled to join the Nimitz CSG to conduct the COMPTUEX: guided-missile cruisers USS Princeton (CG-59), Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS John Paul Jones (DDG-53), USS Sterett (DDG-104), USS Ralph Johnson (DDG-114) and Carrier Air Wing 17 and its associated squadrons and personnel from Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, Wash., NAS Lemoore, Calif., NAS North Island, Calif., and Naval Base Ventura County, Calif.

In Los Angeles, Calif.

Logistics Specialist 1st Class Ernesto Mendoza, from Lynwood, Calif., inventories supplies in the warehouse aboard the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH-19) on April 24, 2020. US Navy Photo

Hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH-19) is in Los Angeles, where it has been treating patients as part of the Pentagon’s response to the spreading COVID-19 virus on the West Coast. Given the stabilized hospital demand in the greater LA area, Mercy may return to its homeport in San Diego as soon as this week.

In New York, N.Y.

Lt. j.g. Maureen Mehan provides high-acuity patient care in the intensive care unit aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH-20) on April 23, 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 wrapping up its service there treating patients. Comfort was reconfigured to treat COVID-19 patients on board as well as patients who did not have the virus. The ship removed half of its 1,000 beds so it could isolate and treat coronavirus patients. Last week, Trump and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo agreed the back-up capacity Comfort provided to New York area hospitals was no longer required due to the improving COVID-19 situation in New York.

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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