USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: June 22, 2020

June 22, 2020 9:53 AM - Updated: June 22, 2020 11:43 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 June 22, 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:

300

Ships Underway

Deployed Ships Underway Non-deployed Ships Underway Total Ships Underway
63 17 80

Ships Deployed by Fleet

Fleet Forces 3rd Fleet 4th Fleet 5th Fleet 6th Fleet 7th Fleet Total
0 1 6 20 16 63 106

In Japan

Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Daniel Zenhnder, from Dayton, Ohio, assigned to amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6) participates in a security exercise in the ship’s vehicle stowage area on June 16, 2020. US Navy Photo

Amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6) is in port in Sasebo, Japan.

In the Western Pacific

Sailors assigned to the Tiger Tails of Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 125 conduct pre-flight checks on an E-2D Advanced Hawkeye from the flight deck of the Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) on June 17, 2020. US Navy Photo

The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is deployed with Japan-based Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15. Three carrier strike groups are now operating in the Western Pacific: the Reagan, Theodore Roosevelt and Nimitz CSGs.

Carrier Strike Group 5

Sailors from one of the fire teams aboard the Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) simulate combating a class Bravo fire during a general quarters drill on June 13, 2020. US Navy Photo

Yokosuka-based CSG 5 commands the Reagan Carrier Strike Group and is embarked on the carrier.

Aircraft carrier
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), homeported in Yokosuka, Japan.

Carrier Air Wing 5

Sailors form a safety barrier around an F/A-18F Super Hornet attached to the Diamondbacks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 on the flight deck of the Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) on June 17, 2020. US Navy Photo

Carrier Air Wing 5, based at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, 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
  • The “Diamondbacks” of VFA-102 from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni
  • The “Eagles” of VFA-115 from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni
  • The “Dambusters” of VFA-195 from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni
  • The “Shadowhawks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni
  • The “Tigertails” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125 from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni
  • The “Providers” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 Det 5 from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni
  • The “Golden Falcons” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5 from Naval Station Atsugi, Japan
  • The “Saberhawks” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77 from Naval Air Station Atsugi

Destroyer Squadron 15

Operations Specialist 2nd Class Syedali Shah, assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG-89), communicates with phone-talkers during a replenishment-at-sea with the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Alan Sheppard (T-AKE-3) on June 13, 2020. US Navy Photo

Destroyer Squadron 15 is based in Yokosuka, Japan, and is embarked on the carrier. U.S. 7th Fleet has not specified the escorts accompanying Reagan on its patrol.

F/A-18F Super Hornets, assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, fly in the missing man formation over the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) on June 18, 2020. US Navy Photo

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) departed Apra Harbor, Guam, on June 4. Theodore Roosevelt rejoined its escorts and resumed its deployment that was interrupted by a COVID-19 outbreak in late March. The Secretary of Defense directed a deeper investigation into how the COVID 19 outbreak in Theodore Roosevelt occurred and the actions taken by the chain of command. On Friday, the Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday said, “After conducting an initial investigation, the much broader, deeper investigation that we conducted in the weeks following that had a much deeper scope, it is my belief that both (Carrier Strike Group Commander) Rear Adm. Baker and (ship captain) Capt. Crozier fell well short of what we expect of those in command.” Capt. Brett Crozier will not be reinstated as commanding officer of the aircraft carrier, and Rear Adm. Stuart Baker’s promotion to two-star is on hold.

An F/A-18F Super Hornet operating off Theodore Roosevelt crashed in the Philippine Sea on Thursday. The pilot and the weapons officer ejected safely and were recovered by an MH-60S helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8, according to a statement from the carrier. Only the “Black Knights” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154 from Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif., fly the two-seat F/A-18F.

Carrier Strike Group 9

Sailors sort mail in the hangar bay of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) on June 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

An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the Black Knights of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154 flies over the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) on June 17, 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

A Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma helicopter assigned to the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Pecos (T-AO-197) delivers cargo to the flight deck of the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG-52) during a replenishment-at-sea on June 13, 2020. US Navy Photo

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

Destroyer Squadron 23

Electronics Technician 2nd Class Deborah Anderson, from Detroit, Mich., remotely controls the inertial navigation system aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG-59) on June 13, 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 Rafael Peralta (DDG-115), homeported in San Diego, Calif.
Fleet replenishment oiler USNS Yukon (T-AO-202) conducts a replenishment-at-sea with the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) on June 14, 2020. US Navy Photo

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) deployed on June 8 as the centerpiece of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group. According to the Navy, the Theodore Roosevelt and Nimitz strike groups began dual-carrier flight operations in the Philippine Sea on June 21. While at sea, the strike groups will support air defense drills, sea surveillance, replenishments at sea, defensive air combat training, long-range strikes, coordinated maneuvers and other exercises.

Carrier Strike Group 11

Quartermaster 3rd Class Destiny Smith records the position of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) on June 12, 2020. US Navy Photo

San Diego-based CSG 11 commands the Nimitz CSG and is embarked on the carrier.

Aircraft carrier
USS Nimitz (CVN-68), homeported in Bremerton, Wash.

Carrier Air Wing 17

Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Samantha Francois, left, and Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Bryce Wolff, assigned to the Fighting Redcocks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22, load 20mm rounds into an F/A-18F Super Hornet on the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) on June 18, 2020. US Navy Photo

Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif., is embarked on Nimitz and includes a total of nine squadrons and detachments:

  • The “Redcocks” of VFA 22 – Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) F/A-18F Super Hornet – from Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.
  • The “Kestrels” of VFA137 F/A-18 E – from Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.
  • The “Mighty Shrike” of VFA 94 F/A-18F – from Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.
  • The “Death Rattlers” of VMFA-323 F/A-18C – from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar San Diego, Calif.
  • The “Cougars” of VAQ-139 – Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) EA-18G Growlers – from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island – Wash.
  • The “Sun Kings” of VAW-116 –Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) E2C Hawkeye – from Naval Air Station Point Mugu, Calif.
  • The “Providers” of VRC-30 – Detachment – Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) C-2 – from Naval Air Station North Island, Calif.
  • The “Screamin’ Indians” of HSC-6 – Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) MH-60S– from Naval Air Station North Island, Calif.
  • The “Battlecats” of HSM-73 – Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) MH-60R – from Naval Air Station North Island, Calif.

Cruiser

Fireman Antonio Cedano, from Pomona, Calif., assigned to the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG-59), visually inspects a fuel sample in the shipís oil lab on June 18, 2020. US Navy Photo

USS Princeton (CG-59), homeported in San Diego, Calif.

Destroyer Squadron 9

USS Sterett (DDG-104) steams in the Pacific Ocean. Sterett is part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts on June 11, 2020. US Navy Photo

Destroyer Squadron 9 is based at Naval Station Everett, Wash. The DESRON commodore and staff will be embarked on Nimitz.

  • USS John Paul Jones (DDG-53), homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
  • USS Sterett (DDG-104), homeported in San Diego, Calif.
  • USS Ralph Johnson (DDG-114) homeported in Everett, Wash.

In the North Arabian Sea

Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Zaria Frazil sings the national anthem at a pride month observance aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) on June 16, 2020. US Navy Photo

The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group remains underway in the North Arabian Sea. USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) has been at sea for more than 100 consecutive days.

Carrier Strike Group 10

An F/A-18E Super Hornet attached to the Wildcats of Strike Fighter Squadron 131 prepares to launch from the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) on June 20, 2020. US Navy Photo

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

Sailors arrange aircraft on the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) on June 16, 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

USS Vella Gulf (CG-72), foreground, escorts the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE-5) through the Strait of Hormuz on June 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

USS Stout (DDG-55) transits the Arabian Sea on June 12, 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.

In the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea

USS Oak Hill Enters the Black Sea on June 18, 2020. Photo by Yörük Işık‏ used with permission

The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are operating in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility, underway in the Mediterranean Sea

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).

 

USS Porter (DDG-78) entering Black Sea on June 17, 2020. Photo by Yörük Işık‏ used with permission

According to the U.S. Navy and NATO, Oak Hill joined guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG-78) in the Black Sea on June 18 to train with allies and partners in the region. Porter entered the Black Sea on Wednesday. The arrival of Oak Hill marks the fourth time a U.S. Navy ship patrols the Black Sea in 2020. The two vessels will not be making any port calls in the region but will stay at sea to avoid any potential COVID-19 exposure.

In the Western Atlantic

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Nicole Carr stands flight deck corpsman watch during flight operations aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD-1) on May 29, 2020. US Navy Photo

USS Wasp (LHD-1) is at sea in the Virginia Capes Operating Areas. The ship is conducting various underway qualifications following a four-month consolidated maintenance availability (CMAV).

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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