USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: Jan. 18, 2022

January 18, 2022 3:32 PM
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 Jan. 18, 2022, 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:

296

Ships Underway

Deployed Ships Underway Non-deployed Ships Underway Total Ships Underway
61 9 70

Ships Deployed by Fleet

Fleet Forces 3rd Fleet 4th Fleet 5th Fleet 6th Fleet 7th Fleet Total
0 0 2 13 20 77 112

In Yokosuka, Japan

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) Capt. Fred Goldhammer talks to sailor the aft mess deck during a Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration on Jan. 14, 2022. US Navy Photo

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

In the Philippine Sea

Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Akiel Meyers, from Ypsilanti, Mich., assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), launches an F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit from the ship’s flight deck on Jan. 17, 2022. US Navy Photo

The America Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG), the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group (CSG), and the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG) are underway in the Philippine Sea.

America Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG)

The amphibious ships of the America Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) are USS America (LHA-6), USS Green Bay (LPD 20) and USS Ashland (LSD-48). Elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are embarked. The ESG departed on Jan. 14 from Sasebo, Japan, for a patrol in the Western Pacific.

Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group

Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Jesus Galaviz, a native of Maricopa, Ariz., inspects an F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the ‘Bounty Hunters’ of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2, for corrosion in the hangar bay of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) on Jan. 16, 2022. US Navy Photo

Aircraft carrier
USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), homeported in San Diego, Calif.

Carrier Air Wing 2

An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the ‘Golden Dragons’ of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 192, launches off flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), Jan. 17, 2022. US Navy Photo

Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif., is embarked aboard Carl Vinson and includes a total of nine squadrons and detachments:

  • The “Argonauts” of VFA-147 Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) flying F-35Cs from Naval Air Station Lemoore.
  • The “Bounty Hunters” of VFA-2 – F/A-18F – from Naval Air Station Lemoore.
  • The “Stingers” of VFA-113 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Lemoore.
  • The “Golden Dragons” of VFA-192 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Lemoore.
  • The “Gauntlets” of VAQ-136 – EA-18G – Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) – from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.
  • The “Black Eagles” of VAW-113 – E-2D – Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) – from Naval Air Station Point Mugu, Calif.
  • The “Titans” of VRM-30 – CMV-22B – Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) – from Naval Air Station North Island, Calif.
  • The “Black Knights” of HSC-4 – MH-60S – Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) – from Naval Air Station North Island.
  • The “Blue Hawks” of HSM-78 – MH-60R – Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) – from Naval Air Station North Island.

Cruiser

Sailors aboard Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG-57) man the forecastle for a man overboard drill, Jan. 10, 2022. US Navy Photo

 

  • USS Lake Champlain (CG-57), homeported in San Diego, Calif.

Destroyer Squadron 1

Electronic Technician 2nd Class Dewey Jones, (front), a native of Lexington, Tenn., Fire Controlman (Aegis) 2nd Class John Shuayada, (middle), a native of Windber, Pa., and Electronic Technician 1st Class Lane Loennig, (rear), a native of North Powder, Ore., review schematics to a junction box aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG-90), Jan. 13, 2022. US Navy Photo

Destroyer Squadron 1 is based in San Diego and is embarked on the carrier.

  • USS Dewey (DDG-105), homeported in San Diego.
  • USS O’Kane (DDG-77), homeported in San Diego.
  • USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112), homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
  • USS Chafee (DDG-90), homeported in Pearl Harbor.
  • USS Stockdale (DDG-106), homeported in San Diego.

Essex Amphibious Ready Group

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class Ruselle Kane, a native of San Francisco, Calif., signals to an MV-22B Osprey, attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), aboard Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD-2), Jan. 15, 2022. US Navy Photo

The Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) with the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed Aug. 12.

The ARG is comprised of three ships: landing helicopter dock USS Essex (LHD-2), amphibious transport dock USS Portland (LPD-27) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD-52). Together the 11th MEU, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 1 and ships are designated as an ARG/MEU. In addition to the ships, the principal Navy elements of the ARG are a Naval Beach Group element, the Tactical Air Control Squadron element, a fleet surgical team and a helicopter sea combat squadron element.

The 11th MEU consists of four major components: a command element, a ground combat element, an aviation combat element and a logistics combat element. The 11th MEU is comprised of Battalion Landing Team 1/1, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165 (Reinforced), Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 214 and Combat Logistics Battalion 11. The “White Knights” operate the MV-22B Osprey, UH-1Y Venom, AH-1Z Viper and the CH-53E Super Stallions while the “Black Sheep” operate the AV-8B Harrier.

Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) transits alongside the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO-200) during a replenishment-at-sea on Jan. 15, 2022. US Navy Photo

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG) departed San Diego, Calif., on Jan. 10 for deployment. Marine Corps Strike Fighter Squadron – VMFA 314 – is the first to deploy with the carrier variant of the Joint Strike Fighter (F-35C ).

Japan-based aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), normally begins its annual maintenance period in the early part of the year, which would likely leave the Abraham Lincoln CSG to conduct operations in the Western Pacific.

Aircraft carrier
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), homeported in San Diego, Calif.

Carrier Air Wing 9

An F-35C Lightning II, assigned to Marine Wing Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, lands on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) after conducting routine training in the Indo-Pacific on Jan. 15, 2022. US Navy Photo

Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif., is embarked aboard Abraham Lincoln and includes a total of nine squadrons and detachments:

  • The “Black Aces” of VFA-41 Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) flying F/A-18Fs from Naval Air Station Lemoore.
  • The “Tophatters” of VFA-14 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Lemoore.
  • The “Vigilantes” of VFA-151 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Lemoore.
  • The “Black Knights” of VMFA 314 – Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) flying F-35Cs from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif.
  • The “Wizards” of VAQ-133 – EA-18G – Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) – from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.
  • The “Wallbangers” of VAW-117 – E-2D – Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) – from Naval Air Station Point Mugu, Calif.
  • The “Titans” of VRM-30 – CMV-22B – Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) – from Naval Air Station North Island, Calif.
  • The “Chargers” of HSC-14 – MH-60S – Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) – from Naval Air Station North Island.
  • The “Raptors” of HSM-71 – MH-60R – Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) – from Naval Air Station North Island.

Cruiser

  • USS Mobile Bay (CG-53), homeported at Naval Station San Diego, Calif.

Destroyer Squadron 21

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG-102) transits the Pacific Ocean on Jan. 4, 2022. US Navy Photo

Destroyer Squadron 21 is based in San Diego and is embarked on the carrier.

  • USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62), homeported at Naval Station San Diego, Calif.
  • USS Gridley (DDG- 101), homeported at Naval Station Everett, Wash.
  • USS Sampson (DDG-102), homeported at Naval Station Everett.
  • USS Spruance (DDG-109), homeported at Naval Station San Diego.

In Guam

The U.S. Navy ballistic-missile submarine USS Nevada (SSBN 733) arrived at Naval Base Guam, Jan. 15. US Navy Photo

The ballistic nuclear missile USS Nebraska (SSBN-733) made a rare port visit to Guam on Jan. 15 during a strategic patrol that originated from Bremerton, Wash.

Nebraska’s visit to Guam is the first of an Ohio-class SSBN since 2016.

The visit amidst tensions “sends a message — intended or not: we can park 100-odd nuclear warheads on your doorstep and you won’t even know it or be able to do much about it. And the reverse isn’t true and won’t be for a good while,” former submariner and Center for a New American Security analyst Thomas Shugart told CNN.

In the Ionian Sea

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Tyler Williams, from Coppell, Texas, poses for a photo in the hangar bay of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) on Jan. 16, 2022. US Navy Photo

The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (CSG) remains in the Ionian Sea. The CSG departed for its deployment on Dec. 1. Along with the U.S. ships, Royal Norwegian Navy frigate HNoMS Fridtjof Nansen (F310) joined the strike group under the Cooperative Deployment Program.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the strike group to remain in the Mediterranean Sea, rather than travel to U.S. Central Command, USNI News reported last month.

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

Carrier Air Wing 1

Aviation Ordnanceman Airman David Galvez, from New Castle, Delaware, left, and Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Emeril Moore, from Pontiac, Michigan, both assigned to the “Proud Warriors” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 72, inspect an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) on Jan. 15, 2022. US Navy Photo

Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Va., is embarked aboard Harry S. Truman and includes a total of nine squadrons and detachments:

  • The “Red Rippers” of VFA-11 Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) flying F/A-18Fs from Naval Air Station Oceana.
  • The “Fighting Checkmates” of VFA-211 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
  • The “Blue Blasters” of VFA-34 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
  • The “Sunliners” of VFA-81 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
  • The “Rooks” of VAQ-137 – EA-18G – Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) – from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.
  • The “Seahawks” of VAW-126 – E-2D – Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) – from Naval Air Station Norfolk, Va.
  • The “Rawhides” of VRC-40 – Detachment – C-2A – Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) – from Naval Air Station Norfolk.
  • The “Dragon Slayers” of HSC-11 – MH-60S – Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) – from Naval Air Station Norfolk.
  • The “Proud Warriors” of HSM-72 – MH-60R – Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) – from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla.

Cruiser

Seaman Adams Villa conducts flight operations with an MH-60S Knight Hawk Helicopter assigned to the ‘Proud Warriors’ of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 72 on the flight deck of Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG-56) on Jan. 14, 2022. US Navy Photo

 

  • USS San Jacinto (CG-56), homeported at Naval Station Norfolk.

Destroyer Squadron 28

Destroyer Squadron 28 is based in Norfolk and is embarked on the carrier.

  • USS Cole (DDG-67), homeported at Naval Station Norfolk.
  • USS Bainbridge (DDG- 96), homeported at Naval Station Norfolk.
  • USS Gravely (DDG-107), homeported at Naval Station Norfolk.
  • USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109), homeported at Naval Station Mayport, Fla.
  • Royal Norwegian Navy frigate HNoMS Fridtjof Nansen (F310).

In addition to these major formations, not shown are 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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