USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: Feb. 14, 2022

February 14, 2022 10:59 AM - Updated: February 24, 2022 9:53 AM
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 Feb. 14, 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
72 18 90

Ships Deployed by Fleet

Fleet Forces 3rd Fleet 4th Fleet 5th Fleet 6th Fleet 7th Fleet Total
2 3 2 12 27 70 121

In Yokosuka, Japan

Commander, Navy Region Japan Fire and Emergency Services Yokosuka department fire truck is parked at the pier during a joint damage control drill aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) on Feb. 3, 2022. US Navy Photo

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) is in port in Yokosuka, Japan, conducting its annual winter maintenance availability. The carrier began a four-month selected restricted availability in Yokosuka on Jan. 13, following a five-month deployment in the Middle East and the Pacific.

“Employees from Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility and Norfolk Naval Shipyard, along with the ship’s force and contractors, are working together in Japan to complete maintenance on the aircraft carrier,” according to a Navy statement.

In the Philippine Sea

Sailors watch Super Bowl LVI during a viewing event in the hangar bay aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). US Navy Photo

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is underway in the Philippine Sea along with the America Expeditionary Strike Group (ARG) and the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG). Multiple elements of the Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force – alongside the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) – conducted Exercise Noble Fusion in the vicinity of Okinawa Feb. 4-7.

Carrier:
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), homeported in San Diego, Calif.

Carrier Air Wing 9

Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Airman Fengnian Cal, from Los Angeles, with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), operates a catapult during flight operations in support of Jungle Warfare Exercise 22 (JWX 22) across Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 13, 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

An MH-60S helicopter, assigned to the ‘Chargers’ of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 14, takes off from the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG-53) on Feb. 12, 2022. US Navy Photo. US Navy Photo
  • USS Mobile Bay (CG-53), homeported at Naval Station San Diego, Calif.

Destroyer Squadron 21

Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class Michael Dellossantos, from Encino, Calif., and Boatswain’s Mate Colton Horne, from Manhattan, Kansas, secure the rigid hull inflatable boat during small boat operations on the boat deck of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62) on Feb. 7, 2022. US Navy Photo

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

  • USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62), homeported at Naval Station San Diego.
  • 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.

America Expeditionary Strike Group (ARG) 

Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), takes off aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6), Philippine Sea on Feb. 11, 2022. US Marine Corps Photo

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.

Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG)

Landing craft, air cushion attached to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5 departs the well deck of Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD-2) during well deck operations on Feb. 10, 2022. US Navy Photo

The Essex Expeditionary Strike 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, a 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” of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 214 operate an AV-8B Harrier detachment.

In the Ionian Sea

Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) prepares to anchor in the port of Split, Croatia on Feb. 11, 2022. US Navy Photo

The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is back in the Ionian Sea and under NATO command. The CSG departed for its deployment on Dec. 1. Along with the U.S. ships, Royal Norwegian Navy frigate HNoMS FridtjofNansen (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 in December. The aircraft carrier made a port call in Split, Croatia, last week.

There are currently three NATO carrier strike groups underway in the Mediterranean SeaTruman, Italian aircraft carrier ITS Cavour (CVH 550) and French carrier FS Charles de Gaulle (R 91).

Carrier:
USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), homeported in Norfolk, Va.

Carrier Air Wing 1

Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Trevor Jackson, from Macon, Georgia, tightens bolts on a jet engine in the jet shop aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) on Feb. 10, 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

Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG-56), left, and Turkish Navy Gabya G-class Frigate TCG Goksu (FFG 497), center, conduct maneuvering operations in the Adriatic Sea on Feb. 2, 2022. US Navy Photo
  • USS San Jacinto (CG-56), homeported at Naval Station Norfolk.

Destroyer Squadron 28

Royal Norwegian Navy frigate HNoMS Fridtjof Nansen (F 310), center, and the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC-20) transit alongside the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) in support of Neptune Strike 22 on Feb. 2, 2022. US Navy Photo

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.
  • USS Gonzalez (DDG-66), homeported at Naval Station Norfolk.
  • Royal Norwegian Navy frigate HNoMS Fridtjof Nansen (F310).

In the Eastern Pacific

Sailors clean the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) on Feb. 12, 2022. US Navy Photo

The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group (CSG) returns home to San Diego, Calif., today. The strike group deployed Aug. 2 from San Diego. Most of the squadrons of Carrier Air Wing 2 flew off on Saturday and returned to their respective home airfields.

According to the Navy, “Carl Vinson is the first aircraft carrier to deploy with a combination of fourth and fifth-generation platforms within Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2.”

The air wing included the F-35C Lightning IIs of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, the CMV-22B Ospreys of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornets of VFAs 2, 113 and 192, the EA-18G Growlers of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 136, the E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes of Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 113, the MH-60R Sea Hawks of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 78, and the MH-60S Sea Hawks of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 4. The complete Air Wing of the Future will also include the MQ-25 Stingray unmanned aircraft system, which is planned to be incorporated in carrier air wings in 2025.

Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group

Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Megan Alexander, a native of Pittsburgh, Pa., prepares for a ship-wide dress uniform inspection on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) on Feb. 11, 2022. US Navy Photo

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

Carrier Air Wing 2

A F/A-18E Super Hornets, assigned to the ‘Stingers’ of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113, launch from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) on Feb. 12, 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

USS Lake Champlain (CG-57), conducts a live-fire exercise while alongside Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), on Feb. 9, 2022. US Navy Photo
  • USS Lake Champlain (CG-57), homeported in San Diego, Calif.

Destroyer Squadron 1

Fire Controlman 1st Class Damian Castillosakihara, left, from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, inspects maintenance conducted by Fire Controlman 3rd Class Victor Deltoro, from National City, California, on the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG-105) on Feb. 12, 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 Chafee (DDG-90), homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
  • USS Stockdale (DDG-106), homeported in San Diego.

The following destroyers have returned home from the Vinson deployment.

  • USS O’Kane (DDG-77), homeported in San Diego.
  • USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112), homeported in Pearl Harbor.
Nimitz-class aircraft carriers USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) and USS Nimitz (CVN-68) transit the Pacific Ocean on Feb. 13, 2022. US Navy Photo

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) is underway in the Southern California Operating Areas after completing maintenance at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility.

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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