USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: Nov. 2, 2023

November 2, 2023 12:32 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 Nov. 2, 2023, 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.

Ships Underway

Total Battle Force Deployed Underway
291
(USS 232, USNS 59)
107
(USS 74, USNS 33)
88
(61 Deployed, 27 Local)

In Sasebo, Japan

Nagasaki Gov. Kengo Oishi speaks during the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Sasebo District’s 70th founding anniversary ceremony at the JMSDF Sasebo District Hirase Gymnasium in Sasebo, Japan Oct. 27, 2023. US Navy Photo

USS America (LHA-6) is in Sasebo, Japan, according to ship spotters.

In the Western Pacific

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), departs Manila Bay, Philippines, on Nov. 1, 2023. US Navy Photo

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) and other ships with the Reagan Carrier Strike Group made a port call in Manila, Republic of the Philippines from Oct 28 to Nov. 1. The CSG is underway in the Western Pacific.

Carrier Strike Group 5

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), departs Manila Bay, Philippines, after a routine port visit, Nov. 1, 2023. US Navy Photo

Aircraft Carrier

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

Carrier Air Wing 5

Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 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, Japan.
  • The “Diamondbacks” of VFA-102 from MCAS Iwakuni.
  • The “Eagles” of VFA-115 from MCAS Iwakuni.
  • The “Dambusters” of VFA-195 from MCAS Iwakuni.
  • The “Shadowhawks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 – from MCAS Iwakuni.
  • The “Tiger Tails” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125 – from MCAS Iwakuni.
  • The “Providers” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 – Detachment 5 – from MCAS Iwakuni.
  • The “Golden Falcons” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12 – from Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan.
  • The “Saberhawks” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77 – from Naval Air Facility Atsugi.

Cruisers

Lt. Alexander Horvath, from Fresno, Calif., operates a recovery, assist, securing and traversing system in the landing signal officer’s shack aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG-54) in the South China Sea, Oct. 21, 2023. US Navy Photo
  • USS Robert Smalls (CG-62), homeported in Yokosuka, Japan.
  • USS Antietam (CG-54), homeported in Yokosuka.

Destroyer Squadron 15

Lt. j.g. Bryan Nguyen, from Fairfax Station, Va, stands watch on the bridge aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG-115) in the Taiwan Strait, Nov. 2, 2023. US Navy Photo

Destroyer Squadron 15 is based in Yokosuka, Japan, and is embarked on the carrier.

  • USS Rafael Peralta (DDG-115), homeported in Yokosuka, Japan.

In the East China Sea

Sailors aboard the Arleigh-Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sterett (DDG 104) straighten a Phone and Distance (PDN) line on the forecastle during the a replenishment-at-sea evolution with Nimitz class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70). US Navy Photo

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) and the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group deployed on Oct. 12. The CSG is operating in the East China Sea near Daito Island in the Ryukyus Islands, according to ship spotters.

Carrier Strike Group 1

An F-35C Lightning II, assigned to the ‘Warhawks’ of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 97, prepares to launch off the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) on April 7, 2023. US Navy Photo

Carrier

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), homeported at San Diego, Calif.

Carrier Air Wing 2

  • The “Bounty Hunters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2 – F/A-18F – from Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.
  • The “Stingers” of VFA 113 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Lemoore
  • The “Warhawks” of VFA 97 – F-35C – from Naval Air Station Lemoore
  • The “Golden Dragons” of VFA 192 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Lemoore
  • The “Gauntlets” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 136 – EA-18G – from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.
  • The “Black Eagles” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 113 – E-2D – from Naval Air Station Point Mugu, Calif.
  • The “Titans” of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30 – CMV-22B – from Naval Air Station North Island, Calif.
  • The “Blue Hawks” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 78 – MH-60R – from Naval Air Station North Island
  • The “Black Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 4 – MH-60S – from Naval Air Station North Island

Cruiser

  • USS Princeton (CG-59), homeported at Naval Station San Diego, Calif.

Destroyer Squadron 1

Destroyer Squadron 1 is based in San Diego and is embarked on Carl Vinson.

  • USS Hopper (DDG-70), homeported at Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
  • USS Kidd (DDG-100), homeported at Naval Station Everett, Wash.
  • USS Sterett (DDG-104), homeported at Naval Station San Diego, Calif.
  • USS William P. Lawrence (DDG-110), homeported at Naval Station Pearl Harbor.

In the Marshall Islands

USNS Mercy (T-AH-19) prepares to anchor off the coast of Majuro, Republic of Marshall Islands, prior to its first mission stop for Pacific Partnership 2024-1 Oct. 30, 2023. US Navy Photo

Hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH-19) reached the Marshall Islands on Oct. 30 for Pacific Partnership 24.

“The arrival of Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) to Majuro, RMI, signifies the launch of the Pacific Partnership 24-1 mission, which will enable American and Marshallese participants to work together to enhance disaster response capabilities and foster new and enduring friendships,” Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific said in a news release.

In the Eastern Mediterranean Sea

Lt. Michael Gehle, assigned to the air department of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) launches a C-2A Greyhound, attached to the ‘Rawhides’ of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40, during routine operations in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, Oct. 24, 2023. US Navy Photo

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) and its escorts are underway in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group’s presence in the Eastern Mediterranean is meant to deter Hezbollah, Iran, and other actors from joining the war between Hamas and Israel. Hamas is a State Department-designated terrorist group that started ruling the occupied territory Gaza after Israel withdrew troops and settlers in 2005.

Earlier this month, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin extended the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group’s deployment in the Mediterranean. The Dwight D. Eisenhower CSG is in the Mediterranean and headed to U.S. Central Command.

Also in the Eastern Mediterranean is the U.S. 6th Fleet command ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC-20).

San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Mesa Verde (LPD-19) and embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) Bravo Command Element are in the Mediterranean Sea. Mesa Verde is part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG). USS Bataan (LHD-5) and USS Carter Hall (LSD-50), the other two ships in the Bataan ARG, are currently operating in U.S. 5th Fleet.

Carrier Strike Group 12

A C-2A Greyhound, attached to the ‘Rawhides’ of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40, lands on the flight deck of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) during routine operations in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, Oct. 23, 2023. US Navy Photo

Carrier

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), homeported at Norfolk, Va.

Carrier Air Wing 8

  • The “Ragin’ Bulls” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.
  • The “Blacklions” of VFA 213 – F/A-18F – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
  • The “Golden Warriors” of VFA 87 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
  • The “Tomcatters” of VFA 31 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
  • The “Gray Wolves” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142 – EA-18G – from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.
  • The “Bear Aces” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 124 – E-2D – from Naval Air Station Norfolk, Va.
  • The “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 – C-2A – from Naval Air Station Norfolk.
  • The “Spartans” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70 – MH-60R – from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla.
  • The “Tridents” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9 – MH-60S – from Naval Air Station Norfolk.

Cruiser

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

Destroyer Squadron 2

Destroyer Squadron 2 is based in Norfolk, Va., and is embarked on Ford.

  • USS Ramage (DDG-61) homeported at Norfolk.
  • USS McFaul (DDG-74) homeported at Norfolk.
  • USS Thomas Hudner (DDG-116), homeported at Mayport, Fla.

The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (CSG) transited the Strait of Gibraltar on Oct. 28 and is in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. The CSG will ultimately operate in the Middle East. USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) deployed on Oct. 14, while several of the carrier’s escorts left on Oct. 13.

Carrier Strike Group 2

Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group transits the Strait of Gibraltar, Oct. 28, 2023. US Navy Photo

Carrier

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

Carrier Air Wing 3

  • The “Gunslingers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.
  • The “Fighting Swordsmen” of VFA 32 – F/A-18F – from Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.
  • The “Rampagers” of VFA 83 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.
  • The “Wildcats” of VFA 131 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.
  • The “Zappers” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130 – EA-18G – from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.
  • The “Screwtops” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 123 – E-2D – from Naval Air Station Norfolk, Va.
  • The “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 – C-2A – from Naval Air Station Norfolk, Va.
  • The “Swamp Foxes” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 – MH-60R – from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla.
  • The “Dusty Dogs” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7 – MH-60S – from Naval Station Norfolk, Va.

Cruiser

Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG-58) transits the Strait of Gibraltar, Oct. 28, 2023. US Navy Photo
  • USS Philippine Sea (CG-58), homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, Va.

Destroyer Squadron 22

Destroyer Squadron 22 is based in Norfolk, Va., and is embarked on Eisenhower.

  • USS Gravely (DDG-107), homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, Va.
  • USS Mason (DDG-87), homeported at Naval Station Mayport, Fla.
  • ITS Virginio Fasan (F 591), homeported at La Spezia, Italy

In the Red Sea

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Austin Winter, assigned to the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD-50), signals to a UH-IY Venom helicopter, assigned to Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 162 (reinforced), during flight operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, Oct. 23, 2023. US Navy Photo

Bataan and Carter Hall, with elements of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked, are in the northern Red Sea as part of the U.S. naval buildup in the region.

Bataan and Carter Hall entered the Red Sea from the Gulf of Aden on Friday, according to ship spotters. The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit is embarked across the three warships.

The Marines aboard are trained to evacuate civilians in conflict zones. USNI News visited the unit in April during a non-combatant evacuation exercise in North Carolina.

Embarked units include Amphibious Squadron 8, 26th MEU (SOC), Fleet Surgical Team 8, Tactical Air Control Squadron 21, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 26, Assault Craft Unit 2, Assault Craft Unit 4, and Beach Master Unit 2. The 26th MEU (SOC), based at Camp Lejeune, N.C., includes Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 6th Marines; Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 (Reinforced) and Combat Logistics Battalion 22.

In the Persian Gulf

Kuwaiti, Iraqi and U.S. vessels take part in a trilateral exercise in the Persian Gulf, Oct. 2, 2023. US Coast Guard Photo

U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutters (FRCs) are forward-deployed to the region under Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA). PATFORSWA deploys Coast Guard personnel and ships with U.S. and regional naval forces throughout the Middle East. Initially deployed in 2003 to support Operation Iraqi Freedom, PATFORSWA is now a permanent presence based out of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

In the Charleston, S.C.

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) prepares to moor in Tromsø, Norway, Oct. 1, 2023. US Coast Guard Photo

USCGC Healy (WAGB-20) is in port at Charleston, S.C., Healy is conducting a circumnavigation deployment that started in Seattle, Wash.

In the Western Atlantic

A T-45C Goshawk training aircraft, assigned to Training Air Wing ONE (TW-1) lands on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) during flight operations in the Atlantic Ocean, Oct. 29, 2023. US Marine Corps Photo

USS George Washington (CVN-73) is underway in the Virginia Capes.

In the Eastern Pacific

A CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to the ‘White Knights’ of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165 (Reinforced) prepares to land on the flight deck of USS Boxer (LHD 4), Oct. 29, 2023. US Navy Photo

Amphibious warship USS Boxer (LHD-4) is operating off the coast of California. Boxer left San Diego, Calif., on Oct. 27.

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, EOD Mobile Units and more serving throughout the globe.

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