The ships officially transferred from the 5th Fleet Area of Operations, which includes the Arabian Gulf, to the 7th Fleet Area of Operations.
The USS Nimitz (CVN 68) has begun its return trip following a deployment to the Arabian Gulf.
The Nimitz is operating in company with Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9 and the embarked staff of Carrier Strike Group 11 and Carrier Air Wing 11. Other ships in the Strike Group include Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Howard (DDG 83), USS Shoup (DDG 86), USS Pinckney (DDG 91), and USS Kidd (DDG 100).
The Strike Group was deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. The Nimitz launched over 1300 aircraft sorties during over three months of deployed time in the Arabian Gulf. The crew also received and processed over 7,500 pallets of supplies, including over 1,400 pallets of mail from home.
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Enters 7th Fleet https://t.co/6thSXZPpCv pic.twitter.com/k6sj4M848z
— USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) (@NimitzNews) October 24, 2017
Leadership at all levels praised the teamwork shown by the crew of the Nimitz, the Strike Group staff, the Air Wing, and other ships operating in company with the Nimitz.
“The impressive dedication and resolute commitment to professionalism by the Nimitz crew while supporting day and night flight operations as well as the dedication our cruisers and destroyers was vital to promoting the free flow of commerce and enhancing our ties with allies and partners,” said the Carrier Strike Group Commander Rear Admiral Gregory Harris.
Rear Admiral Harris assumed command of the Carrier Strike Group on October 4. He previously served onboard the Nimitz as the Commander of Carrier Air Wing 11.
“Carrier Strike Group 11, DESRON-9, Nimitz, the air wings… all of us work together very closely,” said Captain Michael Spencer, Commander of Carrier Air Wing 11.
During their time in 7th Fleet, sailors were able to visit Bahrain and Dubai during port visits. The Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Department arranged tours, including sightseeing excursions and hotel accommodations. According to the Nimitz’s public affairs office, sailors were able to participate in “adventures such as riding camels in the desert, experiencing the world’s fastest roller coaster and gazing out the window of the tallest building in the world at 2,722 feet.”
“The impressive dedication and resolute commitment to professionalism by the Nimitz crew while supporting day and night flight operations as well as the dedication our cruisers and destroyers was vital to promoting the free flow of commerce and enhancing our ties with allies and partners,” said the Carrier Strike Group Commander Rear Admiral Gregory Harris.
The Strike Group will continue its journey home. The ships officially transferred from the 5th Fleet Area of Operations, which includes the Arabian Gulf, to the 7th Fleet Area of Operations.
The Nimitz joins the USS Theodore Roosevelt and the USS Ronald Reagan and their respective Strike Group assets. This follows recent increased tensions between the United States and North Korea, including missile testing conducted by North Korea.
While in the 7th Fleet Area of Operations, the Nimitz is expected to visit ports and support operations in the area. This could include supporting President Trump’s expected visit to the region in November.
The Nimitz joins the USS Theodore Roosevelt and the USS Ronald Reagan and their respective Strike Group assets. This follows recent increased tensions between the United States and North Korea, including missile testing conducted by North Korea.
In a statement released by the White House in September, the President’s staff announced that he will be visiting Japan, the Republic of Korea, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Hawaii over an eleven-day span in November. The visit’s intent is to “underscore his commitment to longstanding United States alliances and partnerships, and reaffirm United States leadership in promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region.”
