Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Jeffrey Kempton | 211223-N-IMD461-1220 NAVAL BASE GUAM (Dec. 23, 2021) Operations Specialist 3rd Class...... read more read more
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NAVAL BASE GUAM, Guam – Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group (VINCSG) returned to Naval Base Guam for a port visit, providing the crew rest, relaxation and an opportunity to celebrate during the holiday season, Dec. 23, 2021.
During the holiday port visit, VINCSG units will resupply materials and offer the crew opportunities for off-base liberty.
“We fully realize that our mission success is due to the dedication of our Sailors and the sacrifices that they and their families make in defense of our nation and allies,” said Rear Adm. Dan Martin, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1. “This holiday season, I am reminded of how proud I am of our strike group team and I want to say thank you and Merry Christmas to our Sailors and their families.”
This marks the strike group’s second visit to Guam during deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, with the first visit occurring over Veterans Day weekend.
“During our last port call to Guam we greatly enjoyed the hospitality and opportunity to be good stewards of our assets - and we are grateful to be back to enjoy the island once again,” said Capt. P. Scott Miller, commanding officer, USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). “We are all looking forward to returning to Guam, America's strategic outpost, for a much-deserved holiday port visit for some rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation for the Sailors and ships before we continue our mission in the region.”
Led by CSG 1, units under VINCSG conducting the Guam port visit include aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70); Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57); Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 1; and nine squadrons of embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2.
“Our Sailors have worked diligently every day to accomplish our mission in the Indo-Pacific,” said Capt. Gilbert Clark, commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 1. “This port call opportunity gives us a time to reflect on the successes we’ve completed thus far and allows us to reset, re-focus and re-equip ourselves to remain an unrelenting and ready force.”
CVW-2 consists of F-35C’s from the “Argonauts” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147; three F/A-18E/F Super Hornet squadrons, the “Bounty Hunters” of VFA-2, the “Stingers” of VFA-113, and the “Golden Dragons” of VFA-192; the “Gauntlets” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 136, operating the EA-18G Growler; the “Black Eagles” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 113, operating the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye; the “Titans” of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30, operating the CMV-22B Osprey; the “Black Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 4, operating the MH-60S Seahawk; and the “Blue Hawks” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 78, operating the MH-60R Seahawk.
The VINCSG’s 2021 deployment marks the first time the “Air Wing of the Future” has been embarked with a U.S. strike group. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 is the first deployed U.S. air wing capable of advanced lethality and combat readiness with the addition of the F-35C Lightning II and the CMV-22B Osprey.
“The strike group has been working hard integrating our air wing’s advanced capability throughout the 7th Fleet area of operations,” said Capt. Tommy Locke, commander, CVW-2. “It has been exciting seeing the ‘Air Wing of the Future’ mature as we refine our tactics, techniques and procedures on this maiden deployment for the F-35C and CMV-22B. We look forward to returning to sea after this port visit and continuing to demonstrate the 5th generation and new vertical lift capabilities these aircraft bring in support of the carrier strike group.”
The carrier strike group began its scheduled deployment Aug. 2, and since arriving in the Indo-Pacific, has conducted multiple operations with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Indian Navy, Royal Australian Navy, Royal New Zealand Navy, British Royal Navy, Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Netherlands Navy and German Navy. Most recently, VINCSG conducted a bilateral exercise to train and sharpen kinetic and non-kinetic warfighting capabilities with the Royal Australian Navy.
For more news from VINCSG, visit www.dvidshub.net/unit/CSG1
| Date Taken: | 12.23.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 12.23.2021 00:29 |
| Story ID: | 411636 |
| Location: | NAVAL BASE GUAM, GU |
| Web Views: | 1,271 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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