USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Arrives in Arabian Gulf

12.11.2006

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet           

U.S. Naval Forces 5th Fleet PAO
PRESS RELEASE

USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, At sea - The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), flagship of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG), entered the Arabian Gulf Dec. 11, accompanied by the guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68).

While operating in the Arabian Gulf, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, will conduct missions in direct support of troops participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Maritime Security Operations (MSO).

CVW-7 began flying missions into Afghanistan Nov. 6 in support of coalition troops on the ground participating in Operation Enduring Freedom. During 33 days of operations, the air wing flew more than 4,000 hours and more than 680 sorties, providing close air support and reconnaissance to International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops.

"Our men and women are proud to be serving alongside coalition partners and regional nations in this very important area of the world," said Rear Adm. Al Myers, commander, Eisenhower Strike Group and Combined Task Force 152. "We are committed to supporting coalition ground forces in OIF to set the conditions for security and stability within Iraq and providing the Iraqi people with the best opportunity for self-determination. We're grateful for the opportunity to serve and make a difference, whether it's flying in support of multinational troops operating in Iraq or training alongside coalition and regional navies or conducting maritime security operations in the Arabian Gulf."

IKE CSG departed Naval Station Norfolk Oct. 3 for a regularly scheduled deployment and began operating alongside coalition maritime forces in the region Oct. 30, conducting MSO to help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. The focus of these operations is to prevent international terrorist organizations from using the maritime environment as a venue from which to launch attacks, move people, weapons or other material.

CVW-7 includes Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125 "Tigertails," Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103 "Jolly Rogers," Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131 "Wildcats," Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143 "Pukin' Dogs," Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83 "Rampagers," Electronic Attack (VAQ) Squadron 140 "Patriots," and Helicopter Anti-submarine (HS) 5 "Nightdippers."

IKE CSG includes the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), with its embarked air wing, CVW-7, and embarked Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28; the guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68); guided-missile destroyers USS Ramage (DDG 61) and USS Mason (DDG 87); and the fast attack submarine USS Newport News (SSN 750). All are homeported in Norfolk, Va.

• Date Taken: 12.11.2006
• Date Posted: 12.11.2006 14:59
• Story ID: 8543