The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWB CSG) transited through the Suez Canal marking the end of more than seven months of Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO), Oct. 27.
Commanded by Rear Adm. DeWolfe Miller, GHWB CSG comprises aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW 8), Destroyer Squadron 22 (CDS 22), guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103) and guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80).
GHWB CSG deployed Feb. 15 from homeports in Norfolk, Virginia, Mayport, Florida, and Whidbey Island, Washington, as part of a routine deployment of forces.
While conducting operations in the 5th Fleet AOO, GHWB CSG continuously displayed unique capabilities and flexibility, ranging from supporting Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan to conducting combat operations over Iraq and Syria in support of Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR), as well as working with coalition and local navies conducting MSO. In addition, GHWB CSG participated in multiple international training exercises.
GHWB CSG is on its second combat deployment. Throughout the early stage of this deployment, CVN 77 and CVW 8 provided bold, forward presence for Commander, 6th Fleet by setting the operational framework for the first carrier interaction with the Russian fleet in decades, with the Admiral Kuznetsov carrier strike force in the Eastern Mediterranean.
While in 6th Fleet, the GHWB CSG’s presence will strengthen regional maritime partnerships by conducting MSO and making routine port visits. Port visits are used to strengthen the Navy’s relationship with partner nations and help foster a better understanding of the maritime environment as a whole. The GHWB CSG ships and squadrons are scheduled to return home in November.
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Press release, Image: US Navy