US Navy aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) is to start its deployment on October 6, getting underway from San Diego together with guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52).
Theodore Roosevelt, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, and Bunker Hill will join USS Halsey (DDG 97), USS Sampson (DDG 102) and USS Preble (DDG 88) for a routine deployment.
“The U.S. Navy carrier strike group is the most versatile, capable force at sea,” said Rear Adm. Steve Koehler, commander of CSG 9. “After nearly a year of training and integration exercises, the entire team is ready as a warfighting force and ready to carry out the nation’s tasking.”
Bunker Hill was commissioned into service in September 1986. It is the second United States warship to bear the name, the first being an Essex class aircraft carrier that was built during WWII. Her last deployment ended with her return to San Diego in June 2015.
The strike group will deploy with approximately 7,500 Sailors and Marines and will focus on maritime security operation and theater security cooperation efforts in both U.S. 7th and 5th Fleet areas of operation.
This is the first time Theodore Roosevelt is departing its new homeport of San Diego after completing an unprecedented three-carrier hull swap and around-the-world deployment in 2015. The carrier was previously based at Naval Station Norfolk.