US Navy deploys another aircraft carrier

April 2, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

The US Navy has deployed another carrier strike group into international waters to conduct routine naval operations.

As informed, the George H. W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWBCSG) departed Norfolk for a regularly scheduled deployment on March 31, 2026. According to reports, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush and its accompanying warships are deploying to the Middle East, joining the USS Abraham Lincoln.

GHWBCSG deploying ships consist of the flagship USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) and three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers: USS Ross (DDG 71), homeported in Norfolk, Va; USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) and USS Mason (DDG 87), homeported in Mayport, Fla. Mason is the GHWBCSG Air and Missile Defense Commander.

Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 embarked on George H. W. Bush consists of nine aircraft squadrons: Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83, “Rampagers,” Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103, “Jolly Rogers,” Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105, “Gunslingers,” Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131, “Wildcats,” Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, “Patriots,” Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 116, “Sun Kings,” Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, “Nightdippers,” Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46, “Grandmasters,” and Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 40, “Mighty Bison.”

“I am proud of every single member of this Strike Group. Our Sailors are ready and able to do the nation’s bidding,” said Rear Adm. Alexis T. Walker, commander, Carrier Strike Group Ten, embarked with the GHWBCSG.

GHWBCSG last deployed from August 2022 to April 2023 and spent the entirety of its deployment in the US Naval Forces Europe–US Naval Forces Africa area of operations.

While in the Mediterranean, the ship participated in and supported a multitude of multinational exercises to increase NATO capability and deter aggression in the region.

Recently, the carrier strike group completed Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX).