ARABIAN GULF (Feb. 8, 2018) An EA-18G Growler, assigned to the Cougars of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139, prepares to launch from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Theodore Roosevelt and its carrier strike group are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jimmi Lee Bruner/Released)
Coronado is home to two of the nation’s 11 nuclear powered aircraft carriers, USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Today both of those carriers are on deployment protecting the freedoms we enjoy and providing maritime security around the globe. Many Coronado residents are deployed along with the carriers and have families at home, missing them and praying for their safe return.
Vinson left for deployment on January 5 and is currently operating in the South China Sea. Capt. Doug Verissimo, the carrier’s Commanding Officer, has been keeping the families at home informed of the great work being conducted so far on deployment through Facebook video updates like this one:
Message from Captain.
Posted by USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) on Monday, February 12, 2018
Since leaving for deployment, Vinson has conducted air wing and strike group training while transiting the Pacific, provided forward presence and maritime security, and enjoyed some well deserved liberty during a port visit in Guam. Vinson is now busy in the South China Sea, and in his latest update Verissimo explained what they are doing, “We continue to work with our partner and allies, maintain stability in the region and make sure that freedom of navigation and the sea lanes remain open for trade across the entire world. And the Carl Vinson team is doing that remarkably well.” The Vinson released a motivational video Feb. 3 including video and imagery of their first month on deployment and it is worth a moment to watch:
WESTPAC 2018: Week 4. Here is something a little different for this week; a look back at the 1st month of deployment. Enjoy!
Posted by USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) on Saturday, February 3, 2018
USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) left on deployment Oct. 6, 2017 to support operations in the U.S. Fifth Fleet of operations. They began combat operations on December 1 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. “The first day of flight operations supporting Operation Inherent Resolve is a highly-anticipated day where the Theodore Roosevelt strike group transitions into combat operations to demonstrate our continued commitment to this region and our partner nations,” said Rear Adm. Steve Koehler, commander of Carrier Strike Group 9. “Success in this important mission takes every Sailor and Marine on board working as a team. I’m incredibly proud of all the work this team has done throughout their training and preparation, they are ready and now it is time to go to work.”
“Our priority is to be ready for any contingency,” said Capt. Chris Ford, commander of CVW-17. “The counter-terrorism mission is one of many reasons why we are here. I’m confident the highly skilled and professional warfighters in this air wing are ready to execute assigned tasking alongside U.S. and coalition forces.” A shared video documenting the beginning of combat operations can be viewed here:
Roosevelt is just past the halfway point of her deployment. Lt. Cmdr. Beth Teach shared that “In November, the ship participated in a Three Carrier Strike Force Exercise with USS Nimitz and USS Ronald Reagan while in 7th Fleet. To date, Carrier Air Wing 17 has flown more than 700 combat sorties and nearly 15,000 flight hours. The entire carrier strike group continues to project power and demonstrate flexibility in support of the 5th Fleet commander’s objectives.”
Coronado residents can be proud of the great work being done by their local Carrier Strike Groups and be ready to welcome them home when they return.
ARABIAN GULF (Feb. 8, 2018) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Indians of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6 flies over the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) at sunrise. Theodore Roosevelt and its carrier strike group are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joseph S. Yu/Released)
