Mediterranean Sea (WTKR) - The Norfolk-based USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group has carried out more than 68 combat sorties against ISIL targets in Iraq and Syria in less than a week.
The group marked their 205th day on deployment on Tuesday, June 7, as it continued the mission to "degrade and ultimately defeat ISIL in support of Operation Inherent Resolve."
The Truman Carrier Strike Group began operations in the Mediterranean Sea on Friday, June 3. delivering 52 precision-guided munitions against the targets in both Iraq and Syria.
Overall, the strike group has flown 1,856 combat sorties and dropped 1,481 pieces of ordnance on deployment.
"We are having an impact," said Rear Adm. Bret Batchelder, commander, Carrier Strike Group 8. "However, it's not just about the number of weapons we've put on target, it's about the combined efforts of the 65 coalition nations participating in OIR who -- together -- have retaken approximately 45 percent of the populated land ISIL once controlled in Iraq, and are improving regional stability and conditions for the indigenous people of Iraq and Syria."
The Truman group deployed from Norfolk in November 2015.
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