The U.S. Navy’s USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group crossed through the Strait of Gibraltar on June 13, on their way to the Mediterranean Sea.
The Ike CSG entered the Mediterranean in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.
“USS Dwight D. Eisenhower’s carrier strike group is entering 6th Fleet as part of the Navy’s year-long Great Green Fleet initiative. Energy conservation is an important tool to increase our range and resiliency. A carrier strike group is an enormous maritime capability that can be positioned where we need it, when we need it. The U.S. 6th Fleet and the Navy are committed to working with our partners and allies to ensure regional security,” said Vice Adm. James Foggo III, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet
“Passing through the Strait of Gibraltar and entering the Mediterranean Sea is the culmination of months of hard work. The Ike-Battle Axe team is ready to support maritime security operations, and increase theater security cooperation and forward naval presence in the 6th Fleet areas of operation,” said Captain Paul C. Spedero Jr, commanding officer, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.
The IKE CSG ships are the centerpiece of the Great Green Fleet Initiative, which emphasizes use of energy conservation measures as a key combat enabler to allow ships to go farther, stay longer and deliver more firepower.
The IKE CSG consists of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, guided-missile cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and USS Monterey (CG 61), and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 with its associated guided-missile destroyers USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), USS Mason (DDG 87), USS Nitze (DDG 94) and USS Stout (DDG 55)
While the Eisenhower CSG is involved in Great Green Fleet activities and operations, the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is also conducting combat sorties from the Mediterranean in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
The Ike deployed from Norfolk on June 1.
The Truman left Norfolk in November 2015 for a scheduled seven-month deployment. That deployment was extended by an additional 30 days.
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