USS Nimitz, USS Kidd and USS Shoup have departed their homeports for what’s being called a ‘routine deployment’.
The US Navy were keen to stress to press:
“This is a previously planned, routine deployment and is not in response to any specific incident or regional event. This deployment is an example of the U.S. Navy’s routine presence in waters around the globe displaying our commitment to stability, regional cooperation and economic prosperity for all nations.”
Nimitz, the flagship of the strike group, Kidd and Shoup will reportedly make a brief stop at Naval Air Station North Island to meet up with the other ships and units of the strike group.
Capt. Kevin Lenox, Nimitz’ commanding officer said:
“Nimitz and the entire strike group have performed exceptionally well throughout this maintenance and training cycle.
I feel incredibly lucky and humbled to lead such a talented and hardworking team.”
Units embarked aboard Nimitz for deployment will be CSG-11 staff, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9.
The press release states:
“Also embarked will be the squadrons of CVW-11: The Lemoore, California-based “Argonauts” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, “Black Knights” of VFA 154, “Blue Diamonds” of VFA 146, the San Diego-based “Death Rattlers” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323, the Whidbey Island, Washington-based “Gray Wolves” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142, the Norfolk, Virginia-based “Blue Tails” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121 and the San Diego-based “Eightballers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8, “Wolfpack” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 75 and “Providers” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30.”
The Nimitz Strike Group is part of US 3rd Fleet which aims to ‘promote ongoing peace, security and stability throughout the entire Pacific theatre of operations’.
