U.S. carrier group fires over 770 weapons against Houthis

The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKECSG) has returned to Norfolk, U.S., following a historic nine-month combat deployment, during which it launched 155 standard missiles, 135 Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMs), and expended 420 air-to-surface weapons, according to a press release from Carrier Strike Group Two (CSG-2).

The deployment, which took place from November 2023 to June 2024, saw the IKECSG engage in extensive combat operations in the Middle East.

The strike group, including the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), the nine squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Gravely (DDG 107) and USS Mason (DDG 87), demonstrated exceptional combat prowess and resilience throughout the mission.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti praised the group’s performance, saying, “We provide options to our nation’s decision makers. Our job is to preserve the peace, respond in crisis, and if necessary, fight and win decisively, and you delivered on all of those objectives.”

According to the press release, the IKECSG’s actions included seven pre-planned strikes into Houthi-controlled territories in Yemen, collaborating with U.S. Air Force assets and coalition partners.

In total, IKECSG warships launched 155 standard missiles and 135 TLAMs from their vertical launch system across self-defence and pre-planned strikes. IKECSG aircraft expended nearly 60 air-to-air missiles and released 420 air-to-surface weapons.

Vice Adm. George Wikoff, commander of U.S. 5th Fleet, highlighted the significance of these operations, stating, “When called upon, the force brought the fight to the Houthis in their front yard, linking airpower and dynamic and self-defense strikes.” This robust response included the destruction of one-way attack uncrewed aerial vehicles, uncrewed surface vehicles, and uncrewed underwater vehicles.

“The currency used to fund this important mission was incredible focus, resiliency and professionalism of the sailors of the IKE Carrier Strike Group over eight months…this is the Navy’s finest moments since World War II,” added Vice Adm. Wikoff, quoted in the news release.

The IKECSG also played a crucial role in maritime security, successfully escorting over 28 high-value units through strategic waterways like the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. During its deployment, the group rescued stranded civilians and provided essential support, further showcasing its versatility and commitment to humanitarian efforts. “These acts reduced the risk to shipping and also reinforced our nation’s commitment to maritime security,” Vice Adm. Wikoff emphasized.

Rear Adm. Kavon Hakimzadeh, Commander of CSG-2, expressed pride in the sailors’ achievements, stating, “These Sailors are surrounded by their loved ones after a long deployment. Every single one of them demonstrated a level of courage and resiliency that we can all be proud of. I am so proud to be part of this Navy team, and I am grateful to everyone who put in the time and effort to make this a great homecoming!”