Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group Begins Western Pacific Deployment

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Ships and units from the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group departed San Diego for a regularly scheduled deployment to the western Pacific, Jan. 5.

Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, and embarked Destroyer Squadron (CDS) 1 deployed with Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) and USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108).

While deployed, the Carl Vinson CSG will remain under U.S. 3rd Fleet command and control, including beyond the international dateline which previously divided operational areas of responsibility for 3rd and 7th Fleets. Third Fleet operating forward offers additional options to the Pacific Fleet commander by leveraging the capabilities of 3rd and 7th Fleets. This operational concept allows both numbered fleets to complement one another and provide the foundation of stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

"Our forward presence contributes to freedom of navigation and lawful use of the sea, as well as furthers operational training and enabling the exchange of culture, skills, and tactical knowledge," said Commander, CSG 1, Rear Adm. James W. Kilby.

Homeported in Pearl Harbor, Michael Murphy will join the Carl Vinson CSG later this month as the strike group makes their way to the western Pacific.

The Carl Vinson CSG deployed with approximately 7,500 Sailors and will focus on maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. The strike group assets will conduct bilateral exercises in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to include anti-submarine warfare, maneuvering drills, gunnery exercises, and visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) subject matter expert exchanges.

Carl Vinson also deployed with the embarked aviation squadrons of CVW-2 which include the "Black Knights" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 4, the "Blue Hawks" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 78, the "Bounty Hunters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2, the "Blue Blasters" of VFA-34, the "Kestrels" of VFA-137, the "Golden Dragons" of VFA-192, the "Black Eagles" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113, the "Gauntlets" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 136, and the "Providers" of Fleet Logistic Support Squadron (VRC) 30.

U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy. Third Fleet constantly coordinates with U.S. 7th Fleet to plan and execute missions based on their complementary strengths to promote ongoing peace, security, and stability throughout the entire Pacific theater of operations.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more information on USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108), visit:
http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ddg108/Pages/default.aspx/.

For more information on USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112), visit:
http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ddg112/Pages/default.aspx/.

For more information on USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), visit:
http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/cg57/Pages/default.aspx/.

For more news from USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), visit http://www.navy.mil/local/cvn70/.

For more information on Destroyer Squadron 1, visit:
http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/cds1/Pages/default.aspx/.

For more information on Carrier Air Wing 2, visit:
http://www.cvw2.navy.mil/.

For more information on Carrier Strike Group 1, visit:
http://www.navy.mil/local/csg1/.

For more information on U.S. 3rd Fleet, visit:
http://www.facebook.com/ThirdFleet/.