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USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) received 24 midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy on May 9. These future naval leaders will call the Theodore Roosevelt home until May 23.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37099

During flight operations May 9, Sailors on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) are busy helping launch, recover, fuel, and park aircraft. All these tasks seem effortless and precise for anyone not involved. The personnel behind the scenes making this happen are the Sailors in flight deck control.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37031

USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Carrier Strike Group (CSG) and USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) CSG met in the Western Pacific to perform dual-carrier operations from 6 to 9 May 2008.
http://www.c7f.navy.mil/news/2008/05/13.htm

Dual Carrier Training Exercise (1) (2) Photos

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) visited Rhodes, Greece from May 7 to 10 May 2008.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37099

Sailors aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) (GW) navigated the Strait of Magellan, May 9-10, completing the Atlantic Ocean portion of their Partnership of the Americas (POA) 2008 deployment.

The day-long evolution included fast reaction drills, tactical maneuvers, communication exercises and helicopter landing qualifications.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36954

“Along the Pacific Ocean's irregular margins lie many seas, the largest of which are the Celebes Sea, Coral Sea, East China Sea, Sea of Japan, South China Sea, Sulu Sea, Tasman Sea and Yellow Sea. The Straits of Malacca joins the Pacific and the Indian oceans on the west, and the Straits of Magellan links the Pacific with the Atlantic Ocean on the east” (Ref. 23).

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Director of Operations U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti and members of his staff, who are based in Tampa, Fla., visited USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) May 11-12.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37245

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-67) with CVW-5 embarked departed its forward-deployed operating port of Yokosuka, Japan 28 May 2008, on her final departure from Japan with hundreds of friends, family members and distinguished visitors watching as the ship left the piers where it has operated from for nearly a decade. She will undergo her 28th Westpac and 21st deployment in foreign waters as a forward deployed carrier operating with the 7th Fleet on its spring deployment in the Western Pacific Ocean. To be decommissioned in Bremerton, Washington the Navy's oldest active-duty aircraft carrier (48 years old since her commission) will pass on its responsibilities as the only carrier operating permanently outside of the United States to the USS George Washington (CVN 73) later this summer in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008 Exercise scheduled to take place in the Hawaiian operating area from June 29 through July 31. Prior forward deployed carriers turned over duty in Hawaii. She will undergo her 44th deployment since her commission on 29 April 1961 and approximately the US Navy’s 791st carrier FWFD (South China Sea dates unclear).
http://www.freepowerboards.com/owcommandpost/viewtopic.php?p=12668#12668

The Sailors from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) and the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201) worked together to complete a successful replenishment at sea (RAS) on May 12.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37154

USS George Washington (CVN-73) underway in the Pacific Ocean from 11 to 13 May 2008.

Sailors from the George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GW CSG) anchored off the coast of Valparaiso on May 14 to begin a scheduled four-day port visit. The GW CSG is composed of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), embarked Carrier Air Wing 17 and Destroyer Squadron 40.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37127

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) underway in the Western Pacific from 29 April to 14 May 2008.

The Nimitz CSG operated as part of the U.S. 7th Fleet. Operating in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans, the 7th Fleet is the largest of the forward-deployed U.S. fleets, with approximately 50 ships, 120 aircraft and 20,000 Sailors and Marines assigned at any given time.
http://www.c7f.navy.mil/news/2008/05/13.htm

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) underway in the underway in the Philippine Sea on 15 May 2008.

The Deputy Commander, U.S. Navy Central Forces Command (NAVCENT), visited Sailors of the Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG), May 14-15.

Rear Adm. Scott Swift and members of his staff arrived aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), Lincoln Carrier Strike Group flagship, via carrier on board delivery and they were greeted on the flight deck by the Lincoln Carrier Strike Group leadership.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37337

Two pilots from India completed their Training Command Carrier Qualification (TCCQ) aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) May 16.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37235

The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG) underway in the Atlantic operating with the 2nd Fleet from 24 April to 16 May 2008 completed a three week-long Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) off the coast of Virginia.

Commander Strike Force Training Atlantic (CSFTL) embarked TR for COMPTUEX, providing the mission, assisting in problem-solving techniques, and evaluating the strike group's performance. CSFTL prepared the geo-political environment and the various battle problem scenarios that the strike group had to overcome.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37243

The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG) completed a three week-long Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX) May 16.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37243

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) underway in the Mediterranean Sea operating with the 6th Fleet from May 11 to 16 May 2008.

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) arrived in Marseille, France May 16, for a goodwill port visit as part of the ship's routine deployment in the region.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37336

As the Sailors on board USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) hit the one-third completion mark of their scheduled seven-month deployment May 17, morale remains high (5th Fleet Theater of Operation).
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37214

Commander, Destroyer Squadron NINE assigned to Commander, Carrier Strike Group Nine, USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Strike Group ship’s the guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59), FS Surcouf (F 711), HMS Montrose (F 236), RFA Waveknight (A 389) and four other coalition ships conducted air defense, surface, visit, board, search and seizure and joint gunnery exercises, which focused on joint interoperability training and proficiency during Exercise Khunjar Haad, a four-day multinational exercise conducted in the Gulf of Oman, May 17-21.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37643

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) is underway in the eastern Pacific from 6 to 17 May 2008, with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, conducting carrier qualifications for CTW-1 and CTW-2 off the coast of Southern California.
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) with CVW-14 and Rear Admiral James P. Wisecup, Commander, Carrier Strike Group Seven embarked departed San Diego, Calif. on 19 May 2008 as hundreds of friends and family members gathered pierside, waving banners and shouting farewells, with Capt. Kenneth Norton, who assumed command May 2, on her third “Westpac” in support of national and theater cooperative security commitments in the western Pacific, and Indian Ocean in support of the global war on terrorism on her 2nd Operation Enduring Freedom and most likely her 2nd Maritime Security Operations (MSO) deployment on the U. S. Navy’s 88th Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf deployment since September 1945 operating under operational control of the US Naval Forces Central Command and 5th Fleet., the US 5th Fleet, reactivated with operational control of the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, and Arabian Sea, headquartered in Manama, Bahrain in July 1995, while U.S. Naval Forces Central Command operational control extends to the Indian Ocean following the war with Iraq (Operation Desert Storm), with the Commander, 7th Fleet, serving as naval component commander for Central Command, at the beginning of Operation Southern Watch. She will under go her Her 4th deployment since her commission on what would be approximately the U. S. Navy's 792nd carrier FWFD.
http://www.freepowerboards.com/owcommandpost/viewtopic.php?p=12745#12745

"This crew is ready and excited. Walking around the mess decks, you can feel the crew's energy. We are ready to go. I could not be more impressed with the performance of this crew. We are ready for any mission that presents itself," said Ronald Reagan Commanding Officer Capt. Kenneth Norton.

"The more than 7,000 Sailors of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike group are excited to go across the horizon and do the nation's business. It's bittersweet, because we miss our families. You can never get used to leaving them. But we are excited and ready to carry out the mission," Wisecup said.

"Our families are the most important component of our readiness. They have made all of Ronald Reagan's success possible. We cannot wait to get back home with them," said Norton.

Ronald Reagan was commissioned in July 2003, making it the ninth and newest Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The ship is named after the 40th U.S. president, and carries the motto of "Peace through Strength," a recurrent theme during the Reagan presidency.

The Ronald Reagan Strike Group is comprised of CCSG 7, CVW-14, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), the guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur (DDG 73), USS Gridley (DDG 101), USS Howard (DDG 83) and the guided missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43) and the fast combat support ship USNS Rainier (TAOE 7).

The ship is the nation's newest aircraft carrier and flagship of Carrier Strike Group 7 (CSG-7), commanded by Rear Adm. James P. Wisecup.
The strike group will support the Maritime Strategy in the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation.

The squadrons of CVW-14 include the "Redcocks" of VFA-22, "Fist of the Fleet" of VFA-25, "Stingers" of VFA-113, "Eagles" of VFA-115, "Black Eagles" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113, "Cougars" of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 139, "Providers" of Carrier Logistics Support (VRC) 30 and the "Black Knights" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37278

Abraham Lincoln Commander, Destroyer Squadron NINE assigned to Commander, Carrier Strike Group Nine, Abraham Lincoln’s Strike Group ship’s the guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59), FS Surcouf (F 711), HMS Montrose (F 236), RFA Waveknight (A 389) and four other coalition ships conducted air defense, surface, visit, board, search and seizure and joint gunnery exercises, which focused on joint interoperability training and proficiency during Exercise Khunjar Haad, a four-day multinational exercise conducted in the Gulf of Oman, May 17-21.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37643

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) underway in the eastern Pacific from 18 to 21 May 2008 operating with the 3rd Fleet, with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, conducting Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications (FRSCQ) off the coast of southern California.

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) underway in the Pacific from 16 to 21 May 2008

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Sailors participated in a community relations (COMREL) project in Marseille, with the Little Sister's of the Poor Nursing Home for the Elderly to show their appreciation for the hospitality of the Marseille citizens, May 21
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37335;
while in port or departing in the afternoon of the 21st, cooperated with the French Navy May 21, as French pilots landed on the flight deck to work on their carrier qualifications.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37366

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) underway in the Mediterranean Sea operating with the 2nd Fleet on 22 May 2008.

At approximately 7:50 a.m. local time on May 22, a fire was detected in the vicinity of the aft air conditioning and refrigeration space and auxiliary boiler room aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73).

The fire spread to several spaces via a cableway and caused extreme heat in some of the ship spaces, but it was contained and extinguished by the crew without any serious injuries to personnel. It took several hours to completely contain and extinguish the fire.

The ship had been conducting a routine replenishment at sea in the Pacific Ocean with USS Crommelin (FFG 37) when smoke was observed and an emergency breakaway was initiated.

There were no serious injuries. Twenty-three Sailors were treated for heat stress and one Sailor was treated for first degree burns. The ship's crew was at general quarters for approximately 12 hours.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37377

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) underway in the Mediterranean Sea operating with the 2nd Fleet from on 22 May 2008.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) underway in the eastern Pacific from 19 to 22 May 2008 operating with the 3rd Fleet.

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) underway in the Persian Gulf (5th Fleet Theater of Operation) from 28 April to 22 May 2008.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) underway in the Atlantic operating with the 2nd Fleet from 24 April to 23 May 2008, completing four days of Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) carrier qualifications (CQ) May 23, qualifying pilots assigned to the "Gladiators" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37380

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) transited the Strait of Gibraltar and entered the Atlantic operating with the 2nd Fleet on 23 May 2008.

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) Sailors experience their first port visit in the Middle East on 23 May 2008, during their current deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37549

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) returned to Norfolk, Va. on 24 May 2008.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) arrived San Diego on 24 May 2008.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in port San Diego from 24 to 25 May 2008.

USS George Washington (CVN 73) underway in the eastern Pacific from 18 to 25 May 2008 operating with the 3rd Fleet, continuing as scheduled to San Diego prior to relieving the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the forward deployed aircraft carrier in the Western Pacific this summer.

Fourteen fallen shipmates were committed to the sea, May 26, off the coast of Hawaii, during a burial at sea service aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).

"It's a proud day to have a burial at sea ceremony, because it's Memorial Day," said Cmdr. Lee Axtell, Ronald Reagan command chaplain "We're paying a proud tribute to our fallen shipmates."

Active duty members of the military, honorably discharged retirees and veterans, Military Sealift Command U.S. civilian marine personnel, and their dependents, are all eligible for a burial at sea to honor their service to their country.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37419

Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 embarked on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) began going through the first phase of the Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) with Stennis May 26, and for the air wing TSTA means getting all their pilots proficient in flying missions from the carrier.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37614

Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 embarked on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and began going through the first phase of the Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) with Stennis May 26, and for the air wing TSTA means getting all their pilots proficient in flying missions from the carrier.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37614

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) hosted the University of Illinois football coach on May 27.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37502

USS George Washington (CVN 73) arrived San Diego on 27 May 2008, en route to its new home base in Yokosuka, Japan, with its crew of approximately 3,200 Sailors to replace USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the United States' only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier participating in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008 Exercise in the Hawaiian operating area from June 29 through July 31. GW participated in UNITAS 49-08 in support of U.S. Southern Command's Partnership of the Americas 2008 (POA 08) and will relieve Kitty Hawk of her forward deployed duties in San Diego rather then Hawaii, due to a fire that occurred onboard in the Pacific prior to reaching San Diego. Her 9th deployment since her commission on the East Coast on 4 July 1992 ended (April 7 to 27 May 2008) and approximately the US Navy's 790th carrier FWFD.
http://www.freepowerboards.com/owcommandpost/viewtopic.php?p=12529#12529

Commander Rear Adm. Philip H. Cullom, CCSG 8, and CVW-17 embarked USS George Washington (CVN 73) to participate in Partnership of the Americas in the U.S. Southern Command area of focus (AOF) .Brazil, Argentina and the United States conducted UNITAS 49-08. After approximately two months, the ship continued on its transit while Carrier Strike Group 8 and CVW-17 returned to Norfolk. DESRON 40, Kauffman and Farragut remained in the SOUTHCOM AOF to continue their participation in Partnership of the Americas for a six-month deployment. Prior to entering the Pacific, CVW-17 (AA) and CCSG-8 returned to Oceana. VFA-143; VFA-103; VFA-83; VFA-131 and VAW-121 are assigned to CVW-7 (AG) stationed at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, FL and reported to be onboard in the Pacific, while CVW-17 squadrons were not reported publicly during the first two months of deployment.
http://www.nasjax.navy.mil

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) Sailors experience their first port visit in the Middle East, , Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, May 23-27, during their current deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37549

USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) provided assistance to a British sailboat and her crew in the Atlantic Ocean, May 28.

The sailing vessel Toutamazi and her crew were sailing from Antigua en route to the Azores. Prior to making a final voyage east to Portugal she began having difficulty with her generator, which caused her to become dangerously low on fuel. Another sailing vessel, the Per Mare, met up with the Toutamazi and stayed with her to lend assistance.

The two vessels contacted the Falmouth Coast Guard in the United Kingdom. The Coast Guard then contacted the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG), who were transiting the area at the time of the incident. HSTCSG contacted Churchill and informed them of the situation.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37543

The ships of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7 commenced an undersea warfare exercise (USWEX) in the waters of the Hawaiian operating area, May 28.

Participating in the exercise are the strike group's flagship, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76); the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), and the ships of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, the guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur (DDG 73), USS Gridley (DDG 101) and USS Howard (DDG 83) and the guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43). Also participating are two nuclear-powered fast attack submarines.

The exercise is the final test for the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, which deployed May 19, before it heads to the Western Pacific and 7th Fleet area of responsibility. USWEXs are held around Hawaii several times a year for commanders to assess the undersea warfare capabilities of deploying strike groups.

Joining the six ships in their battle against the submarines will be the helicopters of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 4 of Carrier Air Wing 14, embarked aboard Ronald Reagan, and helicopters from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 49, embarked aboard Chancellorsville and Thach, HSL 43, embarked aboard Howard, and HSL 37, embarked aboard Gridley.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37484

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-67) with CVW-5 embarked departed its forward-deployed operating port of Yokosuka, Japan 28 May 2008, on her final departure from Japan with hundreds of friends, family members and distinguished visitors watching as the ship left the piers where it has operated from for nearly a decade. She will undergo her 28th Westpac and 21st deployment in foreign waters as a forward deployed carrier operating with the 7th Fleet on its spring deployment in the Western Pacific Ocean. To be decommissioned in Bremerton, Washington the Navy's oldest active-duty aircraft carrier (48 years old since her commission) will pass on its responsibilities as the only carrier operating permanently outside of the United States to the USS George Washington (CVN 73) in port San Diego, Ca. Kitty Hawk will participate in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008 Exercise in the Hawaiian operating area from June 29 through July 31. Prior forward deployed carriers turned over duty in Hawaii. She will undergo her 44th deployment since her commission on 29 April 1961 and approximately the US Navy’s 793rd carrier FWFD.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37528
http://www.freepowerboards.com/owcommandpost/viewtopic.php?p=12820#12820

Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Group consists of Commander, Carrier Strike Group 5 (CCSG 5), Rear Adm. Richard B. Wren, Commander Destroyer Squadron Fifteen, Captain Mark Montgomery and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, Aegis cruisers USS Cowpens (CG 63), USS Shiloh (CG 67), and seven ships of DESRON FIFTEEN Oscar Austin-Class guided missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG-82); Arleigh Burke Class guided missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG-85); USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62); USS John S. McCain (DDG-56); USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG-54) and USS Mustin (DDG-89) and USS Stethem (DDG 63) (Based on Task Force 70 and DESRON FIFTEEN Ships).

Commander, Carrier Strike Group 5 (CCSG 5)
http://www.ccsg5.navy.mil/index.html
COMCARSTRIKGRU FIVE

The Forward Deployed Naval Forces of Carrier Strike Group Five
http://www.ccsg5.navy.mil/history.html

Task Force 70 is the Carrier Strike Group component of Battle Force Seventh Fleet commanded by Rear Admiral Richard B. Wren. It is centered on the USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63) and the embarked Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CVW-5). Admiral Wren also commands Surface Combatant Force Seventh Fleet (or Task Force 75) comprised of Aegis Cruisers USS SHILOH (CG 67) and USS COWPENS (CG 63) and the seven assigned ships of Destroyer Squadron FIFTEEN (CDS-15).

KITTY HAWK and the nine surface combatant ships operate out of Yokosuka, Japan, while Carrier Air Wing FIVE operates out of Atsugi, Japan, when not embarked on the KITTY HAWK.

Together, they form the critical combat elements of the U.S. Seventh Fleet as the U.S. Navy’s only permanently forward deployed and largest carrier strike group, designated Carrier Strike Group Five (CSG 5). CSG5 forces have a higher operational tempo and are an average of 17 steaming days closer to locations in Asia than naval forces based in the continental United States.

As Commander of Battle Force Seventh Fleet, Rear Admiral Wren has operational control of all carrier strike groups and surface combatants that deploy or transit through the Seventh Fleet area of responsibility.

CTF 70 is preparing to transfer to the USS George Washington(CVN-73) and carry on our duties as the nations Forward Deployed Command Task Force.

Surface Combatant Force Seventh Fleet (Task Force 75) Ships include DESRON FIFTEEN SHIPS, Kitty Hawk and USS Cowpens (CG 63) and USS Shiloh (CG 67).

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) underway in the Atlantic operating with the 2nd Fleet from 23 to 31 May 2008.

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) pulled into Mayport to off-load a small portion of CVW-3 and pick tiger cruise riders up on 1 June 2008.

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) underway in the Pacific from 22 to 2 June 2008 operating with the 3rd Fleet.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) held her first graded mass casualty drill during the Tailored Ship Training Availability (TSTA) period, June 2.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37667

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) underway in the Pacific from 22 May to 3 June 2008, with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, beginning its first phase of the Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) May 26, continuing Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications (FRSCQ).

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) underway in the Western Atlantic operating with the 2nd Fleet from 2 to 3 June 2008.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) underway in the Pacific from 22 to 3 June 2008.

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) with CVW 11 embarked arrived San Diego, Calif. on 3 June 2008, ending a four-month deployment on her tenth “Westpac” deployment, participating in Expeditionary Strike Force (ESF) and Exercise Key Resolve/Foal Eagle 2008. USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Carrier Strike Group (CSG) and USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) CSG met in the Western Pacific to perform dual-carrier operations from 6 to 9 May 2008. Her 21st deployment ended (24 January to 3 June 2008) since she was commissioned on 3 May 1975 by President Gerald Ford and approximately the U. S. Navy’s 788th FWFD.
http://www.freepowerboards.com/owcommandpost/owcommandpost-about1768.html

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) with CVW-3 embarked arrived Norfolk, Virginia, with Captain Herman A. Shelanski in command, on 4 June 2008, with CCSG10 commanded by Rear Adm. Mark Fox who relieved Rear Admiral William E. Gortney during a change-of-command ceremony held at sea in the Arabian Gulf April 19, 2008, ending her fifth Mediterranean Sea deployment (8th & 9th voyage) operating with the 6th Fleet, her third Arabian Sea/Gulf (Persian Gulf) deployment in support of 1st Maritime Security Operations and 3rd Operation Iraqi Freedom on the U. S. Navy’s 86th Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf deployment since September 1945 operating with the 5th Fleet and Central Command while no mention of Operation Enduring Freedom operations were conducted, during which time Carrier Airwing Three (CVW 3) executed 13,869 flight hours, which made up 2,459 combat sorties. CVW-3 successfully expended 77,536 pounds of live ordnance, Capt. Pawlowski said. “We also did 97 shows of force and 21 shows of presence. Those things didn’t result in kinetic effects, but they resulted in saving countless lives,” Capt. Pawlowski added. “I couldn’t be more proud of the crew, the Truman and Carrier Airwing Three Team, working together to accomplish a great seven-month cruise,” said Capt. Herm Shelanski, Truman’s Commanding Officer. “We have had some great success here.” Commander Carrier Airwing Three Capt. Rick Pawlowski echoed Capt. Shelanski’s sentiments and agreed that this cruise was especially productive and successful. “It has been an extreme pleasure to work with this ship the last 20 months,” Capt. Pawlowski said. “The entire ship’s team is supreme professionalism everywhere you look.” MSO and OIF missions were under operational control of the US Naval Forces Central Command and 5th Fleet., while U.S. Naval Forces Central Command operational control extends to the Indian Ocean following the war with Iraq (Operation Desert Storm), with the Commander, 7th Fleet, serving as naval component commander for Central Command. Underway in the Atlantic from 5 to 15 November 2007; Truman transited through the straits of Gibraltar 16 November 2007; underway in the Mediterranean from 16 to 19 November 2007; Truman visited Naples, Italy from 20 to 25 November 2007; underway in the Mediterranean from 26 to 29 November 2007; Truman entered the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations on 30 November 2007, transiting the Suez Canal, making her 5th Suez Canal transit and the U. S. Navy’s 127th Suez Canal carrier transit; underway in the Red Sea from 30 November to 1 December 2007; underway in the Arabian Sea from 2 to 11 December 2007, relieving USS Enterprise (CVN-65); underway in the Persian Gulf on 14 to 24 December 2007; Truman visited Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates from 25 to 28 December 2007; underway in the Persian Gulf from 29 December 2007 to 24 January 2008, during which time the commander of Carrier Airwing 3 logged his 6,000th hour of flight Jan. 14 after a successful 3-wire trap aboard Truman in an E2-C Hawkeye assigned to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126, the "Seahawks". Capt. Rick Pawlowski has spent 360,000 minutes, 250 days, 6,000 hours flying through the air in E2-C Hawkeyes, A-6 Intruders, Helicopters, F/A 18 Super Hornets and a conglomerate of other aircraft. Truman visited Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates from 25 to 28 January 2008, during which time Jimmy Buffett visited the crew aboard the ship and performed a concert, Jan. 28. Truman underway in the Persian Gulf from 29 January to 16 February 2008, during which time more than 400 football fans aboard Harry S. Truman, including the Miami Dolphins cheerleaders and two professional football players attended the ship's Super Bowl XLII party and watched the game, Feb. 4. Truman volunteered their liberty to three community relations projects during a four-day port visit to a Middle Eastern port Feb. 17-21. Underway in the Persian Gulf on 22 February to 12 March 2008, Sailors on board Truman conducted a replenishment-at-sea (RAS) with the fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE8) and had the unique opportunity to hone their golf skills on the flight deck March 1. “GO Navy” reports Truman visited Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates from 13 to 16 March 2008 during which time the ship must have picked up an owl? Truman underway in the Persian Gulf (5th Fleet Theater of Operation) from 17 March to 30 April 2008, during which time the crew welcomed aboard comedian "Rip" Michaels April 12, for a tour and to perform his act for the 'Comics on Duty Tour,' and Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead visited the crew of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman April 15 to address Sailors deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO). U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT)/U.S. 5th Fleet/Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) demonstrated its commitment to building partnerships and enhancing regional cooperation though operations, exercises and regional engagements during the month of April. During several weeks in April, and at the invitation of the Iraqi and Kuwaiti Governments, the Royal Navy and U.S. Navy worked together with the Kuwaiti and Iraq navies conducting Mine Countermeasures surveys and cleared Mine Danger Areas (MDAs) of the Northern Arabian Gulf to ensure sea lanes are clear for mariners operating in the northern Gulf. Canadian Army Sgt. Colin Whyatt from HMCS Charlottetown (FFG 339) received his enlisted air warfare specialist (EAWS) qualification pin April 27, making him the first dual-qualified Canadian aboard. Truman underway in the Arabian Sea (5th Fleet Theater of Operation) from 1 to 3 May 2008, during which time the crew held its first steel beach picnic of the deployment May 1, after spending more than 45 consecutive days at sea. Sailors were invited to enjoy a much needed break from the rigors of deployment in one fun-filled afternoon. The First Class Petty Officers Association cooked for all of Truman's Sailors by grilling hotdogs, ribs and chicken. Truman underway in the Red Sea (5th Fleet Theater of Operation) from 4 to 5 May 2008; transiting the Suez Canal on her 6th Suez Canal transit and the U. S. Navy’s 128th carrier Suez Canal transit; entering the Mediterranean Sea on 6 May 2008; arriving in Rhodes, Greece on May 7, for a goodwill port visit from May 7 to 10 May 2008. Underway in the Mediterranean Sea operating with the 6th Fleet from May 11 to 16 May 2008, during which time Sailors from Truman and the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201) worked together to complete a successful replenishment at sea (RAS) on May 12. Truman visited, Marseille, France 16 to 21 May 2008 for a goodwill port visit, during which time Sailors participated in a community relations (COMREL) project in Marseille, with the Little Sister's of the Poor Nursing Home for the Elderly to show their appreciation for the hospitality of the Marseille citizens, May 21 and while in port or departing in the afternoon of the 21st, cooperated with the French Navy May 21, as French pilots landed on the flight deck to work on their carrier qualifications. Underway in the Mediterranean Sea operating with the 2nd Fleet from the 21st in the afternoon or on 22 May 2008. Truman transited the Strait of Gibraltar and entered the Atlantic operating with the 2nd Fleet on 23 May 2008; underway in the Atlantic operating with the 2nd Fleet from 23 to 31 May 2008; pulling into Mayport to off-load a small portion of CVW-3 and pick tiger cruise riders up on 1 June 2008. Underway in the Western Atlantic operating with the 2nd Fleet from 2 to 3 June 2008. Her sixth deployment ended (5 November 2007 to 4 June 2008) since her commission and approximately the U. S. Navy’s 787th FWFD.
http://www.freepowerboards.com/owcommandpost/viewtopic.php?p=9509#9509
http://www.truman.navy.mil/herald/news/12-119/12-119.html

HSTCSG - Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is made up CCSG-10, Harry S. Truman, Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW-3), Destroyer Squadron 26 staff, guided missile cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and USS Hue City (CG 66); guided missile destroyers USS Carney (DDG 64), USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) and USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81); USS Montpelier (SSN 765); the Canadian frigate HMCS Charlottetown (FFG 339); and the British destroyer HMS Manchester (D 95). Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW-3) consists of Strike Fighter Squadrons VFA-11, VFA-32, VFA-37 and VFA-105; Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron VAQ-130; Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron VAW-126; and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron HS-7.
http://www.cusnc.navy.mil/articles/2008/047.html

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) conducting tailored ship's training availability (TSTA) off the coast of southern California from 26 May to 5 June 2008.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) crossed the International Date Line and entered the 7th Fleet AOR on 5 June 2008.

Sailors aboard the guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43) paid tribute to the heroism and sacrifice of World War II Navy veterans June 6, during a ceremony held aboard Thach as the ship passed Wake Island, marking the 66th anniversary of the Battle of Midway.

Wearing vintage 1942 Navy uniforms, Thach Sailors remembered one of the pivotal battles of the war in the Pacific, when U.S. forces sank four Japanese carriers at the cost of only two U.S. ships, the carrier USS Yorktown (CV 5) and the destroyer USS Hammann (DD 412).

Thach is operating Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility. Sailing with Thach are the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76); the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62); and the other ships of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON 7), the guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur (DDG 73), USS Howard (DDG 83) and USS Gridley (DDG 101).

Operating in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, the U.S. 7th Fleet is the largest of the forward-deployed U.S. fleets, covering 52 million square miles, with approximately 50 ships, 120 aircraft and 20,000 Sailors and Marines at any given time.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37699

Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71, a new component to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, is the first squadron of its kind to embark a carrier as part of an air wing when the squadron flew aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74).

Their mission is to employ the Navy's most technologically sophisticated rotary aircraft in the fleet to carry out the objectives of strike group commanders, their weapon is the MH-60R Seahawk.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37665

Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, embarked aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), performed live missile shoots June 4 and 6. The squadron fired a total of 12 missiles to give pilots experience and confidence with launching live ordnance.

"It's an invaluable training experience, especially for someone like me who's newer in the squadron, to get a feel for how that weapon is actually employed," said Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 Pilot Lt. j.g. Micah Porter. "I got to see firsthand how it comes off the rail, how long it takes to squeeze the trigger, how that missile operates with the radar and how that all works together."

The air wing's four F-18 squadrons, the "Argonauts" of VFA-147, the "Black Knights" of VFA-154, the "Blue Diamonds" of VFA-146 and the "Death Rattlers" of Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 323 each participated in missile shoot exercises.

The missiles used in the missile shoot exercise were the air-to-air "Sparrow" Air Intercept Missile (AIM-7) and the "Sidewinder" (AIM-9). The "Sidewinder" uses infrared seekers to track heat sources put out by enemy engines, while the "Sparrow" is a radar-guided missile. The pilots use flares, deployed during the mission, as targets during their live-fire exercises.

The pilots use flares, deployed during the mission, as targets during their live-fire exercises.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37667

USS Enterprise's (CVN 65) commanding officer announced to the crew June 6, that for the first time in the ship's 46-year history, Big E earned the prestigious Battenberg Cup in recognition of the crew's achievements in operational excellence.

The Battenberg Cup Award for the Atlantic Fleet Battle Efficiency Award winner goes to the ship or submarine selected as the "best all-around" for the Atlantic Fleet based on the greatest accumulation of crew achievements.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37955

Former astronaut and U.S. Sen. John Glenn visited USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) on June 6.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37701

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) departed Norfolk, Va. for Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications (FRSCQ) off the coast of Virginia on 6 June 2008.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 began their final phase of Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA), TSTA III, June 8. The Stennis-Shogun team sailed through TSTA I and II and now their sights are set for TSTA III and the Final Evaluation Problem (FEP), commencing tailored ship's training availability (TSTA) off the coast of southern California from on 26 May to 7 June 2008.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37758

The crew of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) launched their 50,000th aircraft off catapult, June 8.

"Reaching this milestone represents all of the hard work we put in manning up and maintaining these catapults," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate Equipment 1st Class Richard Dawson, bow catapult leading petty officer.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37795

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-67) underway in the Western Pacific from 28 May to 9 June 2008.

USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) received recognition June 10 for outstanding career counseling and sound professional development of Sailors which earned the ship a spot on the Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF) Honor Roll for Retention Excellence during the second quarter of fiscal year 2008. The retention award is the second consecutive for the command this fiscal year, as the "Gold Eagle" was also recognized during the last quarter tallies.

"This command is a strong proponent of empowerment," said Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Glenn Mallo. "Sailors and their leadership are empowered to make the right decisions at every moment of choice. Their choice with retention is no different."

In order to be recognized for retention excellence, a command must exceed the following reenlistment rates: Zone A (6 years of service or less), 48 percent; Zone B (6-10 years), 58 percent; and Zone C (10-14 years), 82 percent. Additionally, a command must not exceed a Zone A attrition rate of 6.2 percent. Carl Vinson received an overall reenlistment rate of 56.7 percent.

To achieve these high retention numbers, Carl Vinson's leadership has worked closely with the command's Navy counselors to ensure Sailors understand their career options.

"Awards for retention foster competition and encourage a level of excellence across the fleet. It recognizes commands such as ours that have a proven record of retaining our best people so they can continue to serve in our Navy."
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37910

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-67) visited Apra Harbor, Guam from 10 to 13 June 2008.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) conducting Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications (FRSCQ) off the coast of Virginia from 6 to 13 June 2008.

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-67) underway in the Philippine Sea on 13 June 2008.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) underway in the Philippine Sea on 13 June 2008.

Four fallen shipmates were committed to the sea June 13, off the coast of San Diego during the first Jewish burial at sea service in the history of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74).
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37859

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) received an outstanding score on its Final Evaluation Problem (FEP) June 16 when the crew demonstrated it could defend the ship and take care of combat casualties in multiple, complex scenarios.

During FEP, a two-day, graded event, trainers test ships' abilities to conduct combat missions, survive complex casualties and sustain support functions.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37959

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) underway in the South China Sea on 17 June 2008.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 conducted their final phase of Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA), TSTA III from 8 to 18 June 2008 off the coast of southern California; receiving an outstanding score on its Final Evaluation Problem (FEP) June 16 when the crew demonstrated it could defend the ship and take care of combat casualties in multiple, complex scenarios.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) underway on “WestPac” from 5 to 18 June 2008 and the Philippine Sea on 13 and the South China Sea on 17 June 2008.

Members of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) serving in Bahrain visited USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) June 19 while conducting operations in the Arabian Gulf.

Coalition liaison officers -- 16 in all -- from various countries including Italy, New Zealand and Pakistan came aboard Lincoln to gain insight into the ship's capabilities and experience life aboard a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier.

The six ships and more than 7,000 Sailors of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (CSG) arrived in Hong Kong June 19 for a scheduled port visit. The port is the first stop for the strike group in its 2008 Western Pacific deployment.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37950

As the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier inches closer to its return to operational status, some Sailor-parents aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) are developing family care plans allowing them to be worldwide-deployable while caring for the needs of their families.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37908

Sailors assigned to the Carl Vinson’s Combat Systems Department are working around-the-clock this June to ensure the aircraft carrier's "J-Dial" telephone system is back on line in time for the Crew Move Aboard (CMA) evolution scheduled for later this summer.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37887

The crew of Carl Vinson surpassed another milestone at Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard June 3, when the project team began testing the ship's refurbished catapults for the first time in more than three years.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37789

Sailors assigned to the Damage Control Training Team (DCTT) aboard Carl Vinson are stepped up the intensity of shipboard drills during the month of June as the aircraft carrier prepares for its crew move aboard evolution later this summer.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37888

The six ships and more than 7,000 Sailors of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7 departed Hong Kong, June 22, after four days in port.

CSG 7 includes the flagship, Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76); embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14; and the ships of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7; the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), the guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur (DDG 73), USS Howard (DDG 83) and USS Gridley (DDG 101) and the guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43).

While in port, Sailors enjoyed sightseeing, shopping and tours of Hong Kong provided by Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR). Additionally, more than 300 Sailors participated in 15 community relations (COMREL) projects in the local community.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37985

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 conducted Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications (FRSCQ) off the coast of Southern California from 19 to 24 June 2008.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) underway on “WestPac” from 22 to 24 June 2008.

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) approaches the midway point of its scheduled seven-month deployment on 24 June 2008, the services of the aircraft carrier's search and rescue swimmers have not been required; however, the training for their vital mission continues.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37899

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and other U.S. Navy ships arrived on station near the central Philippine island of Panay June 25, 2008 to join the humanitarian assistance mission being led by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the wake of damage caused by Typhoon Fengshen.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38063

Sailors from the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and other supporting ships teamed with their counterparts from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to deliver much-needed relief supplies to the victims of Typhoon Fengshen on the island of Panay June 26.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38077

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) underway in the Persian Gulf (5th Fleet Theater of Operation) from 27 May to 27 June 2008.

A USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Sailor, Storekeeper Seaman Grace Geroche, a native of Iloilo City, Republic of the Philippines, returned home June 27 to assist the joint Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and U.S. Navy humanitarian efforts and console her family, who nearly lost their lives when Typhoon Fengshen struck the area.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38119

USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) underway on “WestPac” from 13 to 28 June 2008, and the Philippine Sea on 13 June 2008.

The U.S. ambassador to the Philippines visited the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) on June 29 2008.

Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney joined by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Alexander Yano, came aboard to receive a briefing on the continuing effort to assist victims of Typhoon Fengshen, and to thank Sailors for their support of AFP-led humanitarian efforts on the island of Panay.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38135

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 conducted Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications (FRSCQ) off the coast of Southern California from 19 to 29 June 2008.

USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) underway on “WestPac” from 14 to 29 June 2008.

The crew of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) returned home June 30 ahead of schedule, after completing their objectives during a two-month underway period.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38192

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) off the coast of Panay Island in the Sulu Sea providing humanitarian assistance and disaster response in the wake of Typhoon Fengshen from 25 June to 30 June 2008.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) off the coast of Panay Island in the Sulu Sea providing humanitarian assistance and disaster response in the wake of Typhoon Fengshen from 25 June to 30 June 2008.

USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) pulled into Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on 1 July 2008.
Three of Lincoln’s squadrons passed control on to new officers in three separate ceremonies. Cmdr. Terence A. Hoeft took the helm as Commanding Officer of Helicopter Anti- submarine Squadron (HS) 2, replacing Cmdr. Edward J. Iocco during a change of command ceremony aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) on 1 and 2 July 2008.
http://www.cvn72.navy.mil

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) departed the Sulu Sea and the waters around the Philippine island of Panay, July 3, 2008 after assisting the Philippine government's humanitarian relief operation.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38237

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) underway on “WestPac” from 4 to 5 July 2008.

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) underway in the Persian Gulf (5th Fleet Theater of Operation) from 27 May to 7 July 2008.

USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) visited Pearl Harbor, Hawaii from 1 to 7 July 2008.

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) underway in the Gulf of Oman on 8 July 2008.

USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) departed Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on 8 July 2008 to participate in the RIMPAC 2008 exercise.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) pulled into Agana Harbor off the coast of Guam and visited from 6 to 9 July 2008.

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) departed Norfolk, Va. 11 July 2008 with 19 midshipmen from the Naval Academy and Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs who have been serving aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) as part of their required, month-long summer cruise.
Sailors aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) paid their final respects to a fallen service member by committing his body to the deep in a somber and traditional ceremony known as a burial at sea July 12.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38422

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) underway on “WestPac” from 10 to 13 July 2008.

Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7, including four ships and more than 5,500 Sailors, arrived in Republic of Korea ports July 14 for routine port visits.

The strike group's flagship, the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW 14), and the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) docked in Busan, while the guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur (DDG 73) and USS Howard (DDG 83) moored in the port city of Chinhae.

This marks the third port visit for CSG-7 during its 2008 Western Pacific deployment and the second visit to Busan by Ronald Reagan. The carrier last visited in March 2007.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38459

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) completed a towed drone unit (TDU) shoot required for carrier qualifications July 14 2008.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38481

For the past few weeks, 19 midshipmen from the Naval Academy and Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs have been serving aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) as part of their required, month-long summer cruise.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38479

USS Harry S. Truman's (CVN 75) Weapons Department, G-2 division conducted a gun shoot on aircraft elevator four July 16 2008.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38526

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) visited Busan, Republic of Korea from 14 to 17 July 2008.

Carrier Strike Group 7 Public Affairs BUSAN, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- More than 5,500 Sailors of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7 and five ships departed two Republic of Korea ports July 18 after a routine port visit marked by numerous community service activities across the area.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38574

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) departed Naval Station Norfolk July 18 for a historic collaboration between the U.S. and French navies and will conduct Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 08 "Operation Brimstone" in North Carolina and off the eastern U.S. coast from Virginia to Florida from 21 to 31 July 2008.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38577

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) underway in the East China Sea on 18 July 2008.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) off the coast of Virginia on 18 to 20 July 2008.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) (TR) is conducting carrier qualifications with members of the French Navy during Operation Brimstone July 21-31.

Pilots from the "Tomcatters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31 and French navy pilots are learning the value of camaraderie and the true meaning of the term 'shipmate.'

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) departed Norfolk Naval Shipyard on 21 July 2008 for sea trials in the Western Atlantic.

USS Harry S. Truman's (CVN 75) underway in the Atlantic from 11 to 22 July 2008.

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) conducted sea trials in the Western Atlantic from 21 to 23 July 2008, returning to homeport of Norfolk, Va. 23 July 2008, completing a six-month planned incremental availability (PIA).

Sailors performed as the band "Death by Chicken," during USS Abraham Lincoln's (CVN 72) steel beach picnic July 26.

The five Sailors who make up the mixed-genre band aim to relieve stress, have fun and further their musical skills while deployed to the North Arabian Sea supporting Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38601

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) underway on “WestPac” from 19 to 27 July 2008.

More than 5,500 Sailors of Carrier Strike Group 7 (CSG) and five ships arrived in Japan for a routine port visit July 28.

The strike group's flagship, the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), embarked Carrier Air Wing 14 (CVW), and the guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83) pulled into Sasebo, while the guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43) and the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) stopped in Yokosuka, and the guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) anchored in Fukuoka.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38756

Adm. Robert Willard, the Navy’s Pacific Fleet commander, visited USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the ship was nearing the end of the Rim of the Pacific exercise July 28.

This was a return trip to Kitty Hawk for Willard who served on board as the embarked Carrier Strike Group 5 commander from 2000 to 2001.
http://www.kittyhawk.navy.mil/news/Story%20Pages/Story7.htm

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) visited Sasebo, Japan from 28 to 31 July 2008.

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) departed Norfolk, Va. on 29 July 2008 for carrier qualifications in the Western Atlantic.

USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) underway on RIMPAC2008 in the Hawaiian Operating Area from 9 July to 29 July 2008.

USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) wrapped up the operational phase of the biggest naval exercise in the world, Rim of the Pacific, before pulling in to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, July 29.

RIMPAC will be the 47-year-old Kitty Hawk’s last exercise before returning to the United States for decommissioning early next year.

More than a dozen nations participated in the 21st biennial RIMPAC, which included units from: Australia; Canada; Chile; Japan; the Netherlands; Peru; South Korea; Singapore; and the United Kingdom. The exercise involved 35 ships, six submarines, more than 150 aircraft and more than 20,000 Sailors, airmen, Marines, soldiers and Coast Guardsmen.

Colombia, Mexico and Russia sent representatives to observe.

“There is nothing like RIMPAC for demonstrating how much our Pacific navies have in common,” said Canadian Navy Commodore Nigel Greenwood, Canada’s Pacific Fleet commander and sea combat commander for RIMPAC.

All the navies involved have proven their commitment to international cooperation, Greenwood said.

RIMPAC is more than just an opportunity for navies to assess and build their war fighting capabilities, however.

“The purpose of RIMPAC is to teach multiple high-end navies to work together,” said Rear Adm. Rick Wren, Kitty Hawk’s Carrier Strike Group commander and Task Force 170 commander for RIMPAC.

With so many different navies, communication and technical differences played a major challenge.

“You can see by the length of RIMPAC … that it is in fact a long process to learn to work together … to work through some of those communication challenges,” Wren said.

Navies also learn to cooperatively respond to whatever security or humanitarian assistance crisis arise in the Pacific, Greenwood said.

As part of Task Force 170, Kitty Hawk served as a command platform during the exercise, with Greenwood and Wren on board.

The task force, which consisted of Kitty Hawk, Carrier Air Wing 5 and 15 ships from seven different countries, conducted hundreds of training missions including air strike and anti-submarine warfare exercises, said Cmdr. Jeff Debolt, Task Force 70’s RIMPAC planner.

Some portions of the task force role-played hostile forces while the majority served as friendly forces to enforce simulated United Nations Security Council resolution sanctions against a hostile nation, Debolt said.

The daily routine for most of Kitty Hawk’s 5,000 Sailors didn’t change much for RIMPAC, except for the presence of 20 to 30 foreign military members who embarked as liaison officers for the exercise.

“It was our great honor to be present and share this experience with Kitty Hawk’s crew, who have all made us feel so welcome,” Greenwood said.
http://www.kittyhawk.navy.mil/news/Story%20Pages/Story9.htm

PEARL HARBOR -- USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) was scheduled to replace USS George Washington (CVN 73) in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008 Exercise scheduled to take place in the Hawaiian operating area from June 29 through July 31. A fire occurred onboard USS George Washington on May 22 while the ship was at sea. The ship is currently in port at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, conducting repairs to spaces and equipment affected by the fire. The timeline for repairs to the ship has not yet been determined.

Once repairs to the ship are complete, USS George Washington will replace USS Kitty Hawk as the United States Navy's forward deployed aircraft carrier in the Pacific.

Once in San Diego, California, CVN-73 will relieve USS Kitty Hawk (CV-43), forward deployed in Japan. CVN-73 CCSG, CDS and CVW will change to Kitty Hawks present CCSG, CDS and CVW. If the transfer occurs in San Diego, California, then CVW and CVW-5 may not need to cross deck with CVW-5, arriving with Kitty Hawk to San Diego, California and would be the first time turning over duty as the forward deployed carrier occurred state side.

RIMPAC, hosted by Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, demonstrates the U. S. Navy's commitment to working with our global partners in protecting the maritime freedom as a basis for global prosperity and to ensure stability throughout the Pacific.

RIMPAC has been conducted since 1971. This year's exercise consists of 10 nations, 35 ships, six submarines, over 150 aircraft and 20,000 Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Soldiers and Coast Guardsmen. Units from Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, Netherlands, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, United Kingdom and the U.S. are scheduled to participate.

Commander Rear Adm. Philip H. Cullom, CCSG 8, and CVW-17 embarked USS George Washington (CVN 73) to participate in Partnership of the Americas in the U.S. Southern Command area of focus (AOF) .Brazil, Argentina and the United States conducted UNITAS 49-08. After approximately two months, the ship continued on its transit while Carrier Strike Group 8 and CVW-17 returned to Norfolk. DESRON 40, Kauffman and Farragut remained in the SOUTHCOM AOF to continue their participation in Partnership of the Americas for a six-month deployment. Prior to entering the Pacific, CVW-17 (AA) and CCSG-8 returned to Oceana. VFA-143; VFA-103; VFA-83; VFA-131 and VAW-121 are assigned to CVW-7 (AG) stationed at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, FL and reported to be onboard in the Pacific, while CVW-17 squadrons were not reported publicly during the first two months of deployment.
http://www.nasjax.navy.mil

Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Group consists of Commander, Carrier Strike Group 5 (CCSG 5), Rear Adm. Richard B. Wren, Commander Destroyer Squadron Fifteen, Captain Mark Montgomery and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, Aegis cruisers USS Cowpens (CG 63), USS Shiloh (CG 67), and seven ships of DESRON FIFTEEN Oscar Austin-Class guided missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG-82); Arleigh Burke Class guided missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG-85); USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62); USS John S. McCain (DDG-56); USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG-54) and USS Mustin (DDG-89) and USS Stethem (DDG 63) (Based on Task Force 70 and DESRON FIFTEEN Ships).

Commander, Carrier Strike Group 5 (CCSG 5)
COMCARSTRIKGRU FIVE
http://www.ccsg5.navy.mil/index.html

The Forward Deployed Naval Forces of Carrier Strike Group Five
http://www.ccsg5.navy.mil/history.html

Task Force 70 is the Carrier Strike Group component of Battle Force Seventh Fleet commanded by Rear Admiral Richard B. Wren. It is centered on the USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63) and the embarked Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CVW-5). Admiral Wren also commands Surface Combatant Force Seventh Fleet (or Task Force 75) comprised of Aegis Cruisers USS SHILOH (CG 67) and USS COWPENS (CG 63) and the seven assigned ships of Destroyer Squadron FIFTEEN (CDS-15).

KITTY HAWK and the nine surface combatant ships operate out of Yokosuka, Japan, while Carrier Air Wing FIVE operates out of Atsugi, Japan, when not embarked on the KITTY HAWK.

Together, they form the critical combat elements of the U.S. Seventh Fleet as the U.S. Navy’s only permanently forward deployed and largest carrier strike group, designated Carrier Strike Group Five (CSG 5). CSG5 forces have a higher operational tempo and are an average of 17 steaming days closer to locations in Asia than naval forces based in the continental United States.

As Commander of Battle Force Seventh Fleet, Rear Admiral Wren has operational control of all carrier strike groups and surface combatants that deploy or transit through the Seventh Fleet area of responsibility.

CTF 70 is preparing to transfer to the USS George Washington(CVN73) and carry on our duties as the nations Forward Deployed Command Task Force.
http://www.ccsg5.navy.mil/history.html

Surface Combatant Force Seventh Fleet (Task Force 75) Ships include DESRON FIFTEEN SHIPS, Kitty Hawk and USS Cowpens (CG 63) and USS Shiloh (CG 67).

USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) visited Pearl Harbor, Hawaii from 30 to 31 July 2008.
http://www.kittyhawk.navy.mil

Four ships and more than 5,000 Sailors of Carrier Strike Group 7 (CSG) 7 departed Japan July 31 and August 1 after routine port visits marked by numerous displays of goodwill and community service throughout the country.
http://www.reagan.navy.mil/news.html

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) departed Naval Station Norfolk July 18 for a historic collaboration between the U.S. and French navies and will conduct Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 08 "Operation Brimstone" in North Carolina and off the eastern U.S. coast from Virginia to Florida from 21 to 31 July 2008.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38585
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U. S. Navy Veteran
August 1977 to July 1983

Yoeman Second Class,
with student pilot's license