Thanks, Sonora, for the perfect woohoo.
Thanks, Sonora, for the perfect woohoo.
070522-N-8157C-240 ARABIAN SEA (May 22, 2007) - (from foreground) USS Nimitz (CVN 68), USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) and USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) transit the Gulf of Oman. The three ships are flagships for three different strike groups; the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group, and the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group, which are on regularly, scheduled deployments in support of Maritime Operations. Maritime Operations help set the conditions for security and stability, as well as complement counter-terrorism and security efforts to regional nations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Denny Cantrell (RELEASED)
GULF OF OMAN — The USS John C. Stennis and USS Denver steam through the Gulf of Oman, May 22, 2007. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Denny Cantrell
Stennis, Nimitz and Bonhomme Richard Enter the Persian Gulf
Story Number: NNS070523-03
Release Date: 5/23/2007 7:56:00 AM
From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs Office
USS JOHN C. STENNIS, At Sea (NNS) -- The USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Carrier Strike Groups and USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) Expeditionary Strike Group entered the Persian Gulf May 23.
While operating in the Persian Gulf, the carriers and amphibious strike groups and their associated forces will conduct missions in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and will also perform Expeditionary Strike Force (ESF) training.
This marks the first time the Stennis (JCS), Nimitz (NIM) and Bonhomme Richard (BHR) strike groups have operated together in combined training while deployed to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet. In March, Stennis and the USS Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group conducted a dual-carrier exercise in the Persian Gulf.
The ESF training demonstrates the importance of the strike groups’ ability to plan and conduct multi-task force operations as part of the U.S.’s long-standing commitment to maintaining maritime security and stability in the region.
“We are conducting this training in order to gain valuable experience across a wide spectrum of naval disciplines. This training demonstrates our commitment to security and stability in the Gulf area, and our commitment to regional partners,” said Vice Adm. Kevin J. Cosgriff, Commander U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet.
The timing of this exercise is determined by the availability of forces, and is not connected to events in the region. The exercise is not directed against any nation.
The air wings from the aircraft carriers and BHR will conduct air training while the surface components will conduct training in three general disciplines: anti-submarine, anti-surface and mine warfare.
JCS is the flagship for this training. JCS left its homeport of Bremerton, Wash., on Jan. 16 for a regularly scheduled deployment and began operating in the region Feb. 19.