NORFOLK, Va. – More than 5,000 Sailors of Carrier Strike Group 2 (CSG 2) are scheduled to depart their homeports in Norfolk, Va. and Mayport, Fla. Feb. 15.
The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) commanded by Capt. Andrew J. Loiselle, will depart Naval Station Norfolk along with guided missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103), while guided missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) and guided missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) will depart Naval Station Mayport.
Commanded by Rear Admiral John C. Aquilino, CSG 2 is comprised of USS George H.W. Bush with embarked squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22 consisting of USS Truxtun, USS Roosevelt and USS Philippine Sea.
Aircraft squadrons include strike fighter squadrons VFA 213 “Fighting Black Lions,” VFA 31 “Tomcatters,” VFA 15 “Valions” and VFA 87 “Golden Warriors;” tactical electronics warfare squadron VAQ 134 “Garudas;” carrier airborne early warning squadron VAW 124 “Bear Aces;” fleet logistics support squadron VRC 40 “Rawhides;” helicopter maritime strike squadron HSM 70 “Spartans” and helicopter sea combat squadron HSC 9 “Tridents.”
While deployed, the strike group will serve in the 5th and 6th U.S. Fleet areas of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) will depart Naval Station NorfolkSaturday, Feb. 15, for an independent eight-month Ballistic Missile Defense deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
For more information, visit: www.navy.mil
