From Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs
USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Ships and embarked
squadrons from the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HST CSG) completed
operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOR) March 28.
The strike group completed a 120-mile transit of the Suez
Canal, marking the end to more than seven straight months of operations in the
Middle East in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), maritime security
operations and security cooperation efforts with various countries throughout
the region.
"The Truman Strike Group has been America's away team
these past eight months," said Rear Adm. Kevin Sweeney, HST CSG commander.
"Our young Sailors and Marines have operated in a very demanding
environment and executed with professionalism, precision and lethality when
called upon. I could not be more proud of their dedication and sacrifice."
While in the 5th Fleet AOR, the strike group conducted a
full range of maritime operations and theater security cooperation efforts with
coalition partners and allies, ranging from OEF support to assisting mariners
in distress.
The strike group also conducted five weeks of integrated
operations with French Task Force 473, led by the French aircraft carrier FS
Charles de Gaulle (R 91). The two navies operated and exercised together
conducting flight operations, boarding exercises, air defense exercises, combat
search and rescue training, live-gunnery exercises and personnel exchanges.
HST CSG also interacted with the Spanish, Italian, Norwegian
navies and the Australian-led counter-piracy task force, Combined Task Force
151 during its deployment to the region.
Sweeney said the strike group's time in the Middle East was
very successful.
"Despite the many security challenges throughout the
Middle East, the Truman Strike Group demonstrated America's commitment to this
region and certainly enhanced the level of trust and confidence our partners
have with us," he said.
HST CSG consists of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman
(CVN 75), along with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 and its squadrons:
Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32 "Swordsmen," VFA-37 "Ragin'
Bulls," VFA-105 "Gunslingers," Marine Fighter Attack Squadron
(VMFA) 312 "Checkerboards," Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126
"Seahawks," Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130 "Zappers,"
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7 "Dusty Dogs," and Helicopter
Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 "Swamp Foxes;" the embarked staffs
of Carrier Strike Group 10 and 1st Combined Destroyer Squadron; guided-missile
cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and USS Gettysburg (CG 64); and guided-missile
destroyers USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) and USS Mason (DDG 87).
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